Academy of Bharata Natyam
THE ACADEMY
This dance institution was established in the year 1948 by Sri.T.K.Narayan. Since then the Academy has trained hundreds of students from India and abroad. Most of the students have attained a professional level. The aim of the school is to preserve and practice this traditional art in its authentic form. The Academy does not believe in compromising on quality to simplify teaching and learning. Perfection has been its endeavour.
The Pandanallur style of Bharatanatyam, known for its orthodoxy, precision and purity has retained the tradition even to the present day.
The most important aim of our institute is to maintain the purity and tradition of the art.
The institute does not compromise on the precision of the style. The geometrical lines of this style of Bharata Natyam are strictly maintained and highlighted in all our choreography.
HISTORY
FOUNDER - T.K.NARAYAN
Sri T.K Narayan, born in Hassan-Karnataka, founded the 'Academy of Bharata Natyam' in the year 1948. He was the direct disciple of the great and revered masters Gurus Sri. Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai and Sri.Muthu Kumara Pillai, dating back to the 1940's.
He was inspired by and closely associated for a number of years with legendary dancers Ramgopal and Madam Menaka and also worked as the Director of their institutions prior to starting his own Academy. The two Ballets, Tagore "Chitra" and "Birth of Our Nation", produced and directed by him in Bombay in the year 1947 with Smt. Himakesarcodi and Sri. Krishnan Kutty won the highest appreciation not only by Lord and Lady Mountbatten but all over India as well.
His long career as a lecturer and later as principal of the Government College of Music and Dance in Hyderabad was replete with remarkable service in this field.
Sri. Narayan was a puritan and a perfectionist that clearly reflected in his work.
FORMER DIRECTOR-JAYALAKSHMI NARAYAN
Smt.Jayalakshmi Narayan was a talented vocalist, connected herself with the Academy by virtue of her marriage to Sri Narayan. Her tireless teaching experience of over four decades in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad was instrumental for the reputation of the Academy.
She conducted performances by singing and doing the Nattuvangam herself. This ability enabled her to travel widely all over Europe and Russia accompanying the famous danseuse Smt. Kamala in 1961. She also had a successful teaching stint in the Singapore Fine Arts Society in 1976.
PRESENT DIRECTOR- GAYATHRI KESHAVAN
Smt Gayathri Keshavan-daughter-disciple of the Narayans had years of systematic training in Bharata Natyam and Carnatic music. She carries the forward mantle of teaching this dance style from her parents. She holds a diploma in Bharata Natyam and is a recipient of various awards, including the Government of India Scholarship (1973).
Gayathri has performed extensively in many National and International dance festivals. Her enormous experience as a performer, teacher and composer over a span of 40 years, draws students from all over. Today, 'Academy of Bharata Natyam' is a well-established dance school in Bangalore.
She is associated with Bangalore University and Jain University as an examiner and was a faculty member of National Hill View Public School. She was also connected with the Friends World Program of Long Island University (USA) for many years. Smt. Gayathri is a panel member of the selection committee at CCRT, Govt of India as well.
With her absolute involvement in music and dance, Smt. Gayathri’s approach to this art form is highly spiritual in nature.
ASSOCIATES
Smt Maithreyi Barve and Ms.Mathangi Keshavan- daughters and disciples of Smt. Gayathri Keshavan is the third generation artists to continue the spirit of this art as performers and teachers. The artistic inheritance deep-rooted their passions for this art form ever since their childhood.
Maitheyi Barve and Mathangi have completed their Masters in Bharata Natyam from Kalai Kaviri College of Fine Arts (Affiliated to Bharatidasan University).
Academy of Bharata Natyam 1948[edit]
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