High School Freshman · Hamilton High School
Scholar. Dancer. Leader. Martial Artist. A young woman of remarkable depth, blending classical Indian heritage with modern excellence in STEM, business, and the arts.
Janvi Senthil is a high-achieving freshman at Hamilton High School who balances a rigorous STEM-focused academic life with active leadership roles in HOSA and DECA.
She is a dedicated practitioner of the arts and martial arts, holding a first-degree black belt in Taekwondo. Under the guidance of Guru Smt. Dr. Kripa Baskar at Natyarpana Dance Company, she is preparing for her milestone Bharatanatyam Arangetram on June 20, 2026.
Known for her commitment to community service and interdisciplinary growth, she effectively blends her cultural heritage with a modern pursuit of excellence in medicine, business, and technology.
The Arangetram — meaning "ascending the stage" — is the formal debut performance of a Bharatanatyam dancer after years of dedicated study. Under the loving guidance of Guru Smt. Dr. Kripa Baskar at Natyarpana Dance Company, Janvi takes that sacred step, showcasing mastery of one of India's oldest and most revered classical dance forms.
Dr. Kripa Baskaran began her Bharatanatyam pursuit at the age of seven and brings over two decades of teaching experience. She has culminated the Pandanallur, Tanjore, and Vazhuvoor styles in her repertoire and developed a thoughtfully structured curriculum seamlessly integrating these traditions into her practice and pedagogy — with utmost depth and clarity in training for Natyarpana.
A distinguished performer, she has presented her work on stages around the world and is a regular performer in the renowned Chennai Music and Dance Festival.
It is often said that a great teacher inspires hope, ignites imagination, and instills a love of learning. Smt. Dr. Kripa Baskaran embodies these ideals through her lifelong dedication to Bharatanatyam. She guides her students to become not only accomplished dancers but also principled individuals, emphasizing discipline, integrity, and purposeful creativity. Her teaching philosophy centers on three foundational pillars — bonding, discipline, and presentation — reflecting her belief that dance has the power to transform character and cultivate values.
A pioneer in arts education, Dr. Baskaran introduced the course "World Movement Traditions" at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, expanding the academic appreciation of Indian classical dance. She holds a Doctoral degree in Bharatanatyam from Tamil University, Thanjavur, with research focused on advancing mental health through the medium of Bharatanatyam.
Her commitment extends beyond performance into meaningful community impact. Beginning as early as her high school years, she has worked with individuals with Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy, using dance as a medium of expression, empowerment, and inclusion. Through Natyarpana outreach initiatives, students actively volunteer across the United States and India.
Her influence continues to grow through her students, many of whom now lead Natyarpana branches in North Carolina, Tennessee, Connecticut, and Illinois, fostering the next generation of dancers and leaders.
Whether you're interested in Janvi's Arangetram performance, academic collaborations, or simply want to connect — she'd love to hear from you.