Laya Bhava Dance Academy is a school of Bharathanatyam, Indian Classical Dance. It was established in 1986 by our artistic director, Mrs.Kirupanithy Ratneswaran and follows the kalakshetra style. We have locations in Markham, Scarborough and Toronto. Our school trains students to learn this Indian classical dance and perform as well. Students from the age of 5 to 35 continue to learn dance. Our school provides yearly examinations for all students and offers high school credit courses. We have two textbooks written by our artistic director, Mrs.Kirupanithy Ratneswaran which we use to teach dance and theory. Many students from other schools use these books for exams as well. In addition, we conduct arangetrams for all graduating students. Students continuing their education in dance are taught nattuvangam and the opportunity to learn in special workshops. Many graduates from our school go on further to become dance teachers, performers and even have their own schools.
ACADEMY'S MISSION
To impart rigorous training in the technique, expression and performance of Bharata Natyam, an ancient dance nurtured in southern India. Introducing students to its history and evolution, our training highlights Bharata Natyam'S role as a communicative device recreating themes from Indian legendS. Our students are also exposed to its ability- as a language with an alphabet and vocabulary, to represent diverse stories and subjects.
SUMMER CAMP (recreational program for children aged 5-12)
Students are introduced to movement vocabulary, hand gestures and dance theatre in a fun and interactive way.
SUMMER INTENSIVE (part of the Professional Training Program)
The dancers of this program are groomed for professional careers and this initiative allows them to hone their performance skills for Laya Bhava Company productions and performances. This dancer training program was also conducted in 2013, 2014 and 2015 and was supported by the Ontario Arts Council.
LAYA BHAVA COMPANY
Dancers who have completed their training, dance in productions and company performances. Dancers are paid professional artist fees as outlined by CADA (Canadian Alliance of Dance Artists). Productions are almost always performed with live musicians. Carnatic Musicians the company has worked with include: Yadav Yadavan, Pon Sundaralingam, Prema Sriskandarajah, Vasudevan Rajalingam, Rathiruban Paramsothy, Thanathevy Mithradeva, Vijayaluxmy Srinivasan, Jayadevan Nair, Balamurali, & Kamala Sadasivam.
To impart rigorous training in the technique, expression and performance of Bharata Natyam, an ancient dance nurtured in southern India. Introducing students to its history and evolution, our training highlights Bharata Natyam'S role as a communicative device recreating themes from Indian legendS. Our students are also exposed to its ability- as a language with an alphabet and vocabulary, to represent diverse stories and subjects.
SUMMER CAMP (recreational program for children aged 5-12)
Students are introduced to movement vocabulary, hand gestures and dance theatre in a fun and interactive way.
SUMMER INTENSIVE (part of the Professional Training Program)
The dancers of this program are groomed for professional careers and this initiative allows them to hone their performance skills for Laya Bhava Company productions and performances. This dancer training program was also conducted in 2013, 2014 and 2015 and was supported by the Ontario Arts Council.
LAYA BHAVA COMPANY
Dancers who have completed their training, dance in productions and company performances. Dancers are paid professional artist fees as outlined by CADA (Canadian Alliance of Dance Artists). Productions are almost always performed with live musicians. Carnatic Musicians the company has worked with include: Yadav Yadavan, Pon Sundaralingam, Prema Sriskandarajah, Vasudevan Rajalingam, Rathiruban Paramsothy, Thanathevy Mithradeva, Vijayaluxmy Srinivasan, Jayadevan Nair, Balamurali, & Kamala Sadasivam.
OUR LOCATIONS
MARKHAM
(MARKHAM & 14th) 68 Apollo road Markham, ON L3S4H1 |
NORTH YORK
**Location Change Forest Manor Public School 25 Forest Manor Rd, North York, ON M2J 1M4 |