DANCE

here are several classical dance styles that have evolved over the centuries, including

Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Odissi, and Mohiniyattam.

Each style has its own unique repertoire, costumes, and music, and is typically performed in temples, courts, and other traditional settings.In addition to classical dance, there are also several folk and contemporary dance forms that are popular in India, making it a vibrant and dynamic dance culture.

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BHARATHANATYAM

The Bharatanatyam department at The Structural School of Fine Arts is headed by Smt. Akshara Bharadwaj. With over 100 students pursuing the art form in different capacities and batches, they perform solo recitals and group productions at prestigious platforms and festivals in and outside the state. The students are exposed to monthly dance recitals and talks by Professional dancers not just in Bharatanatyam, but other forms of dance as well. They are meritorious in Karnataka Secondary Board Examinations, as well as in Akhila Bharatiya Gandharva Mahamandali

Our students are encouraged to choreograph, learn music, yoga and allied theory & treatises as part of their curriculum.Our Bharatanatya classes are five-fold, with focus on:

Dance - Systematic training in Bharatanatya Nritta & Abhinaya.
Sastra - Aspects from the treatises used in dance.
Music - Basic understanding of Carnatic Music for Dance.
Yoga - Strength & Flexibility training.
Rhythm - Understanding of Tala and Laya, culminating with the performance of the Nattuvanga.

The senior students are guided and encouraged to further their theoretical learning of the Shastras and Art History, by way of guest lectures, workshops and research opportunities, with Scholars.

The Yoga training for dancers is undertaken by Smt. Akshara Bharadwaj’s Senior student, Smt. Sinchana Pandit. Sinchana is a certified yoga trainer from an internationally recognised institute 'Aayana Yoga academy', and is a Software Engineer by profession with a bachelor's degree in engineering. What started as a cross training exercise for Bharatanatyam - her first interest, fueled her fascination of working with body, mind and breath; steering her into becoming a certified Yoga trainer. She believes that Yoga is the perfect way to identify the innate abilities of the body and mind, be comfortable with oneself and do wonders with the same.

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KATHAK

The Structural School of Fine Arts’ Kathak department includes Smt. Lakshmi G, a disciple of Dr. Maya Rao and Ms. Shrushti Mehta, disciple of Shri Sharat R. Prabhath. With a Vidwath in Kathak from KSEEB Smt. Lakshmi is an examiner for KSEEB and Akhila Bharatiya Gandarva Maha Vidyalaya Kathak exams. She is the Director of Praroha Training and Performing Arts Centre, apart from her association with SSFA. Students are taught the elegant art of storytelling through dance and are trained through all the levels of Kathak from Prarambhik to Alankar.

Shrushti Mehta has been training in Kathak for almost a decade. Currently, she trains in both Jaipur and Lucknow gharanas, at the Prabhath Academy of Dance. Shrushti conducts classes for all age groups. She finds teaching Kathak very enjoyable and fulfilling. As an appreciator of this classical form, she encourages one and all to experience kathak at least once in their lifetime. As a student, she continues to explore the art form and has attended various workshops by eminent artists such as Pt. Rajendra Gangani, Smt. Vidha lal, Smt. Shama Bhate, Smt. Durga Arya, Smt. Rupanshi from Kadamb and Shri Puru Dhadheech ji. Shrushti also holds a degree in law and is a part of the legal team for a leading IT company.

Our students perform regularly in dance recitals held by our institute. They are also meritorious in the Akhila Bharatiya Gandharva Examinations.

WESTERN & FOLK DANCE FORM

Various dance faculty at SSFA, who are proficient in multiple dance forms, train our students in Indian Folk, Semi-classical, Bollywood, Contemporary and Western dance styles, offering a comprehensive range of dance education reflecting diverse cultural and artistic expressions. Our students participate in varied dance recitals and contests across the state.

Our faculty could also train you on a short-term basis to prepare you with tailor-made choreographies for upcoming performances, competitions or cultural events.

Courses- Western Dance

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Young Achievers in Dance

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NIHARIKA MOHAN

Niharika started her dance classes at our Institute at the tender age of six. Owing to her innate gift in dance and expressive charm, she is a blessed artist with passion, work ethic and intelligence in grasping and executing ideas.

Currently pursuing her Bachelors degree in Dayanand Sagar College, Bangalore, Niharika has performed at prestigious events such as Mysore Dasara, Siddaganga Mutt- Tumkur, Satya Sai Trust Adoni, Andhra Pradesh, Dance Jathre, Udayaraga at Bandstand by Dept. of Horticulture, IPAF, Navarasa Navaratri by Kalasindhu Academy, Lasyavardhana Trust, Aradhana Celebrations at Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, Navaratri Navotsava, Vijnana Vyjayanti, Prathama Hejje, Childrens’ Classical Dance Festival and Annual programs organised by SSFA. She has recently toured 14 states across India with the dance presentation “Tumhare siva aur koi Nahi”, directed by Smt. Sneha Kappanna. She is succesfully completed her Karnataka State board Junior & Senior Grade exams Dance exams. As one of the senior most dancers of the Institute, Niharika leads our volunteers in curating and organising Art Festivals, while broadening her horizons. She has recently conducted a Make-up workshop for over 100 dance students at our Institution.

Niharika completed her Bharatanatya Rangapravesha/ Arangetram in December 2022. She is a beloved student and an asset to the institute. Her selflessness and kind-nature, which are great qualities in an artist, makes her a favourite with all her peers and juniors.

BINDU SHANKAR

Bindu Shankar has been training under the discipleship of Akshara Bharadwaj at The Structural School of Fine Arts for over ten years, training in Bharatanatya and its allied theory and arts such as Yoga, Music, Theatre and Nattuvangam, apart from assisting in training junior students at our Institute. She is a distinction holder in the senior grade exam organised by KSEEB along with scholarship awardees from Karnataka Sangeeta Nritya Kala Academy.

She has performed as soloist and in many group productions from our Institute at prestigious platforms, such as Mysore Yuva Dasara, Vijayanagar Sangeetha Sabha, Udayaraga by Department of Horticulture - Govt. of Karnataka, Kannada Rajyotsava celebration by Bal Bhavan, Navaratri festival at Durgaparameshwari Temple, Palamaner Temple- Andhra Pradesh, Sai Baba Temple Trust- Adoni, Navarasa Navaratri by Kalasindhu Academy, Nandi Utsava, Nritya Sanje by Aradhana Institute of Bharatanatyam, ‘Dasarollasa’ & ‘Prasanga Prastuti’ organised by Praroha Institution for Arts, ‘TarangaRanga’ and to name a few. She performs regularly for ‘Vijnana Vyjayanti’ an annual three day festival organised by Karnataka Haridasa Scientific Research Centre and Raghavendra swamy Aradhana programs. The SSFA ensemble has won multiple dance contests, one such being Navaratri festival organised by Guru Malini Ravishankar’s Lasyavardhana Trust.

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Apart from participating in all our programs, Dance productions and in-house events, she have also helped in curating and organising 25 sessions of ‘TarangaRanga’ monthly dance concert series, Children’s Classical Dance Festival, Indian Classical Arts Festival and even other non-dance related Art events at our institute, broadening her horizons. She is both currently pursuing their bachelor degrees academically.

An intelligent and hardworking senior dancer at the Institute, she completed her Bharatanatya Rangapravesha/Arangetram in June 2023. Her leadership and astute nature helps our entire community of students at the Institute in making their dance notes and learning dance theory.

SINCHANA PANDIT

Sinchana Pandit, a certified yoga trainer from an internationally recognised institute 'Aayana Yoga Academy', is a Software Engineer by profession with a bachelor's degree in engineering.

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Bharatanatyam, her first love, ignited her path to yoga. What began as cross-training for dance evolved into a fervent passion, propelling her towards professional yoga training. Yet, her dedication to Bharatanatyam persists, as she continues her artistic journey alongside her yoga practice.
An athlete at heart, Sinchana's profound admiration for the seamless blend of body, mind, and breath inspired her to embark on the path of becoming a certified yoga instructor. Through teaching, she discovers profound happiness, while seamlessly integrating her yoga expertise into the world of dance, offering a holistic approach to both disciplines.

For Sinchana, yoga isn't merely a physical practice; it's a gateway to uncovering the inherent capabilities of the body and mind. With every breath, she embraces self-discovery and empowerment, believing wholeheartedly in the transformative magic of yoga.

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INDIRA SHRADDHA

Indira Shraddha, daughter of Smt. Shyamala S Bhat and Sri. K Shivarama Bhat, has been a student of Bharatanatyam since the tender age of 6 under the discipleship of prominent Gurus. Presently, she is continuing her learning under the tutelage of Smt. Akshara Bharadwaj at the Structural School of Fine Arts, Bangalore.

Owning to her expressive and mature dancing, she has played vital roles in various dance productions of her dance school in prestigious platforms. Having a keen interest in teaching and choreography, she has choreographed, mentored and presented multiple dance compositions for her institute's students. Currently, she is working for a Kannada short film, Ranganayaka, as a Bharatanatyam choreographer. Apart from Bharatanatyam, she has completed her Junior grade exam conducted by KSEEB in Carnatic Music. In addition to being a dancer, she is also a Software Engineer at Intel Technologies.

ADITI JAGADEESH

Aditi Jagadish, currently studying in the 7th standard at RNS Vidyaniketan, is a remarkable and multifaceted individual. Her journey in Bharatnatyam commenced at the tender age of 4 under the dedicated guidance of Smt. Akshara Bharadwaj at The Structural School of Fine Arts, and she has continues to thrive under this mentorship for 9 years. She has completed her Madyama Prathama certification from Akhila Bhartiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal and is also a distinction holder in her Junior grade Bharatnatya Exam organized by Karnataka Secondary Education Board.

A dedicated dance student, Aditi has performed in numerous solo and group performances under her guru's guidance. She has graced stages at prestigious events such as Vijayadashami Program organized at Siddaganga Mutt Tumkur, 86th Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana at Haveri, Desi Dibbana organized by Akkana Mane Pratsishthana, Mukula Nrityotsava organized by Sadhana Sangama Trust, Dance Jathre organized by Shambhavi School of Dance, Chinnara Kalarava and 'Shivoham' organized by Shailusham Arts & Creations, Natyotsava organized by Karnataka Rajya Makkala Sahitya Parishat, Aradhana Celebrations of Sri Raghavendra Swamygalu at Raghavendra Mutt, Young world school and various Bharatnatyam recitals across notable venues; along with Navaratri Navotsava, Vijnana Vyjayanti, Prathama hejje, Silver jubilee celebrations, World dance day celebrations and Annual day programs organised by SSFA.

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Aditi was bestowed with the title of Natya Mayuri at Hosur Natyanjali in Feb '23 and has also performed in "Dance for India" organized by Bharat Book of Records, contributing to a new record at Freedom Park on the 75th Independence Day. Furthermore, Aditi's Bharatnatyam recitals have earned her first prizes at her school's talent day and first prizes for five consecutive years at the annual cultural event held by Bunt's Sangha Bangalore, spanning different age categories.

As the youngest dancer of the Senior Ensembles, Aditi actively volunteers in the organising all the activities of the Institute. Along with Dance Theory, she has been pursuing Yoga as an allied study for dance under the guidance of Smt. Sinchana Pandit at our school.

SOWMYASHREE

Sowmyashree is a seasoned dancer with fifteen years of dedicated training in the field. Having completed Vidwath and Alankara in dance, she holds a diverse educational background, encompassing BSc, LLB, and an MPA in Dance.

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Sowmya has showcased her talent at various esteemed venues such as Taranga, Jain, Brahma Kumaris Center, Hosur Natyanjali, and ISKCON, in addition to numerous solo concerts. Notably, she has also spearheaded her own production, "Srinivasa Kalyana," demonstrating her creativity and leadership in the dance realm.

DANCE

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BHARATHANATYAM

KATHAK

WESTERN & FOLK DANCE FORM

Young Achievers in Dance

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