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Priya Manoj

ABOUT PRIYA MANOJ

Artistic Director & Founder

Bharathanjali Classical Dance Training Centre, AbuDhabi

Priya Manoj is the guiding force behind Bharathanjali, bringing years of dedication, discipline, and deep reverence for Indian classical dance. With a strong foundation in tradition and a keen eye for artistic expression, she believes in nurturing dancers beyond technique—instilling grace, confidence, cultural values, and emotional depth. Her teaching reflects a harmonious blend of tradition, patience, and personalized guidance, inspiring students to experience dance not just as an art form, but as a lifelong journey of learning and self-expression.
Years of Experience
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Vision

To create a disciplined and welcoming learning space where India’s classical dance traditions are taught with sincerity, respect, and cultural depth, helping students grow as confident and expressive dancers.

Mission

To provide structured training in Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, and other classical dance forms through consistent practice, thoughtful guidance, and a strong foundation in technique, expression, and tradition.

History

Journey of Priya Manoj

Priya was born in to Sri.K.U.Gangadharan and Smt. K.Premalatha, in Malapuram, Kerala. She was initiated into dance right from the early age of six and grew up learning the Bharatanatyam style of dance initially under Guru Surendran Padavur and Kalamandalam Sridevi Gopinath, respectively. After completion of the formal training, she gave her ‘Arangetram’ in 1989, while in her eighth grade.


She foraged into the Mohiniyattam style under Kalamandalam Sujatha as well. Over the years she gave many recitals and took part in various dance competitions She was honoured with ‘Kalathilakam Pattom’ at District & Sub—district levels and in Inter-zone competitions and received many prestigious rewards as well.

Dance had always been an ardent emotion from childhood for Priya. Seeing her dedication and commitment her parents gave their fullDance had always been an ardent emotion from childhood for Priya. Seeing her dedication and commitment her parents gave their full support wholeheartedly. Though in class 10 th and 12th she had to concentrate more on her studies, Priya never gave up on her pursuits. While doing her MA and B.Ed. she continued her training under many Gurus and worked on her versatility.
From 2003, under the tutelage of renowned Padmashri Kalamandalam Kshemavathy, Priya reworked on her Mohiniyattam style and still continues her learning under the guidance of Suganthi Teacher and polished her Bharatanatyam skills also under Kalakshetra Haripadman in Chennai. Simultaneously over the years, she undertook specialised lessons for Nattuvangam under Nattuvanar K.S.Balakrishnan and Abhinaya under Guru Bragha Besel. These high- end holistic trainings gave her immense confidence to stucturize and choreograph on her own.
In 2006, in accordance with her vision of sharing knowledge to the coming generation, Priya established ‘Bharathanjali’ classical dance training centre In 2006, in accordance with her vision of sharing knowledge to the coming generation, Priya established ‘Bharathanjali’ classical dance training centre
Priya and her disciples have been performing across various stages in UAE and India [Kerala, Tamil Nadu & Andra Padesh]. She has choreographed varied dance styles for programs in Indian embassy ,Abudhabi, Indian Social Centre, Kerala Social Centre, Malayalee Samajam, Kerala Arts Loving Association, , , Shakthi Association, etc. at Abu Dhabi. Her excellent calibre and choreographic skills have granted her disciples many awards. Now Bharathanjali is giving training at its two centres – Mussafah and Kerala Social Centre, AbuDhabi, respectively.

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