Sai Meghna
Dance School
About
A classical tradition spanning centuries, taught with devotion for over 25 years.
The Tradition
Kuchipudi is a classical dance form originating in the 12th century in Kuchipudi village, Andhra Pradesh. Strictly adhering to the principles of Bharata's Natya Shastra and Nandikeshwara's Abhinaya Darpam, it represents a perfect balance of three aspects — Nritta, Nritya, and Naatya.
Nritta is pure rhythmic movement, concluding a verse with intricate footwork and precise timing. Nritya blends rhythm with expressive interpretation, bringing emotion to every gesture. Naatya is complete dance drama — characters, storyline, and theatrical presentation woven into a single performance.
Set to Carnatic music with compositions in Telugu, Kuchipudi is distinguished by its graceful movements, complex rhythmic patterns, and rapid tempo. The charm lies in its unique combination of technical precision and emotional depth.
Pure rhythmic movement, concluding a verse with intricate footwork and precise timing.
Rhythm blended with expressive interpretation — bringing emotion to every gesture.
Complete dance drama — characters, storyline, and theatrical presentation woven into one.
The Guru
Founder & Head Instructor · Est. 2000
Smt. Lavanya Yammanur began her dance journey at the age of 5, training in Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, and Folk under Gurus Sri P. Ramanjeneyalu and Smt. Sharada Devi. A renowned dancer in both India and the United States, she established Sai Meghna Dance School in July 2000 in Denver, Colorado.
Over 25 years, she has nurtured hundreds of students across three cities — Denver, Hyderabad, and Houston — completing more than 10 Kuchipudi Rangapraveshams with 100+ attendees each. She has been deeply involved with the Telugu Cultural Association in both Colorado and Houston.
Her vision: to present high-quality performances, educate through lecture demonstrations, and pass the art to the next generation.
Lavanya holds a Master's degree in Computer Science from Sri Venkateswara University in Tirupati. Alongside her lifelong devotion to dance, she built a parallel career as an educator — serving as Head Teacher at a Montessori school in Denver, where she shaped the earliest years of hundreds of children.
Education and the arts have never been separate for her. Whether in the classroom or the dance hall, her work is guided by the same conviction: that rigorous training, patiently given, changes a life.
The Namesake
Performer · Teaching Assistant · Scholar
Meghna began her training under her mother at the age of 4, and grew up inside the traditions of the school that bears her name. By 15, she had completed her Kuchipudi Rangapravesham — the formal debut marking a dancer's graduation to the stage.
Over the years she has given more than 75 stage performances across India and the United States, at temples, cultural festivals, and concert halls. Her artistry has been recognized with the Natya Mayuri (2017) and Bala Kala Ratna (2016) awards.
Academically, Meghna earned her undergraduate degree in neuroscience from Rhodes College, and later trained at UT Health Houston. She now serves as a Senior Research Data Coordinator at MD Anderson Cancer Center, working on clinical oncology research.
Alongside this work, Meghna continues to assist with teaching at the school — guiding younger students through the same foundations she learned at her mother's side.
Our Journey
2000 – 2012
Founded in July 2000. Lavanya established the school while raising a family and working as Head Teacher at a Montessori school. Active in the Colorado Telugu Cultural Association. Nurtured the first generation of students.
2013 – 2022
Relocated to India while deepening cultural roots. Continued teaching while working as a Senior SAP Consultant at IBM, before becoming an Academic Coordinator at The Shri Ram Universal School. Completed multiple Rangapraveshams. Meghna trained extensively and gave 50+ stage performances.
2024 – Present
Re-established in the Houston area. Now serving students in person in Sugar Land and online worldwide. Actively involved in TCA Houston, performing at temples and cultural events across Texas.