Where the beauty of Bharatanatyam comes to life
Traditional classical training that guides dancers from their very first steps to the national stage.
More than a dance class
A nurturing, disciplined home for the art — where tradition, technique, and recognition meet.
Traditional lineage
Train with a Vidwath-certified guru rooted in a respected teaching tradition — depth and authenticity you can trust.
A real curriculum
Clear levels from Foundation to Advanced, with milestones at every stage so you always know how your dancer is growing.
Recognition that counts
A path toward national dance honors that parents and colleges value — turning dedication into a lasting credential.
More than footwork
We teach abhinaya (expression) and the musicality behind the dance, so students perform with confidence and meaning.
A journey that grows with you
From a first lesson to your arangetram and national dance honors — every dancer is placed at exactly the right level to thrive.
Foundation
Posture (aramandi), fundamental adavus, hand gestures (hastas), and rhythm — building coordination, confidence, and love of the art.
Intermediate
Sequencing adavus, beginning abhinaya, and learning early repertoire. Dancers start performing in school showcases.
Advanced
Complex compositions and expressive storytelling, preparing for major performances, arangetram, and national dance honors.
“My goal is to guide every student toward both technical mastery and emotional depth.”
Shrinidhi Uppangala began under her esteemed guru Vidushi Ambale Rajeshwari and refined her art under the Upadhye School of Dance. A Vidwath-certified dancer, she specializes in abhinaya and nattuvangam — and teaches Bharatanatyam not just as movement, but as living story, rhythm, and heritage.
Shrinidhi Uppangala
Founder & Guru, Shri School of Dance
National dance honors at Shri School of Dance
Shri School of Dance is proud to offer our select students the exclusive opportunity to earn national recognition for artistic achievement, leadership, and academic excellence through a prestigious dance honors program. This distinction celebrates dedication and accomplishment in dance, and can strengthen college applications. Be among the first of our selective students to benefit from this opportunity.
“My daughter has been learning Bharathnatyam from Shrinidhi for quite some time now. Although she was reluctant to learn the classical form before, she is completely enjoying it now. Shrinidhi is highly learned and passionate, and focuses not just on dance steps but on all-round knowledge of dancing while teaching. I would highly recommend her! Thanks Nidhi 🙏”
“My daughter has loved going to dance class here for the past 3 years. Nidhi is very good with the kids and very knowledgeable about both dance and yoga. I also did yoga with her, and it was very helpful for my recovery.”
“Coincidentally found Nidhi after years of searching for a Bharatanatyam guru for my daughter in Charlotte. She stays deeply connected to the original art form without diluting its nuances. She’s an expert practitioner who brings a great cultural lineage from her own gurus — humble, passionate, and working hard to bring out the best in a student.”
“My daughter has been learning Bharatanatyam online from Nidhi for nearly four years, and the journey has been truly transformative — a beautiful evolution not only in technique, but in her grace, expression, and confidence. What makes Nidhi exceptional is her creative approach: she shares short, meaningful stories and encourages my daughter to build her own choreography.”
“Great dance school. Awesome teacher 👏 A wonderful place to learn dance.”
“The students and leadership of Shri School of Dance brought storytelling, rhythm, and grace to life at our Meditative Melodies event, culminating in a stunning Bharatanatyam-Odissi collaboration. Shrinidhi’s professionalism and artistry were exceptional—highly recommended for any platform seeking classical Indian dance at the highest standard.”
“My daughter has been learning Bharathnatyam from Shrinidhi for quite some time now. Although she was reluctant to learn the classical form before, she is completely enjoying it now. Shrinidhi is highly learned and passionate, and focuses not just on dance steps but on all-round knowledge of dancing while teaching. I would highly recommend her! Thanks Nidhi 🙏”
“My daughter has loved going to dance class here for the past 3 years. Nidhi is very good with the kids and very knowledgeable about both dance and yoga. I also did yoga with her, and it was very helpful for my recovery.”
“Coincidentally found Nidhi after years of searching for a Bharatanatyam guru for my daughter in Charlotte. She stays deeply connected to the original art form without diluting its nuances. She’s an expert practitioner who brings a great cultural lineage from her own gurus — humble, passionate, and working hard to bring out the best in a student.”
“My daughter has been learning Bharatanatyam online from Nidhi for nearly four years, and the journey has been truly transformative — a beautiful evolution not only in technique, but in her grace, expression, and confidence. What makes Nidhi exceptional is her creative approach: she shares short, meaningful stories and encourages my daughter to build her own choreography.”
“Great dance school. Awesome teacher 👏 A wonderful place to learn dance.”
“The students and leadership of Shri School of Dance brought storytelling, rhythm, and grace to life at our Meditative Melodies event, culminating in a stunning Bharatanatyam-Odissi collaboration. Shrinidhi’s professionalism and artistry were exceptional—highly recommended for any platform seeking classical Indian dance at the highest standard.”
Follow the journey
Performances, classes, and moments from our studio.
Notes on the art & the journey
Guides and reflections for parents and dancers.
Classical Dance and Music: A Pathway to Neurological Development
How learning classical dance and music supports the developing brain.
Read article →Bharatanatyam Maargam: Understanding the Traditional Dance Journey
A look at the traditional margam — the structured path of a Bharatanatyam dancer.
Read article →From Stage Fear to Stage Confidence: A Dancer’s Journey
How performance helps children grow from nervous beginners into confident dancers.
Read article →Beginner’s Guide to Bharatanatyam: What Parents Should Know
What parents should know before starting their child in Bharatanatyam.
Read article →Why Children Should Learn Bharatanatyam – 7 Powerful Benefits
Seven powerful benefits of learning Bharatanatyam for children.
Read article →Welcome to Shri School of Dance!
Our story, our approach, and what we offer dancers in Charlotte.
Read article →Begin your dance journey
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions] and Book a free trial class – see if Shri School of Dance is the right fit for you.
FAQs and Book a Free Trial Class