Bharatanatyam
A versatile Indian classical dancer, 'Natya Mayura' awardee, ParshwanathUpadhye has carved out a niche for himself today as one of the most sought-aftermale dancers in the country.
Winner of eight national awards, an empanelled artist of the ICCR (Indian Councilfor Cultural Relations) and an 'A grade' artist of the Bangalore Doordarshan Kendra, Parshwanath's prowess in the field of dance is manifold and extensive.
Currently along with his dancer wife Shruti Upadhye, Parshwanath choreographs,directs, produces and presents his work at national and international venues. He also conducts dance workshops and regular as well as advanced training classes in
Bharatnatyam under the banner of his dance school ‘ Upadhye School of Dance,Bangalore’ and ‘Punyah Dance Company’, Bangalore, India, besides working alongside many reputed dance companies in India and abroad.
After undergoing 15 years of rigorous training and practice in the traditional Mysore style of Bharathanatyam under the able guidance and tutelage of Guru Shri Ravindra Sharma of Belgaum, Parshwanath completed his Arangetram in the year 1996 and continued his sadhana with the Guru at Ravind Natya Niketan , Belgaum till the year 2002.
He completed his Visharad in Bharatnatyam from Gandharva University, Mumbai in 1993-94 followed by Alankaara in Bharatnatyam from the same University in the year 2000-2003. Parshwanath came out in flying colours in the Vidwath
Examination in Bharatnatyam conducted by Karnataka Secondary Education Board,Bangalore.
Parshwanath Upadhye continues his learning and exploring of the art form under internationally acclaimed dancer duo, Shri Kiran Subramanyam and Smt.Sandhya Kiran since 2002 at ‘Rasika Academy of performing Arts,’ Bangalore. He participated in the ‘Karanas’ Workshop conducted by the eminent dancer Guru Dr.Padma Subramanyam in 1996 at Mangalore. He also had the opportunity to explore Folk music and Dance in the festivals conducted by Bailhongal Janapada Sangha , Karnataka in 1994 -96.
Gifted with fluid grace, an innate sense of rhythm and a vibrant sense of expression, Vijna was formally initiated into the world of Bharathanatyam at a very young age and has followed her calling with single-minded vision, rigorous training and above all, a passion for the craft. Today, she is an accomplished upcoming danseuse in the Kalakshetra tradition of Bharathanatyam and has been enthralling audiences both in India and Abroad. Good rhythmiccommand, great felicity of expression and pleasing stage presence are her forte.
She has given scores of performances abroad, and at premier dance festivals in India. She has performed as principle dancer in productions of senior performing artistes. Her lucid expressions and talent have earned her acclaim from several critics and public recognition too like the 'Sur Singarmani'from the Sur SingarSamsad in Mumbai.
She is a Visual Communication graduate from M.O.P Vaishnav College, Chennai and has successfully completed her masters in Bharathanatyam at Madras University, Chennai.Vijna commenced her training in Bharatnatyam under Smt. Sujatha Chandramohan (disciple of Adyar.K.Lakshmanan) in Muscat, Oman. Since 1996, she has been training under the world renowned dance couple 'The Dhananjayans' at Bharata Kalanjali, Chennai
Kuchipudi
Shama Krishna
Shama Krishna, hailing from Bangalore, is one of the foremost classical dancers of India. She has been trained in both Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dance styles and has given several performances in India and abroad. She began learning Bharathanatyam at a very young age from Guru Kalamandalam Smt Usha Datar and further received training from many senior Gurus like Guru Smt Narmada. She has been trained in Kuchipudi by Guru Smt Veena Murthy Vijay. She runs her own institution SHRADDHA DANCE CENTER, in Bangalore and has to her credit more than 150 students. She is an empanelled artist with ICCR and has received the national level scholarship from the Human Resource Department, Govt of India. She holds a Masters degree in Bharathanatyam from Sastra University, Tanjore and an A grade artist of Bangalore Doordarshan Kendra. She has been conferred with the Yuva Prathibha Award from BCKA last year.
Shama's quest for knowledge and dedication led her to Guru Smt. Sundari Santhanam, a direct disciple of Dr. Padma Subramanyam for an intense training in Karanas from the Natya Shastra. Shama has evolved as a consummate dancer by enhancing her dancing skills through workshops conducted by esteemed Gurus
Vyjayanthi Kashi is a creator and a visionary in this art who sees unity in diversity of all artistic endeavors. With a vision to promote artistic and professional excellence she established the Shambhavi School of Dance, a premier arts organization in 1993. For Vyjayanthi, theatre is the all-encompassing universal vehicle for her creative vision; it expresses life itself in the richness of all its myths and rituals.
Dancer par excellence Vyjayanthi Kashi’s career spans over an impressive spectrum of performance, choreography, teaching, acting, research and organizing. Her works has been featured in several National and International festivals round the globe in around 28 countries.
Started Shambhavi School of Dance – 1993 in Bangalore and trained many students in India and Abroad
Conducted thought provoking workshops, lecture demonstrations, and has presentated Papers in India, Germany, UK, Austria, Italy, Africa, Singapore, Egypt, Tunisia, Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Israel ,USA, South Africa, Botswana,Canada.
Kathak
The artistic dance duo, Hari and Chethana specialize in the Indian classical dance form from North India, ‘Kathak’. We have created and revitalized the art form through the establishment of our training centre, “Noopur performing Arts centre” in the city of Bangalore. Having founded the learning centre have aspired to train students in the art form for over years, rekindling a passion and spirit for the art. It is our attempt to promote the art form of ‘Kathak’ through ebullient performances at various National and International forums, in this process have inspired its light and knowledge with cultures and populations across the world.
CAREER
Hari and Chethana have distinguished themselves as inspiring dancers and have performed all over India, United states of America, Canada, The Netherlands, Luxembourg , Strasbourg ,The United Kingdom, Germany, Indonesia, France, Switzerland, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Saudi- Arabia, Srilanka and the Middle – East and have won critical acclaim around the globe . Empanelled artistes of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and auditioned artist of Bangalore Doordarshan, also members of the International Dance council (CID, UNESCO).
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Odissi
Madhulita Mohapatra
Young talented Madhulita Mohapatra has carved a niche as one of the leading Odissi exponents in south India. She is admired & applauded by the connoisseurs & critics alike, for her profound artistry and her innate abhinaya quality. A graded artiste of Doordarshan (India’s national broadcaster) & recipient of the prestigious BCKA Yuva Kala Pratibha award, Madhulita Mohapatra has performed at several prestigious events across the country, like International Odissi Dance Festival, Konark Dance & Music Festival, Mukteswar Festival, Odissi International, rangTARANG National Choreography Festival, Bengaluru International Arts Festival, Mysore Dussera Festival, Prayaya Festival, KALA NADAM, Kinkini Nrithyotsava, Ananya Samarpana,Nadaneerjanam, among others. She is selflessly devoted to the promotion & popularisation of Odissi dance through her institution, Nrityantar, by performing, teaching and nurturing finest talents. Nrityantar Dance Ensemble is one of the most sought after classical dance troupes from Karnataka and is invited by all major art festivals.