Guru Smt. Uma Muthiah is the Founder and Director of Navarasa Natyalayam. She is an accomplished classical dancer who started learning Bharatanatyam at the age of 5, under the guidance of legendary dancer Guru Leela Aarumugam. She was also lucky to receive intensive training in classical dance under Guru Vasanthi Kunjithapatham and Anne-Marie Gaston (Anjali). She was also trained in Nattuvangam by Guru Sri. Palani Gnansakthivel (M.A. Music). 

Uma performed her Bharatanatyam Arangetram at the age of 16 and was honored by Chief Guest Hon. A. Subramaniyam (Government of Sri Lanka). She was the winner of several high school (Jaffna, Sri Lanka) and college (Canada) dance competitions and has performed widely in several well-known cultural organizations in Sri Lanka and Canada. Uma has been performing dance professionally for over 25 years in global venues across Sri Lanka, Canada, Germany, France, and USA. 

Her devotion, passion, and dedication towards classical art have led her to institute Navarasa Natyalayam, which is a home of South Indian Art in Chicago, Illinois. Uma is leading many groups of diverse students. Her pedagogy and theory demand discipline and perfection. She commits herself to bring a sense of devotion in her students which reflects in their performances and leaves the audience with a sense of spiritual fulfillment. She s blessed with the gift of teaching Bharatanatyam to children and adults while brining out the best in every student. 

Uma believes in hard work, effort, and perseverance. She integrates fusion choreography with Western and Eastern influences for her productions. Those who pursue Bharatanatyam professionally, speak of the high caliber of coaching and unrelenting passion she imparts. Uma inspires to enrich and transform the classical arts and make them relevant to contemporary times. 

Education

BA – Carleton University Canada