We use Pragati (प्रगति) to convey a sense of forward movement—both in the physical aspect of dance and in the personal growth of my students and myself. Pragati is intended to be inclusive, dynamic, and motivating, and emphasizes dance as a journey of improvement, innovation, and self-discovery rather than just tradition or refuge.
My name is Namrata Raman and I am a Bharatanatyam dancer with over 20 years of experience, trained under renowned gurus (teachers) in Chennai, India. I am the Founder and Director of Pragati School of Dance in Sudbury, MA specializing in inclusive Bharatanatyam pedagogy for students of all ages and experiences.
I have experience in choreography, performance, and teaching, with a commitment to sharing the cultural richness and versatility of Bharatanatyam while fostering individual expression and accessibility. I was awarded a "Creative Individual" recognition by the Massachusetts Cultural Council in 2024 and that has played a pivotal role in my decision to establish Pragati.
At Pragati, we are dedicated to fostering artistic excellence, cultural appreciation, and personal growth through Bharatanatyam.
Rooted in tradition yet evolving with time, we create an inclusive space for dancers of all ages to explore movement, rhythm, and storytelling.
Our goal is to empower students to embrace dance as a path to self-expression, discipline, and lifelong learning.
To be a transformative dance institution that nurtures creativity, confidence, and connection through Bharatanatyam.
We envision a community where dance is a medium for growth—bridging tradition and innovation, uniting people across backgrounds, and fostering a deep appreciation for Indian classical arts in the modern world.
Weekly Bharatanatyam Classes
A series of inclusive dance workshops
Understand and Explore existing narratives
Choreograph and envision new dance work