About
Priyadarshini Inman
Priyadarshini Inman is an Indian classical dancer, choreographer, educator, and cultural ambassador dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Sattriya Nritya, one of India's eight recognized classical dance forms. She is also a trained Kathak (Lucknow Gharana) instructor and holds a Visharad degree in Hindustani Classical Music.
In addition to her accomplishments in classical arts, Priyadarshini has made notable contributions to the television and film industry as both an actress and executive producer, for Doordarshan, UTV, and BAG Films — showcasing her versatility as a performer and creative professional across multiple artistic platforms.
Born in the small town of Duliajan, Assam, in Eastern India, Priyadarshini began her dance journey at the age of four. Raised in a family of artists, she was deeply influenced by her parents' passion for art and culture. Her father, a renowned local Bihu folk artist, inspired her to pursue the performing arts from an early age.
She received her early training in Sattriya Nritya at Jamaguri Sattra in Amguri and later continued her studies under Smt. Anita Tamuly of Duliajan. She further advanced her training under Sri Gobin Kalita Bayan of Uttar Kamalabari Sattra — one of Assam's most revered Vaishnavite monasteries — and Bismillah Khan Awardee Naren Barua.
She began her Kathak journey under SNA Awardee Guru Bipul Das, and continued her studies under Guru Hemant Kumar Kalita.
Although professionally established as a Digital Marketing professional, Priyadarshini remained devoted to dance and music. After relocating to the United States, she founded the Nritya Dhwani School under the nonprofit Nritya Dhwani Cultural Foundation, becoming the first institution in the United States to offer a standardized curriculum in Sattriya Nritya and the traditional percussion instrument Khol under the Sangeet Sattra Board, Assam.
Today, she continues her mission of preserving, teaching, and presenting Indian classical arts through performances, education, workshops, choreography, and community outreach.
Education & Training
Academic Qualifications
Present
Ph.D. Scholar in Performing Arts (Sankaradeva Studies)
Sankaradeva Vishwavidyalaya, India
2017–2019
Master's in Healthcare Administration
Winston-Salem State University, USA
2010
Master's in Mass Communication & Journalism
Sikkim Manipal University
2007
Bachelor of Arts
JRN University
2005
Master Diploma in Visual Communication
Asian Academy of Film & Television, Noida
Artistic Training
- Early training in Sattriya Nritya at Jamaguri Sattra, Amguri. Advanced training under Smt. Anita Tamuly; obtained Gunin (Visharad) Diploma from Sangeet Sattra.
- Early training in Kathak under Guru Bipul Das, continued under Sri Hemant Kumar Kalita.
- Trained in Hindustani Classical Music under Anita Kaur and Malabika Ghosh
- Awarded Visharad Diploma in Hindustani Classical Music from Bhatkhande University
- Continuing advanced Sattriya training under Bismillah Khan Awardee Sri Naren Barua Barbayan
Leadership & Community Service
- Founder and Artistic Director of Nritya Dhwani School under the nonprofit Nritya Dhwani Cultural Foundation
- Established the first formal Sattriya Nritya and Khol curriculum in the United States under the Sangeet Sattra Board, Assam
- Conducts workshops, lecture demonstrations, and cultural outreach programs throughout the United States
- Served as Chairman of Advisory Board, North Street Planning Board, Waxhaw, NC
- Served as Executive member, Indian Association of Triad, Greensboro, NC
- Serves on the Board of the Naamghor Association of America
- Serves as Vice-President, Assam Sahitya Sabha of North America
Awards & Recognition
2018
President's Volunteer Service Award
Presented through the White House, for outstanding community service and cultural contributions
Performance Highlights
Priyadarshini has performed extensively throughout the United States, India, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and China, presenting solo recitals, dance dramas, lecture demonstrations, and collaborative productions. She has also conducted numerous Sattriya workshops, including at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Elon University, North Carolina, and Maryland University.
2017
- Spring Fest — IAT, Greensboro
- World Dance Day — Greensboro
- Yuva Fest — Raleigh
2018
- Festival of India — Charlotte
- Assam Convention — Washington, D.C.
2019
- Rasika — Dance Drama Production
2022
- Loose Leaves Showcase (Spring & Fall)
- Charlotte International Dance Festival
- Brightfire Festival — Charlotte
- Assam Convention — Houston, Texas
- Delhi Haat International Festival — San Francisco
- Fayetteville International Festival
- Concord International Festival
- North-East India Festival — Washington, D.C.
2023
- Fête de Dance — Belgium
- Indian Republic Day Celebration — IAT, Greensboro
- Charlotte International Festival
- BOOM Festival — Charlotte
- Loose Leaves Showcase — Charlotte
- Vilaya — Pittsburgh
- Bihu Festival — New England
- Bihu Festival — San Diego, California
- Bihu Festival — Bay Area, California
- 44th Assam Convention — Philadelphia
- Sankaradeva Mahotsav — UK Sahitya Sabha, London
- Rhythm of Images — London
2024
- Margazhi Dance Festival — San Francisco
- Basant Festival — Raleigh
- Loose Leaves Showcase — Charlotte
- Raseswar Saikia International Dance Festival — Assam, India
- Assam Convention — Nashville
- BOOM Fall Festival — Charlotte
- Converge by DACLT — Charlotte
2025
- American College Dance Association, Southeast Conference — University of Maryland
- Shastriya Classical Dance Festival — Leela Foundation, Raleigh
- Odissi Odissi — University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- BOOM Festival (Fringe Artist) — Charlotte
- Assam Convention (AANA) — Chicago
2026
- Yogic Conference by Pranava Arts — Charlotte, UNC
- NCDEO National Conference
- Sankalp RTP Vaisakhi Celebration — Chapel Hill, NC
- Odissi Odyssey — Dance Department of UNC Charlotte
- International Sattriya and Traditional Meet — Dallas, Texas
Testimonials
What people are saying
“This is my first experience learning Sattriya dance, our own Axomia classical dance form. I feel blessed to be learning from Priyadarshini Inman, Priya ba, as I address my beloved guru. She is not only very thorough with the nuances of each step but also help us understand their health benefits. She provides us with supporting videos and reading materials for a comprehensive understanding of Sattriya dance. Priya ba is an exceptional teacher and a pleasure to work with.”
Dr. Nandita Das
“Guru Priyadarshini Inman is a dedicated artist and educator. Her life‘s mission is to spread the magnificent cultural heritage of eastern India to global audiences. She accomplishes it through curatorial acumen, apprentice learning methodology, and performance research. She is a cultural leader in the greater Charlotte region and a strong collaborator of UNC Charlotte outreach programs.”
Dr. Kaustavi Sarkar
Associate Professor, Department of Dance, UNC Charlotte
“Priyadarshini is an awesome teacher with a rare mastery over Sattriya, Kathak, and vocal music. Her unique ability to blend the precise footwork of Kathak, the spiritual grace of Sattriya, and the melodic discipline of singing creates a holistic artistic foundation for every student. Thank you, Priyadarshini ji for your coaching and support to Savi!”
Smita Deshmukh
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