Lineage

Lavanyaa Surendar, a third generation artist is the disciple and grand daughter of Smt.Renganayaki who learnt this art form in 1953 under the tutelage of Guru. Radhakrishnan. Smt. Renganayaki performed her arangetram (Devar Hall-Trichy) in 1957 and continued to learn from Guru K.N. Pakkirisami Pillai. In 1978 she started R.R. Malni Arts , a production house based at Chennai and continued  performing throughout India.Smt. Akila Sathyanarayanan (daughter), senior disciple of Kalaimamani Late Natraj Sakunthala &  Guru K.N. Pakkirisami Pillai and also joined her mother in establishing the art form. 

Lavanyaa’s artistic journey extends beyond the realm of dance. She extends her creativity into the world of
literature, culture, and community engagement. Her numerous accolades are not limited to the arts. She’s a
woman of multiple talents and holds her Masters in Cell and Molecular Biology. She skillfully draws from her
unique academic background to devise innovative ways of integrating her arts with the STEAM curriculum in
schools enunciating the significance of accessibility of arts to everyone. Lavanyaa’s work exhibits a unique niche
combing Arts, Science, and the Community. She is a nominee for Midwest Emmy award in the category for
Outstanding Achievement for Informational/Instructional content. She has been practicing South Asian
Performing arts specifically “Bharathanatyam” for more than two decades. She has also worked in leading
Theater organizations in United States including Sheboygan Theater Company and First Stage Theater
Company, Milwaukee, Crave Theater Company (Oregon, Portland). Crave Theatre Company is a nonprofit
Portland Fringe Theatre that unifies communities through theatrical productions that reflect contemporary issues,
offers educational programming that addresses societal concerns. Lavanyaa’s work also reflects contemporary
issues. This is a testament to the fact that she understands the arts sector in United States better. She can take
the Art form to the larger community in United States because of her community engagement skills. A classic
example is her involvement in the AAPI cultural heritage celebration curated by the Green Bay Packers. She has
also worked with various educational institutions around the world to take “Bharathanatyam” forward to next
generation. She believes in transforming lives through arts. She has always strived to create an inclusive space
for diverse arts to sustain. Ultimately to contribute to shaping the future of arts + culture, creating space for new
creative processes, new ways of storytelling, new voices and developing artistic talent in the community,
Lavanyaa is committed to innovation and revolution of the arts sector for the benefit of all. Her works have been
acclaimed by Laura Kohler Kohler & Co, Mayor- City of Sheboygan & City of Milwaukee, Times of India, PBS,
Fox News, WGBAY, Post Crescent, Trinity Mirror, Canvas rebel. This stands as a testament to her commitment
and hard work in the field of arts. Every year she collaborates with Lawrence University and caters to 300+
students/ community members through the Mile of Music Program and “Rhythms of the World”.  Lavanyaa also
performs extensively at prominent South Indian festivals including Chennai Margazhi , Cleveland Thyagaraja
Aaradhana. She truly adds value and makes a difference in the community.