Meet Aparna Jayaram of Sraddha Fine Arts

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aparna Jayaram.

Hi Aparna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey as an Indian classical dancer and teacher has been fueled by passion, perseverance, and dedication. From the age of 16, I felt a deep desire to teach Bharatanatyam, a dance form that I love and that holds so much cultural significance. Back then, I didn’t have the resources or the space to start classes, and with my studies demanding much of my time, it was challenging to pursue this dream immediately. But my passion never wavered.

Life unfolded in its own way, and when the right moment arrived, I was equipped with what I needed—the tools, the support, and the opportunity. In 2020, I founded Sraddha Fine Arts in Chennai, India, a special space dedicated to learning and experiencing Indian classical dance. It was the beginning of turning my dream into reality.

In October 2023, I made a big move to Los Angeles, bringing with me the vision and spirit of Sraddha Fine Arts. By January 2024, I reestablished the arts space in Los Angeles, where I have been privileged to teach and train talented students in Burbank and West Hollywood for the past year and a half.

My story is one of patience and resilience, of following my passion and creating spaces for cultural expression that cross borders. Through Sraddha Fine Arts, I am grateful to nurture a community that loves Bharatanatyam as much as I do and to contribute to preserving and sharing this timeless art form both in India and the United States.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I set out to start my dance school, many of the challenges I faced were internal. I knew I wanted to teach dance, but I wrestled with insecurities and the fear of whether I could make a sustainable living—an uncertainty shared by many artists. At a young age, I hadn’t yet recognized my own potential as a teacher, so I needed to create an environment that would help me truly discover who I was in that role.

The turning point came when I decided to leave my job at Citi Bank and pursue my passion with no financial safety net. I began by teaching classes at home, bootstrapping my way forward, and gradually attracted enough students to open my own studio. Although launching Sraddha Fine Arts came with its share of difficulties, each challenge motivated me to develop essential skills and confidence. In hindsight, I don’t see those struggles as roadblocks, but as vital stepping stones that supported the growth of my dance school.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Sraddha Fine Arts is a dedicated Indian classical dance school specializing in Bharatanatyam, the traditional art form of Tamil Nadu. In addition, we offer training in Nattuvangam (the rhythmic art of wielding cymbals), the folk dances of various Indian states, and the basics of Indian classical music. Beyond imparting technical skills, our school is committed to nurturing qualities such as discipline, focus, perseverance, and faith—values deeply rooted in the practice of Bharatanatyam.

What sets us apart is our belief that the art already resides within each individual; with the right guidance and encouragement, every student can realize their potential. This philosophy shapes the way we teach and makes the learning experience both personal and transformative. The name Sraddha, derived from Sanskrit meaning “faith,” reflects the foundation of our identity—faith in oneself, faith in the art, and faith in the process of passing it on to future generations.

We are most proud that Sraddha Fine Arts has become more than just a dance school; it is a space where tradition is preserved while students also build life skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Above all, we want readers to know that every program we offer is designed not only to train dancers, but also to empower individuals with confidence and purpose through the enriching journey of Indian classical arts.

What makes you happy?
Happiness, to me, is the ability to share with others what I have been fortunate to receive. I find true joy in passing on the art form that I learned from my teachers in India. The journey continues as I still learn from great teachers, and being able to share that ongoing knowledge with my students brings me the greatest fulfillment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aparnajayaram.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sraddhaarts/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Sraddha-Fine-Arts/61554661405260/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMqdp2CAHjZzzLrcYWrROgA

Image Credits
Sreedhar Vaidya
Lal Azhagesan
Ajin Joy
Akshaya Dharshini