Training model & Student progress

The course expects students to learn and perform dance for one hour every week, with necessary additional practice. The school may also decide to provides extra classes for few students who need more support The student is expected to have self-motivation and high rigor and spend extra hours of individual practice to reach high proficiency. The ‘Arangetram’ level of performance solely depends on such rigor. In Bharatanatyam schools the teaching and learning is aligned to ‘Guru & Sishya’ relationship. This means the teacher offers the student right courses and levels, when the student is ready for the same. In this model, every instruction from Guru to Sishya is critical for the student to gain right skills and confidence to perform. In this process it is important for students and parents to understand that both Guru’s positive and negative feedback / comments are key to development and progress. So it is necessary to demonstrate a positive attitude towards every comment and feedback in ‘Guru & Sishya’ schooling model, which may be new concept in United States. Grading / rating of Students from other schools are reviewed. They are accepted at same level, provided they demonstrate the skills required for that level. Students, under 6 will get to attend couple of trial classes. Based on their interest, concentration and stamina level they will get to start formally

Code of conduct & dress code

All students who meet the eligibility criteria for Bharatanatyam lessons as governed by ‘Shree Bala Nrithyalaya’ are only admitted and given equal opportunity Students are expected to report to classes 5 minutes before the start of class. No parents are allowed to wait at the classes without prior request and agreement for a specific reason. Video and Photo shoots of their children are allowed on the last class of every month, during the last 15 minutes of the class. Due to the nature of the art, the progress of the student is measured quarterly. Dress code: Comfortable Indian Red Salwar tops and pants with shawl. Shawl should be tied around the waist. For boys Indian Kurtis and comfortable pants. Bindi (pottu ) on the forehead is a must. Hair should be tied neatly.

Raji Krishna

Founder and Artistic director

Mrs. Rajalakshmi Krishna (alias Ms. Raji) has been a Bharatanatyam dance: performing artist / practitioner, teacher, choreographer and ardent evangelist. She has commendable contributions and service for past 25 years in performing, teaching and advisory to cultural / art groups of leading schools in India and United States.

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Gurus

Guru kalaimamani Late Thanjai jayalakshmi Arunachalam and master Arnachalam pillai needs no introduction as they were well known guru in the Mylapore neighbourhood of Chennai. They hailed from a nattuvanar parampara. A very dedicated gurus. Guru Late smt Jayalakshmi Arunachalam, served as a teacher for Lady sivaswamy school and professor for Chennai Tamilnadu Government music college. Iron lady, Used to work morning 7am to night 9 pm, continuously which is not pretty easy in our field. They have trained innumerable dancers/teachers.