From HR Director to Natyamayuri: How a Passion for Bharatanatyam is Preserving India's Heritage

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How Vannur Haritha's successful journey along the cultural path

In a world increasingly captivated by contemporary trends and fleeting fads, one remarkable woman stands as a vibrant beacon for the enduring beauty and profound discipline of Indian classical dance. She's not just an accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer; she's also a dedicated HR Director, skillfully balancing a demanding corporate career with her lifelong passion. Fueled by an unwavering commitment, she has achieved significant recognition in Bharatanatyam and is now passionately dedicated to ensuring its rich legacy thrives for future generations. Her story is a testament to how deep-rooted cultural heritage can flourish even amidst modern pressures.

The Genesis of a Dancer

Her journey into the captivating world of classical dance began at the tender age of three when her mother first enrolled her in classes. "At that time, being in third standard, I didn't have a dancing bone in me," she recalls with a warm laugh, acknowledging her initial childlike disinterest. However, as she grew older and delved deeper into the art form, her perspective underwent a profound transformation.

She came to realize that Bharatanatyam was far more than mere rhythmic movements; it was, in her words, a "divine" art form, deeply rooted in the ancient Vedic tradition and intrinsically linked to its origin from Lord Shiva himself. This profound realization elevated what was once a childhood activity into an all-consuming and profound passion, setting the stage for her lifelong dedication.

As she grew up, her commitment to dance intensified exponentially. She began performing regularly on stage, steadily earning awards and accolades, each recognition deepening her love for the art form. Her steadfast commitment led her to perform extensively across both national and international stages, garnering numerous accolades in countries like the US and UK, spreading the beauty of this ancient art far and wide.

The Role of Mentorship and Specialization

While the specifics of her training under "Suresh sir" are not detailed, it's abundantly clear that her mentors played an absolutely crucial role in meticulously shaping her unique dance style and instilling an ironclad discipline. Her performances frequently delve into the rich and intricate narratives of the Mahabharata and Ramayana, where she masterfully embodies a diverse array of characters, including Krishna, Radha, Kali, Rama, and Sita.

The Dream Achievement: Natyamayuri Award

Among her many prestigious awards and recognitions, the Natyamayuri award, which she received at AP Bhawan in New Delhi, holds an undeniably special and deeply personal significance. "From childhood onwards, it was my dream," she shares with palpable emotion. While she had received numerous smaller awards and cash prizes throughout her nascent career, the Natyamayuri award represented the absolute pinnacle of her aspirations within the classical dance field.

The competition itself was a grand international event, held in the bustling heart of New Delhi, drawing a multitude of highly experienced and accomplished dancers from across India and beyond. Despite the formidable talent present, she emerged as the sole recipient of the Natyamayuri award, a testament to her unparalleled skillthere was no second place, no runner-up, just one winner.

Her winning performance was an incredibly challenging 20-minute solo rendition of the Ramayana. In a truly extraordinary feat, she single-handedly portrayed every character from the virtuous Sriram and the gentle Sita to the devoted Lord Hanuman and even the formidable Ravanasura.

Performing on Sacred Stages

Her illustrious journey has also taken her to some of India's most revered stages, including the hallowed grounds of the Tirumala Brahmotsavalu. Performing at Tirumala, a sacred pilgrimage site where opportunities for artists are typically exceptionally rare and often require high-level references, was for her a profound blessing and a definitive testament to her innate talent and unwavering dedication.

She earned her coveted spot purely through rigorous auditions and was recently honoured with the chance to perform there, subsequently receiving another award and even gaining significant press coverage. This deeply spiritual opportunity, secured solely on the merits of her artistry, powerfully underscores her dedication and speaks volumes about the divine grace that seems to guide her path.

A Mentor at Arvind Arts Academy

Beyond her own performances, she channels her expertise as a dedicated dance instructor at the Arvind Arts Academy, where she applies a nuanced and highly effective teaching philosophy. For her advanced students, her focus shifts intently towards intricate choreography and preparing them meticulously for high-stakes competitions, offering specialised guidance tailored to their competitive needs. Recognising her demanding primary role as an HR Director, she strategically dedicates her limited yet valuable time to these challenging aspects, often sacrificing her weekends.

Advice for Aspiring Dancers

Her advice to young dancers who aspire to build a career in the demanding yet rewarding classical dance form is clear and resonates with passion: embrace and actively perpetuate India's incredibly rich traditional culture. She earnestly urges those who are genuinely interested to "bring out" and "enlarge" the fundamental, foundational concepts taught by their ancestors and stemming from divine sources.

The Pillars of Support

Crucially, she attributes a significant part of her remarkable success to the unwavering and constant support of her loving family. Her parents, her brother, and her sister-in-law are, in her words, her "pillars," providing the consistent love, care, and encouragement that are absolutely essential for pursuing her ambitious dreams. Even her one-and-a-half-year-old niece frequently accompanies her to dance shows, symbolising the collective and enthusiastic family effort that underpins her extraordinary achievements.

This classical dancer's journey is a powerful and inspiring narrative of profound passion, unwavering discipline, and a deep, abiding commitment to preserving a vital part of India's cultural identity, all while actively inspiring future generations to embrace and cherish their heritage.