RamyaLaya Dance Academy

Dr. Ramya Thinniyam has been a Bharathanatyam performing artiste and teacher for over two decades. She demonstrated a passion for dance and teaching from a very young age even before starting formal lessons. Ramya briefly learned from Lata Pada at Sampradaya Dance Academy and then was trained in the Kalakshetra style at Sri Laasya Kalakendra under the tutelage of Dr. Alakananda Nath (an alumna of the famed Kalakshetra, Chennai during the period of Rukmini Devi Arundale). She completed her arangetram in 2002.

She has performed solo dances, group recitals, and toured around North America and has been featured on TV and on the front page of newspapers in Toronto. In addition, Ramya is trained in Carnatic vocal music and has performed in many festivals. She was also a vocalist in a light music band and has acted in several stage plays. 
 

Ramya has choreographed and presented over 50 dance programs, including major dance dramas. Her productions have been showcased in several organizations such as Madras Arts and Cultural Association (MACA), Bharathi Kala Manram, Carassauga, India Panorama, Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC), Chicago Andhra Association (CAA) and charitable organizations such as Handi-Care Intl. and Kartarpur Charitable Fund.  She has trained several hundred children and adults to perform on stage in Bharathanatyam as well as folk, Bollywood, contemporary, and western styles. She is well-known for her meticulous choreography, passion for perfection, and versatility in different dance styles. Her shows have received rave reviews and she is appreciated in the community for her creativity in presenting unique themes.

She has also conducted workshops in schools and served as a judge for dance competitions in North America. She has been offering her dedicated service to Madras Arts and Cultural Association (MACA) since its inception by choreographing and presenting dance shows, teaching Tamil and cultural classes at the Madras Cultural Academy, and by helping to plan school and cultural events. Ramya has received several awards and felicitations including a certificate from the House of Commons Canada for her contributions to dance and the Indo-Canadian community.

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Ramya is the founder and artistic director of RamyaLaya Dance Academy. Her mission is to preserve, propagate, and enhance Indian culture and traditions through dance. She also strives to innovate Bharathanatyam in order to present current issues and modern themes. Ramya enjoys teaching and molding young artistes and continues to serve as a role model and inspiration for youngsters.

 

Ramya has a Ph.D. in Statistics and was an Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream at the University of Toronto. She has many academic awards, scholarships, and grants to her credit.

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