The Institution
Sanskriti – Center for Indian Performing Arts
Our Story
Sanskriti — Center for Indian Performing Arts was founded in 2004 by Anusha Ravishankar Sriram, driven by a deep desire to keep the flame of Bharatanatyam alive for future generations in the United States. What began as a small school in Orlando, Florida has since grown into a thriving institution with chapters in Kentucky and Washington State.
Central to Sanskriti's mission is Anusha's dedication to imparting quality training in Bharatanatyam while nurturing a deep appreciation for Indian arts and culture in the next generation. A perfectionist by nature, Anusha prioritizes building a strong technical foundation in every student, ensuring they receive comprehensive training across all aspects of Bharatanatyam — both theory and practice — for a truly holistic and enriching learning experience.
Today, Sanskriti serves students across Washington State (Redmond, Sammamish, Bellevue, and more locations to come) — offering a nurturing space where the ancient art of Bharatanatyam is taught with rigor, reverence, and joy. Over two decades, the school has trained more than 100 students and guided many through their learning journey and milestones like the Salangai Pooja (ankle bell ceremony) and Arangetram (debut performance marking the student's coming of age as a dancer).
Our Mission
Sanskriti exists to preserve and share the classical heritage of Bharatanatyam — a 2,000-year-old art form rooted in devotion, storytelling, and discipline. We believe that classical arts instill in every student a deep cultural value system and discipline that extends far beyond the dance floor continuing with the student through all phases and realms of their lives. Our mission is not merely to teach steps, but to cultivate artistes — young people who carry the wisdom of an ancient tradition into the modern world with grace, confidence, authenticity, and above all devotion.
Teaching Philosophy
At Sanskriti, we build dancers from the inside out — grounding them in integrity and technique, in a nurturing and supportive environment, deepening their authentic expression, honouring their roots, and meticulously preparing them to shine on stage when they are ready.
Artistic Integrity
Discipline, dedication, devotion, and authenticity are at the heart of every class. Bharatanatyam is a Sadhana — a devoted, lifelong practice — and students are guided to grow not just as dancers, but as human beings.
Foundation First
Every student begins with the fundamentals focused on precise technique, form, posture, and good rhythmic awareness. A strong foundation is the bedrock of artistic excellence. There are no shortcuts to proficiency.
Cultural Roots
Classical arts are inseparable from culture. Students gain an understanding of the traditions, mythology, and values that give Bharatanatyam its soul and celebrate our rich Indian roots and culture.
Expressive Depth
Beyond technique, Sanskriti emphasizes art as a form of expression of one's true self. Students learn to communicate emotion, story, and devotion through movement.
Emotional Wellbeing
Where there is joy and emotional wellbeing, there is growth, learning and creativity. At Sanskriti, a nurturing environment is not a luxury — it is a necessity. When students feel safe and celebrated, they blossom into confident, emotionally grounded individuals with the foundation to grow into exceptional artistes.
Reverence for the Stage
The stage is sacred — and the true ability to perform on it with artistic poise and confidence is earned, not assumed. At Sanskriti, we believe in presenting each student at the best of their abilities and potential, through rigorous, repetitive practice, and thoroughness, until they are ready to perform with mastery and grace — earning and honoring every milestone.