HOUSTON – Dr. Lavanya Rajagopalan is a trailblazer in her pursuit of preserving the culture and traditions, while educating the community about Indian classical dance.
Her love for dancing started at an early age, and she studied under some of the best teachers. Even while pursuing a Ph.D in biochemistry, her passion remained strong, leading her on an artistic journey to create Silambam Houston—a dance studio recognized by BIPOC Arts Network & Fund as a Houston Cultural Treasure.
According to Dr. Rajagopalan, Indian classical dance is not Bollywood. Before India became a nation, the land consisted of various kingdoms and empires, each with unique dialects and customs, which included distinct forms of dance.
“Indian classical dance is not one form. It is eight or nine different forms,” said Dr. Rajagopalan. Her students learn five of the diverse forms at Silambam Houston, located in Pearland.
Dr. Rajagopalan collaborates with well-known musicians, including Christina Wells from NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” and works with various arts organizations to promote unity among different communities in Houston.
In addition to her role as a dance instructor, Dr. Rajagopalan is a scientist. She educates children by combining her knowledge of science and dance in a YouTube series called “Dancing into STEM.”
To learn more about her journey, watch the video above.