About Us
Sri Tala Hamsa Academy of Performing Arts
Guiding students through the rich classical lineage of Bharatanatyam with discipline, devotion, and holistic movement practice.
Smt. Sri Durga Devi P is a Bharatanatyam dancer, dance educator, and physiotherapistwith over 14 years of intensive training and professional experience in classical performance, choreography, and teaching.
With a unique combination of a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Bharatanatyam from Sastra Deemed University and a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy (MPT), she blends the grace of classical dance with the science of anatomy and movement. Her approach ensures not only artistic excellence but also injury prevention, alignment, strength, and longevity in dancers.
She is the founder and principal instructor of Sri Tala Hamsa Academy of Performing Arts, and currently serves as a Dance Teacher at Green Valley International School, bringing classical arts into modern educational environments.
Her artistic journey is deeply rooted in traditional guru-shishya parampara, enriched by years of rigorous training and transformative mentorship.
My Journey & Guru Parampara
A Classical Lineage Rooted in Tradition
The foundation that shaped my artistic, spiritual, and pedagogical identity.
Early Foundation – Training under “Natya Thilagam” Smt. Lalitha Ganapathi
For over 13 years, Sri Durga underwent rigorous, daily Bharatanatyam training under Smt. Lalitha Ganapathi, known for her mastery and uncompromising discipline. Under her guidance, Durga received complete training in the Bharatanatyam margam — from Alarippu to Tillana — learning the precision of adavus, rhythm control, expressive depth, and stagecraft.
This strong foundation instilled in her the devotion, discipline, and respect that defines her as both an artist and a teacher today.
Advanced Sadhana – Under Padma Bhushan Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam
Seeking deeper understanding of dance’s spiritual and sculptural roots, Durga trained in Karanas — the dynamic poses described in the Natya Shastra — under the legendary Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam. This rare experience connected her to the ancient movement traditions depicted in Indian temple sculptures.
This training transformed her artistic vocabulary, adding philosophical depth, historical insight, and a profound sense of movement geometry to her practice.
Integrating Science & Art – A Physiotherapist’s Perspective
Alongside dance training, Durga earned her Master’s in Physiotherapy, allowing her to understand movement through anatomy, biomechanics, and rehabilitation. This empowers her to teach Bharatanatyam with focus on body alignment, strength, flexibility, and injury prevention.
Her teaching merges classical technique with movement science — a rare combination that enhances both performance and wellness.
Today – Performer, Educator & Mentor
Today, Sri Durga Devi stands as a performer, choreographer, educator, and mentor. Through Sri Tala Hamsa Academy, and her role at Green Valley International School, she guides students from beginner to advanced levels, ensuring each dancer grows with discipline, grace, creativity, and confidence.
She also conducts workshops on dance therapy, movement analysis, and injury prevention, bridging classical tradition with modern wellness.
Her journey is a continuous offering — to her gurus, to the artform, and to every student she teaches.
Smt. Sri Durga Devi P
Founder • Bharatanatyam Dancer • Choreographer • Physiotherapist