AIWB Cultural Ambassador 2025 Spotlight: Prathyusha Thangallapally: The Visionary Founder of "Artisan Art Natyalaya" and Mentor Behind Austin’s Rising Cultural Stars
- Austin Indian Women In Business
- 8 hours ago
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Kids Individual Winner + Kids Group Winner: AIWB Dance Competition 2025
Featuring Founder & Guru: Prathyusha Thangallapally Founder of Artisan Art Natyalaya
A classically trained Kuchipudi artist with over 24 years of disciplined training, a Guinness World Record holder, an award-winning choreographer, and a respected national-level dance judge, she has emerged as one of Austin’s most influential cultural educators. But her impact extends far beyond her titles. Through her dance school, she has become a mentor, guide, and cultural storyteller for countless young dancers who have blossomed under her care.
In 2025, Artisan Art Natyalaya achieved a remarkable distinction at the AIWB Theme-Based Dance Competition when both the Kids Individual Winner and the Kids Group Winner came from her school, a rare accomplishment that highlights the depth of her training and the artistic growth she cultivates in her students.
A Journey Rooted in Heritage and Heart
Prathyusha’s love for classical dance was nurtured at home. Her mother, a Bharatanatyam dancer, introduced her to the beauty of Indian classical arts at an early age. By the time she turned ten, Prathyusha’s world was already filled with the sounds of ghungroos, classical rhythms, and expressive storytelling.
As she matured, dance became more than a discipline — it shaped her identity, emotions, and creative spirit. It connected her to her history and pushed her to evolve not only as a performer but as an artist who understood the responsibility of carrying a cultural narrative.
Her journey eventually led her to become a certified instructor, a choreographer celebrated for her innovative expressions, and a judge for prestigious national competitions hosted by TANA, AAA, WATS, and NATA. These achievements reflect her mastery of the art form — yet her greatest joy comes not from performing, but from teaching.
Artisan Art Natyalaya: Where Tradition Meets Transformation
When Prathyusha founded Artisan Art Natyalaya, she envisioned more than a dance school. She dreamed of creating a space where children could discover their own cultural roots, learn discipline and confidence, and feel proud of their heritage. Over the years, the school has become exactly that, a nurturing sanctuary where dance is taught as both an art and a way of life.
Her teaching style blends structure with soul. Each class begins with grounding in classical technique, but as lessons unfold, students learn the stories behind every gesture, the symbolism behind every expression, and the cultural significance behind every rhythm.
Children trained by her don’t just memorize choreography, they learn to feel and express the essence of Indian classical storytelling.
Parents often speak about the transformation they see in their children: improved confidence, emotional awareness, discipline, and a deeper sense of cultural identity. Under her guidance, students become not only technically proficient dancers but also thoughtful young artists.
Kids Individual Winner Spotlight, A Rising Star Shaped by Care and Culture
Among the youngest artists of Artisan Art Natyalaya, Chakrika Madu stands out as a dancer whose presence feels far beyond her years. With just two years of focused classical training, she has blossomed into a performer who understands not only the “how” of dance, but also the “why.” Her journey began with curiosity and excitement, but quickly grew into disciplined practice, emotional expression, and an unmistakable love for movement.
Chakrika’s performance at the AIWB Theme-Based Dance Competition was a portrait of youthful grace. Her gestures carried innocence yet were grounded in classical structure; her expressions were tender yet confident. There is a certain sincerity in her dance — a softness in her abhinaya, a clear intention behind each movement, and a rhythm that flows naturally through her rather than being imitated. This ability to internalize technique while allowing her personality to shine is rare for a dancer at the intermediate level.
Her teachers describe her as a child who never misses a workshop, who listens intently, and who practices until the details become part of her muscle memory. In group classes, she observes older dancers with admiration, absorbing nuances that refine her own style. In personal practice, she shows determination uncommon at her age.
This combination of natural expression, discipline, and emerging technical strength made Chakrika a deserving Kids Individual Cultural Ambassador Winner. As she steadily progresses toward an upper–intermediate level, her journey reflects the foundational values of Artisan Art Natyalaya — cultural pride, commitment, and heartfelt artistry. There is no doubt that she is on her way to becoming one of the school’s most promising young talents.
Kids Group Winner Spotlight — A Celebration of Unity, Joy, and Cultural Expression
The Kids Group Cultural Ambassador title was awarded to a vibrant and dedicated performance team composed of Jithya Kancharla, Hema Saranya Kolluri, Jesmitha Kolluri, and Nandita Reddy Muga, four children who have spent nearly three years learning, growing, and evolving together at Artisan Art Natyalaya. Their shared journey is a beautiful representation of what happens when young dancers are surrounded by structure, creativity, and a strong sense of community.
Each dancer brings her own personality to the group: Jithya’s sharp footwork and natural confidence,Hema’s expressive storytelling ability,Jesmitha’s fluid grace and musical awareness,and Nandita’s infectious energy and rhythm. Individually, they are talented, and Together, they are powerful.
Over the years, these dancers have performed on multiple stages, participated in themed storytelling sequences, and competed in national-level cultural events where they earned recognition and awards. Their practice sessions are full of laughter, focus, and mutual encouragement, they correct each other's postures, synchronize their timing, and celebrate every small improvement. This group has learned early that dance is not just about individual brilliance but about collaboration, harmony, and trust.
Their winning performance in 2025 reflected a maturity far beyond their age. They moved with unity so natural that their formations felt instinctive. Their transitions were smooth, their timing impeccable, and their expressions full of enthusiasm. Every gesture was delivered with clarity, every rhythm met with purpose, and every moment on stage felt like a celebration of friendship, culture, and storytelling.
The girls currently dance at an upper–intermediate level, showing mastery in core technique and an impressive understanding of narrative expression. Under the guidance of Guru Prathyusha Thangallapally, they are now progressing into advanced training, refining complex footwork, deeper emotional artistry, and stronger stage presence.
Their achievement at the AIWB Dance Competition is more than a trophy, it is a milestone in their shared journey, a reflection of years of dedication, and a symbol of what young dancers can achieve when they are nurtured with patience, cultural grounding, and professional guidance.
A Teacher Who Shapes Character, Not Just Technique
What makes Prathyusha’s mentorship exceptional is her ability to teach beyond steps and routines. Under her guidance, children learn patience, responsibility, grounding, and the ability to express themselves authentically. She inspires them to understand the stories, emotions, and values embedded in Indian dance, giving them tools that shape their artistic growth and personal identity.
Her own philosophy reflects this beautifully. She believes that dance becomes meaningful only when one understands the heart behind it, the stories passed through generations, the cultural symbolism carried in each gesture, and the emotional depth behind every movement.
Outside classical training, many don’t know that Prathyusha is also an award-winning visual artist. Her eye for detail, symmetry, and pattern flows into her choreography, giving her performances a unique aesthetic that blends precision with depth. Her creativity enriches everything she does — from classical routines to fusion choreography that appeals to diverse audiences.
What AIWB Cultural Ambassadorship Means to Her
Being named an AIWB Cultural Ambassador 2025 holds immense significance for Prathyusha. She sees it as an opportunity to serve as a bridge between tradition and innovation, honoring ancient art forms while inspiring the next generation to embrace their cultural identity.
In her own words, it is a responsibility she embraces with gratitude and purpose — a way to ensure that Indian cultural arts continue to thrive in Austin and beyond.
A Legacy That Continues to Inspire
Prathyusha’s impact is visible in every child who dances with confidence, in every group that moves with unity, and in every parent who marvels at how their child connects with their culture. Her work at Artisan Art Natyalaya is shaping a generation that carries forward India’s artistic heritage with pride and passion.
She stands as a woman who leads with heart, teaches with purpose, and inspires with every step, a true embodiment of everything AIWB celebrates.
Follow & Support Artisan Art Natyalaya
Founder: Prathyusha
Instagram: @artisanartnatyalaya
Location: Austin, Texas
Specializations: Kuchipudi, Classical, Semi-Classical, Fusion, Storytelling-Based Training
Written by
Priyanka Puppala, Founder, AIWB • Cultural Spotlight Feature Writer