About Gayatri Subramanian
Gayatri Subramanian – A Life Devoted to Dance
Born on 24th June 1964 in Jamshedpur, Gayatri Subramanian grew up in a household where music and dance were more than just art, they were a way of life. Her early years in Rajasthan shaped her deep appreciation for vibrant cultures, rich traditions, and expressive folk forms. These experiences sowed the seeds of a lifelong journey in classical dance.
When she later moved to Mumbai, fate brought her into the care of her foster parents and Gurus, Guru Shri G.V. Ramani and Smt. Ranganayaki—affectionately called Periappa and Periamma. Pioneers in the field of Bharatanatyam, they not only introduced her to the dance form but also nurtured her as both an artist and a teacher. With their guidance, Gayatri's passion took root, and her journey as a dancer-guru began.
Married at the age of 18, she credits her husband and family's unwavering support as the foundation of her growth. Their encouragement enabled her to pursue fine arts deeply and fearlessly.
Gayatri's academic excellence matches her artistic dedication. She earned a Gold Medal in her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and went on to complete her Master's in Bharatanatyam (MFA) in 2011 from Bharata College of Fine Arts & Culture, Mumbai (affiliated with Kavikulaguru Kalidasa Sanskrit University, Ramtek), standing second in her batch with first division marks.
Following her foster parents' move to Bangalore, she continued her training under Guru Jayashree Nair, Director of Upasana Dance Institute. Over the years, Gayatri has also trained under several luminaries in the field including the late Guru Shri Mahalingam Pillai, Smt. Kalanidhi Narayanan, and late Shri Ramaswamy Bhagavatar. She has also pursued advanced studies in Bharatanatyam and Nattuvangam under Guru Smt. Rajee Narayan.
Her musical grounding came from her maternal grand-aunt, Smt. Muthulakshmi, who introduced her to Carnatic music, later honed under Smt. Saraswathi Subramanian in Mumbai, adding depth and nuance to her dance practice.
A Teacher at Heart
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In 1988, Gayatri's association with the Navi Mumbai Tamil Sangam began, a connection that continues to this day. Her commitment to teaching was clear from the start, and by 1990, she established her own institution, the Takshashila Dance Academy, now known as Guru G.V. Ramani Natyakala Foundation.​
Since then, the Academy has flourished. Her classes are known for their structure, discipline, and warmth, and she currently conducts sessions at:
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Navi Mumbai Tamil Sangam– Vashi
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Satyam Imperial Heights – Ghansoli
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Under her mentorship, hundreds of students have trained in the Bharatanatyam margam, and many have gone on to perform their Arangetram. Gayatri's group productions are a unique blend of traditional values and creative choreography, with standout presentations like Krishna Leela, Kutrala Kuravanji, Panchakam, Ramayana, Panchakanya, and Andal Kalyanam.
Legacy in Motion
Some of her Highlights & Achievements are:
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Performed at Bayer Annual Conference at age 16.
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Conferred the title of Kalaimamani by Navi Mumbai Tamil Sangam.
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Received the title Shivali Nritya Shiromani from Smt. Kanak Rele, Director, Nalanda Mahavidyalaya, via the Shivali Cultural Society of India.
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Recognized as one of the Top 10 Women Achievers for contributions to Fine Arts by Rayat Shikshan Sanstha.
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Performed at the Kalanagar Festival in the dance drama Andal.
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Regular participant in Navi Mumbai Music and Drama Festivals.
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Shared stage with renowned dancer Smt. Sudha Bharat for Kalaniketan, Navi Mumbai.
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Performed for the Navi Mumbai Tamil Sangam on numerous occasions.
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Featured in the dance drama Dashavataram in Kerala with Guru Jayashree Nair's troupe.
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Attended multiple workshops under eminent Bharatanatyam gurus.​​
Gayatri Subramanian is not just a teacher or performer—she is a torchbearer of tradition. Through her students, her productions, and her Academy, she continues to pass on the timeless essence of Bharatanatyam with love, grace, and a deep sense of purpose.
Her journey is a testament to the power of dedication, mentorship, and cultural continuity, and her impact on the classical dance landscape in Navi Mumbai—and beyond—is both lasting and profound.
