Bhavya Kumaran is an Indian American dancer and choreographer of the classical South Indian art form, Bharatanatyam. Often praised for her perfect form (arai-mandi), svelte movements, and sense of rhythm, Bhavya is a celebrated and respected young dancer of today.

Born and raised in Chicago, in an extended family of performing artistes, Bhavya started learning the art form at the age of four from her mother Sowmya Kumaran, founder and artistic director of Nrithya Sangeeth, a school for performing arts. She had her “ascending the stage” (arangetram) solo performance in Chennai (2011), and since then has been regularly performing solos and duets with her mother, at prestigious venues across the US and India. Her unbridled enthusiasm for the art form is visible in her performances and captivates audiences. Bhavya currently also receives guidance from senior dancer and choreographer Lavanya Ananth.

Bhavya’s extensive performance experience includes essaying diverse roles in several Natya Natakams (thematic dance plays) under the direction of renowned choreographers from India and US. She herself has choreographed and staged dance productions on various platforms investing in creating innovative, exciting choreographies that appeal to the younger generation of dancers without forsaking the traditional principles of the dance form. She is an original member of Anubhava Dance Company, a team of North American born dancers who stage performances regularly.

Bhavya is the recipient of a number of awards and accolades. She won the Sri Gutty Vasu Memorial prize at the Spirit of Youth dance festival (2022) conducted by the Madras Music Academy. She is the youngest winner of the Sri Vazhuvoor Ramaiah Pillai award given to the best dancer in the Cleveland Aradhana dance competition (2012). She has been conferred the titles of Natya Chudar (2022), Yuva Kala Bharathi (2017), Taruni Kala Vipanchee (2014) by different India based premier dance organizations to highlight her contributions to the performing arts.