Chicago – Natya Idol

Samanvita Kasthuri is a 2nd generation dancer, singer, choreographer, and composer. She wants to bring the ancient arts of India while communciating contemporary and modern ideas through her dancing. She is trained in the dance forms of Bharatanatyam and Kathak, and she contues to experiement with other styles like contemporary, hip-hop, and jazz. She is the winner of Fox Teen Talent twice. She was awarded “Aspiring Artist Award”. She was awarded "Best Dancer" at Desi Dance Network's National Bollywood Fusion collegiate dance competition, which hosted a competition between the top 8 teams in the nation.

She received a summer Award from Saint Louis University's Fine and Performing Arts Department, also received Indian Raga's Fellowship award in September of 2021, and more. Furthermore, she has performed on prestigious venues such as the Delhi International Festival, American Kannada Kootagal Aagara (AKKA), Federation of Tamil of North Ameri­ca (FeTNA), Telugu Association of North America (TANA), Paint­ed Bride Arts Center in Philadelphia, Shanthala Dance Festi­val, and Nadam Dance Festivals in India. Apart from these she has performed in Webster Arts Fair, The Muny, Maryland Heights World Festival, and Sheldon Concert Hall.

Samanvita is now a Performing and Teaching Artist at Pack Dance Company, where she teaches drop-in Contemporary Fusion classes that combine elements of Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Contemporary, and Hip-Hop through short combinations to the greater St. Louis region. Post graduation, Samanvita has had the opportunity to perform at WaxWorks Showcase in Williamsburg, New York; Saint Louis Contemporary Dance Festival; Space Station Dance Residency, and has been featured in a music video by singer Hanna Canhasi in her single, "Say It".

Gauri Nandika Pillai is  from JeffersonCity, Missouri. She is the student of Anupama Pillai, the artistic director of Sargam School of Arts. Gauri has been learning classical dance since age of 4.  She won the Junior level American Natya Idol in 2024 in the finals.

Competitions will begin by 10:45 Am and finish by 2:00 PM

Time is extremely important. PLease come on or before the registrered time. Keep extra time allocated for the Chicago  traffic circumstances.

Natya Idol Utsav is from 2:30 - 4:00 PM

Award event from 4:00 - 4:30 PM

Note: Due to shortage of theater time, we will not be able to allow you to participate in the competition, if you miss your turn. Kindly come early and be ready