Gayathri Ram
Founder & Artistic Director, Agni Nritya Academy

Gayathri Ram, a native of Chennai, India, is a distinguished Bharatanatyam dancer, teacher, and cultural ambassador whose life has been deeply intertwined with the ancient rhythms of this classical art form. For Gayathri, Bharatanatyam is not just an artistic pursuit—it is the very heartbeat of her existence, a divine expression of discipline, devotion, and identity.

Her tryst with dance began in her early childhood in Chennai, where she received traditional training in Bharatanatyam, cultivating a strong foundation in the nuances of rhythm (nritta), expression (abhinaya), and storytelling (natya). Even as life took her across continents, her passion for dance remained unwavering. Upon moving to the United States, she resumed her training under the expert guidance of Guru Smt. Radhika Ganesh, whose mentorship played a pivotal role in helping her realize her long-cherished dream of performing her arangetram—a milestone that marked her formal graduation into the realm of classical performance.

Continuing her journey of refinement and exploration, Gayathri furthered her training with esteemed masters such as Kalaimamani Shri Madurai R. Muralidaran, a legendary composer and choreographer in the field of Bharatanatyam, and Dr. Lakshmi Ramaswamy, an acclaimed exponent known for her scholarly and aesthetic depth. Gayathri also earned a certificate in Abhinaya from J. Jayalalithaa University in Tamil Nadu, adding academic distinction to her already rich artistic journey.

Her dedication to Bharatanatyam and Tamil culture has earned her numerous accolades, most notably her recognition as a Guinness World Record holder for participating in the largest global performance of “Tamil Annai Varnam,” a proud testament to her enduring commitment to preserving Tamil heritage through dance. Gayathri’s repertoire spans a wide range of classical and thematic works, including featured roles in celebrated dance dramas such as Nalam Nalam Thirunalam, Sivagamiyin Sabadam, Nauka Charitram, and Rangoli. She has also collaborated closely with Kalaimamani Shri Madurai R. Muralidaran in staging major dance productions, bringing to life his visionary choreographies with elegance and authenticity.

In her dual role as an educator and choreographer, Gayathri has mentored numerous students and successfully guided several through their arangetram journeys. Her teaching goes beyond technique—she instills in her students a deep sense of cultural pride, discipline, and artistry.

Gayathri is the Founder and Artistic Director of Agni Nritya Academy, based in Frisco, Texas. The academy stands as a vibrant center for the study and performance of Bharatanatyam, nurturing students of all ages and skill levels. Through her visionary leadership, Agni Nritya Academy has become a pillar of artistic excellence and cultural education in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, offering a platform for young dancers to develop their talents and connect with their heritage.

Complementing her artistic accomplishments is Gayathri’s academic and professional background. She holds a master’s degree in biology from India and a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Texas at Arlington. As a healthcare administrator, she exemplifies excellence, discipline, and compassion—qualities that seamlessly echo through her work in the arts.

Gayathri's contributions extend far beyond the stage and classroom. She has played key leadership roles in several cultural organizations, including Metroplex Tamil Sangam (MTS) and the Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America (FETNA). In these roles, she has curated and directed large-scale cultural programs, actively championing Tamil arts and heritage in the diaspora. Her voice has also reached wider audiences through her work as a radio show host for FunAsia’s “Tamil Neram”, where she connected listeners to the vibrancy of Tamil language and culture, and as a stage actor with Tom Media Productions, touring the United States and bringing Tamil narratives to life.

Whether as a performer, teacher, community leader, or cultural advocate, Gayathri Ram brings unwavering passion, excellence, and authenticity to everything she undertakes. Her life’s work is a testimony to the power of art to transcend boundaries, nurture identity, and inspire future generations. With her remarkable achievements, commitment to tradition, and visionary spirit, Gayathri continues to be a shining torchbearer of Bharatanatyam and Tamil culture on the global stage.