In the Washington D.C.–Maryland–Virginia (DMV) region, stages often come alive with the intricate rhythms and expressive storytelling of Bharatanatyam students trained by Thapasya – School of Dance.

Sudha Krishnamurthy, founder and artistic director, who founded the school in 2014, shared “I wanted to build a school that emphasizes both the authenticity of the art form and opportunities for new audiences and students to connect with it.”

From Chennai Roots to U.S. Communities

Krishnamurthy began her artistic training in Chennai under Natyacharya Guru Sri Aravindan and Kala Acharya Smt. Vasantha Aravindan of Koothambalam. She credits their mentorship with instilling both “technical mastery” and a “deep respect” for the cultural and spiritual aspects of Bharatanatyam.

When Krishnamurthy relocated to the United States, she sought to preserve that authenticity while adapting to a new cultural landscape. Thapasya now operates branches in Ellicott City, Maryland, and Virginia’s Ashburn and Aldie, welcoming students of all ages, including adult beginners. 

Krishnamurthy enthusiastically noted that two of her adult students completed their Arangetram—the formal debut performance after years of training—this past August.

“I wanted to break the stereotypes around adult Bharatanatyam students,” she said. “We didn’t cut corners—the choreographies challenged the dancers while enthralling the audience.”

Building Bridges Through Dance

In addition to teaching, Krishnamurthy collaborates with her gurus and other artists in India to create original compositions that shape Thapasya’s artistic identity. She has also worked with Magnet schools in Anne Arundel and Baltimore Counties, where she advocated for Bharatanatyam to be recognized as a graded subject.

Currently, Krishnamurthy serves as cultural liaison at the Murugan Temple of North America (MTNA), in Maryland, curating programs that showcase the breadth of Bharatanatyam to wider audiences.

“Bharatanatyam is more than dance—it is a way of preserving culture, discipline, and devotion while giving students the confidence to express themselves,” Krishnamurthy explained. “At Thapasya, my goal is to create a space where tradition thrives, creativity flourishes, and every student feels they are part of something timeless and meaningful.”

Students on Prestigious Stages

The school performed in the range of stages where its students have showcased their talents. Thapasya dancers have appeared at the World Culture Festival on the National Mall and the Cherry Blossom Dance Festival in Washington, D.C. 

Additionally, the school has participated in events hosted by the Virginia Governor’s Mansion, Loudoun County Patriot Ball Alumni Celebration, Fox45 Morning News for the B’More Healthy Expo, and the Deepanjali collaboration with the Chesapeake Arts Center. The school students have also performed at temple and cultural festivals at the SV Lotus Temple in Virginia, MTNA, and Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in Maryland.

Recognition and Legacy

In 2023, the Malar Cultural Association honored Krishnamurthy with the title “Narthanashree Mala” for her contributions to choreography and cultural preservation.

Her work, according to her peers and community members, reflects both a commitment to authenticity and a willingness to expand how Bharatanatyam is taught and perceived in the United States. 

By guiding students of all ages and backgrounds, Krishnamurthy is positioning Thapasya not just as a school, but as a “bridge between generations and cultures.”

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