Lavanya Rao (nee Jasti) started her training in Bharatanatyam at a very early age. In 1991, she began to learn this art form, alongwith Nattuvangam and the Natyashastra, from Guru Rajee.

She has participated in many of the group programmes of Nritya Geethanjali and also given several solo performances. She has done lead roles in some of the dance dramas, like Mahakavi Bharati (NCPA) and Adi Shankaracharya (Shanmukhananda Hall). Her solo & group recitals include performances for Andhra Maha Sabha, Mulund Fine Arts, Vani Mahal, Music Academy (Chennai) and others. She has also done a lead role in Seeta Swayamvaram, for Mumbai Doordarshan.

Lavanya is married and settled in the U.K., where she is currently working for the HSBC bank, and preparing for an Honours degree. In the U.K., Lavanya performed for the Andhra Medical Graduates Reunion (AMGR) in May 2000 at Telford and in May 2001 at Coventry. She performed for the fund-raising towards the completion of the Lord Venkateswara temple, in Dudley, Birmingham, in January, 2002.

Lavanya plans to perform in May, 2003, at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton, U.K. for the AMGR. She aspires to give many more performances, with Guruji's blessings.

lavanya_g_rao@hotmail.com