Kalavriksha | Tree of Art: A space for being in the process of learning and practicing Bharatanatyam.
What we offer: We train interested students to engage in dancing.
What is our focus: The process of understanding with details.
What to expect: Organic progress of the student.
What is your part: Keep dancing!
At Kalavriksha Dance Centre, we approach teaching Bharatanatyam with professional clarity. We follow a detailed syllabus which enables the students to understand the dance form encompassing all aspects.
Theory and talam are part of an elaborate learning process. Students get the space to develop creative ability and understand their body movements with intelligence by preventing forced body or muscular strain. We spend time and energy on improving the overall stamina and creative aspects of Abhinaya. Focus on the knowledge of the body, refining the gentleness of movements, understanding the subtle nuances of movements, cultivating kinesthetic awareness and planning toward regular practice structures are essential components.
We encourage students to explore different approaches to the movements (adavus), space and expressions (abinaya). We discuss, teach and think through the working potentials with many hours of classwork and experimentation. All the collaborative efforts by students with the teacher’s help, on movements, speed, talam, or artistic expression, become tools for the student’s learning and growth. We communicate the stages of the learning process allowing students to gain insights into the complexity with comprehensive dance learning and practice structures.
We integrate discussions about the cultural and historical context of this dance form. We encourage students to reflect on the discussions. All possible spaces are created for contextual learning of Bharatanatyam and its dance pieces with diasporic awareness, expanded inquisitiveness and study growth.
An age-appropriate approach to training is vital for us at all levels and quality time is spent on the individual body and mind potential of each student. Students are trained in Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels. Students from age 7 and above are welcome.
The current physical learning location is Oshawa, Ontario. Online classes are available, across Canada and internationally.
Photo Credit: Hemanth Thiru, Dancer: Neeraja Ramani
Artistic Director: Neeraja Ramani
Neeraja Ramani has 30 years of teaching experience in Bharatanatyam. Her initial training was under Puduvai Kalaimamani Jayashree Narayanan and her Late aunty Krishnaveni Lakshmanan. She was mentored by, the Late Santha Bhaskar (Singapore), and by the Late C.V. Balagopal and Porf. A. Janardhanan of Kalakshetra. She is a graduate of Kalaskhetra College of Fine Arts (India).
She has trained students all across India, Singapore and Ontario, Canada. Her work experience includes posts as a dance lecturer, dance instructor and an independent teacher with choreographic experience in Bharatanatyam compositions.
Her teaching methodology is not static but fluid and evolving based on the changing requirements of the knowledge of Bharatanatyam for the students. She emphasizes experiential learning by providing students with opportunities to engage in practical works that enhance their understanding of the dancing processes.
Her approach to teaching Bharatanatyam holds her current curiosities of dance and movement practices. Her teaching methodology is informed by this; a critical and integrative approach that is developing and evolving for the body and movements of the students – A place for holding possibilities and curiosity towards learning.
To learn more about Neeraja Ramani as a dancer and choreographer Click Here
Photo: Self-portrait
teaching experience
- Kalavriksha Dance Centre Oshawa / GTA 2006 to Present — Teaching Bharatanatyam to students of all age groups.
- Nrityalaya Aesthetics Society, Singapore 1999 to 2004 — Professional dance instructor/choreographer at Nrityalaya dance school & public schools. Choreographed & trained students for school-level performances.
- Bhavan’s Gandhi Vidhyasram, India 1996 to 1998 — Dance instructor, middle & high school Guided the school students on subjects like philosophy, religion, and arts.
- Bharathiar Palkalai Koodam, Puducherry, India 1992 to 1996 — Dance lecturer for Bachelor of Performing Arts students at the university-affiliated college.
Photo Credit: Hemanth Thiru
