Senior Spotlight 5

Senior Profile: Shriya Rao

by Sonia Ivancic

Shriya started dance lessons when she was just 4 years old, inspired by her mom who wanted her to enjoy dance just as much as she did growing up. Her earliest memories are of the Saturday morning group lessons in the old Empower Fitness studio. As she progressed through these group classes, Shriya was part of the 2020 Carnegie Hall group and decided to do an Arangetram, something she thinks was a life changing experience for her. It taught her a lot of discipline and she grew both closer to Bharatantyam but also Guru Sukanya (and Max) from their long conversations together. Shriya performed her Arangetram in June 2023.

Some highlights from her beautiful performance were her Varnam and powerful Devi Stuthi, both of which she was incredibly challenged by but depicted flawlessly. 

In class, Shriya is a lively and warm presence. She missed these connections during the Zoom years but it made the return back to the studio even more special.

Annual Day 2024 remains one of her favorite Shishya annual days because she got to perform the Samaja with her friends, one of her hands down favorite items. Shriya treasures this special community of girls growing into women that we have here at Shishya, with Guru Sukanya being the most loving mentor. Shriya will be attending the University of Maryland to study Computer Science and Business. Congrats on everything, Shriya. We will all miss you and can’t wait for your visits!