My journey in dance!

My journey in dance!

I am a professional Bharathanatyam dancer, teacher, choreographer, artistic director and founder of Arohana Academy of Performing Arts (R), Bangalore, India.

My journey in dance began in 1986 under the able guidance of Guru Sri Raju Datar. In my initial years of training, I learned the Kalamandalam style of dance.

In 1992, I obtained my Bharathanatyam Junior grade certificate presented by Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB).

On February 7, 1994, with the blessings from my Guru Sri Raju Datar and Smt Nagalakshmi Datar, I successfully completed a major milestone in my dancing career - my Rangapravesha or Arangetram at Ravindra Kalakshetra, Bangalore, India. Guru Smt Usha Datar; the then chief minister of Karnataka, Sri Veerappa Moily; Sri J V Shetty, chairman and Managing Director of Canara Bank; Sri Shivananda Bekal, Assistant Station Director, Doordarshan, were the chief guests who graced the occasion.

In 1995, I received the Bharathanatyam Senior Grade certificate from KSEEB. This was the year when I gave my first government performance and performances sponsored by ICCR.

In 1996, I was under the tutelage of Guru Sri Kiran Subramanyam and Smt Sandhya Kiran at Rasika Academy of Performing Arts. Here, I learnt the vazhuvoor style of dance. I also learnt the various folk dances of India.

In 2002, I established my dance school, Arohana Academy of Performing Arts, in Bangalore, India. I have trained around hundred students in my dance school. Some have completed their junior grade and have performed well in the examination conducted by KSEEB. Few others were trained to pursue dance as a career.

I have also mentored and trained dance students from other dance institutions and few IT companies in Bangalore, India.

In 2005, I obtained my Vidwat degree in dance from KSEEB. Guru Smt Seeta Guruprasad, disciple of Guru Smt Bhanumathi, helped me work towards this.

Since my young age, I have been giving performances at various famous temple during festivals and celebrations, training my juniors, organizing shows in IT companies, learning, and enjoying my journey in dance.

In 2011, I received the Aryabhatta award in dance.

In 2013, I took a break from teaching. However, I did continue as a performing artist and have conducted workshops. After I relocated to USA, I had the opportunity to participate (in 2015) and cochair the Multicultural Night at Andrews Elementary for two consecutive years (2016 & 2017).

I have explored Kalaripayattu (a famous martial art of Kerala) and have learnt the basics under Guru Sri Ranjan Mullarath.

I am an Engineer by profession with 8 years of experience in the IT industry. I have a bachelors degree in Electronics and Communications and post graduation diploma in Business Management with specialization in Marketing.