Performing Bharatanatyam, Aishwarya presents how she uses this ancient Indian Classical Dance to be an empathic storyteller. Through the movement and narrative, she is personally empowered and connected with her both her Indian and American cultures. Aishwarya “Aishu” Ravindran is a disciple of Smt. Madhusri Sethuraman, and has been learning Bharatanatyam in the Vazhuvoor style for the last 16 years. She received 2nd place in the Saptami Foundation solo dance and had the prestigious opportunity to perform in Bharati Vidya Bhavan in Mylapore, Chennai. Aishu is a passionate and accomplished Carnatic singer; classically trained since age five. She is also a Mridangist: one of the few women able to learn the percussion art form. Passionate about teaching, she has been fortunate to share her experience with aspiring dancers in the Chicagoland area. Aishwarya is a graduate from the University of Texas at Dallas and currently works as a Government, Healthcare, Higher-Ed, and Not-For-Profit Banking Analyst at JP Morgan This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx