Nisha Maguluru is an Andhra Natyam Dancer, who honed her skills under the tutelage of, Father of Andhra Natyam Guru Dr. Nataraja Ramakrishna. Responding to exhortation of her gurus to prevail the ancient temple dance of the Telugu Regions; Nisha chose to teach Andhra Natyam in her pursuit to eternalize the art as an institution. Nisha’s introduction at a tender age of 7 leading to 100+ stage performances contributed to her persona, and strives to benefit future generations similarly. Her conviction is that the ancient art will intrinsically equip individuals to balance inculcations of the modern day. Consequently, Nisha has strived to support and network cultural platforms that illuminate Telugu heritage.
She had been learning and practicing Andhra Natyam since 1988 and obtained diploma in Andhra Natyam from Telugu University in 1999. The ancient art of Andhra Natyam Dance itself was revived by Guru Dr. Nataraja Ramakrishna, mainly through an arduous study of the stone sculptures engraved in ancient temples in the Telugu speaking regions of India, some as old as 1163 A.D. Along with giving the art its current form through his meticulous study and perceptions, Guru Dr. Nataraja Ramakrishna deeply desired to spread the art beyond the shores of India, sowing the seeds for Radhanika School of Dance. Nisha's stage performances in Telugu cultural events in U.S.A. catalyzed inception. What started as informal milieus in 2008, evolved into formal schedules of weekly classes. With tutelage of Guru Dr. Nataraja Ramakrishna, Guru Dr. Kalakrishna and Guru Sarada Ramakrishna, Nisha assembled formal training and study material which now forms the curriculum for Radhanika. Through Radhanika, training also has been formalized under the umbrella of Silicon Andhra University, U.S.A. in affiliation with SPSR Telugu University, India to stand testimonial to the learning at Radhanika.
Nisha grew up in Vijayawada, India and came to St. Louis in 2004 to pursue Master’s and presently a Principal Data Consultant in a Fortune 500 Company. She takes care of her elderly parents and her child.
Following are her credentials
1994 - Andhra Natyam Conference
1995 - TTD Annamacharya Kala Mandapam, Sri Kaalahasthi and Srisailam MahaSivaratri Utsavam
1996 - Certificate in Andhra Natyam from Sri Potti Sriramulu University
1998 - Diploma in Andhra Natyam from Sri Potti Sriramulu University
1999 to 2003 - Traveled to multiple temples in Andhra Pradesh
2008 - Established Radhanika School of Dance
2008 to present - Radhanika's participation in various cultural outreach programs partnering with local and national organizations like TAS (Telugu Association of St. Louis), TANA, NATS, Abhinaya etc.
2019 - present - Radhanika's students graduated from Sampada Program, affiliated with Potti Sriramulu University, Andhra Pradesh, with Senior Level Certification in Andhra Natyam ; Won local and national competitions in classical dances
2021 - Radhanika's recognition in 1st and 2nd places in Andhra Natyam during competitions organized by HAM Society in affiliation with Ministry of Cultural Affairs, India