Raji Valluri is a dedicated and enthusiastic Indian Classical Dancer, teacher and choreographer. Raji started dancing at an early age and graduated from the Venkateswara Natya Brindam Dance School in Andhra Pradesh. She received further training in Kuchipudi and Bharata Natyam dance forms under the wellknown dance exponent and teacher Sappa Satyanarayana of Andhra Pradesh. Since then, Raji has given many dance performances in India, Canada, Belgium, Germany, and the United States.
In 1988, she founded the Natyaraji School of Dance with a vision to preserve and nurture the Dances of India in the region. Over the years, Raji and her students participated in numerous dance recitals organized for ethnic groups, local community, and charitable organizations. Raji also gives dance workshops and seminars for the University, schools and different ethnic groups reflecting her cosmopolitan outlook as well as her promotion of multiculturalism here in London. She was featured in the Telugu Talli magazine of Metro Toronto, the London Arts Council News Letter and The Londoner for her dance achievements. She has also been recognized by the City of London and the Province of Ontario for her dance contribution to the community. She collaborates regularly with dance teachers locally and in India. Natya Raji has given several enthusiastic and memorable performances in Andhra Pradesh as well as international events elsewhere. She is well known as a dancer both nationally and internationally.
Natyaraji has been teaching Dance and Yoga at the University of Western Ontario since 1992. She takes time to dance in Public Schools to promote multiculturalism amongst school children. Raji performs Classical, Semi Classical and Folk Dance. She conducts dance workshops and gives seminars besides writing articles on the Dances of India. Natya Raji continues to collaborate with her colleagues in India and Canada. She is happy to train, teach and promote this rich heritage of East Indian dance art forms for the next generation of students, who will be the leaders of tomorrow.
Raji Valluri (Natyaraji is her stage name) has dance as her lifetime vocation and way of life. The understanding of space and time has always been an enduring fascination for humankind. Natyaraji Valluri is exploring this unique theme in her life quest through the medium of dance.
Natyaraji has summarized it in a very metaphorical way. She says “To teach and promote dance is my calling and my good karma. I pass on a heritage that will outlive you and me. I am glad that I chose to be a part of this Divine Art and even more glad to strengthen my resolve are students who give me more reason to lose myself in the wonders of these art forms”.
Natyaraji