Natya Sankalpaa was founded in Kilpauk, Chennai in 1996. The institution aims to create a complete Bharatanatyam artist. Theory, music and yoga are part of the curriculum.
Students are encouraged to participate in performances by the institute. Senior students perform regularly at major dance festivals.
All members of the distinguished faculty contribute to choreographic work.
Natya Sakalpaa celebrated its 100th Arangetram on 25th June, 2016. The 20th anniversary of the institution will be celebrated on 9th October 2016 at Narada Gana Sabha.
——–
Draft by Anand
Natya Sankalpaa, the school for Bharathanatyam, an ancient art of dance which has been in existence for the past 3,500 years was founded in 1996 at Kilpauk, Chennai, India.
The school was founded by Kalaimamani Smt. Urmila Sathayanarayanan, an eminent student of Padamashri late K.N. Dandayuthapani Pillai and Kalaimamani Smt. late K.J. Sarasa the doyens in this field.
Smt. Urmila Sathayanarayanan, is a well known Bharathanatyam artist and has given well over 1000 performances in India, USA, Europe and several other countries and continents as well.
Smt. Urmila Sathayanarayanan had created several thematic presentations; Panchali Sabatham, xxx, yyy, Meera are some of the few to mention. She has several awards and titles to her credit; Nrithya Choodamani, Kalaimamani, Natya Kala Sarathy, Best Natyacharya award to name a few.
The school has an excellent set of eminent teachers to coach and guide the students in the various aspects of the Bharathanatham dance.
The school aims at imparting Bharathanatyam dance to students in a holistic approach with emphasis to theory & music, fortified with Yoga for physical and mental strength, all as part of the curriculum.
In the past 21 years, more than 1000 students have been trained at this school and 120 students had had their arangetrams done.
At the 100th arangetram on 25th June 2016, all the 100 students who had completed their arangetram performed simultaneously on the stage, which was an amazing feast to see.
Artistic Director
Smt. Urmila Sathyanarayanan is an internationally acclaimed Bharatanatyam exponent, one of the brightest among the new generation of dancers, with dancing experience of over three decades. She was trained by eminent gurus Padamashri K.N. Dandayuthapani Pillai and Kalaimamani Smt. K.J. Sarasa.
She has conceptualized and choreographed many of her original thematic productions which have been acclaimed as a fine display of visual geometry that combines sprituality, literature, history, mythology, yoga and science, leading to a divine experience. She is a frequent performer in the international scene.
Urmila has been the recipient of many prestigious awards and titles: Nrithya Choodamani, Kalaimamani, Natya Kala Sarathy, Best Natyacharya award to name a few. Urmila is a member of the Governing Board of the Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai and Governing Body of South Zone Cultural Centre.
Latest thematic productions of Urmila: ‘Meera The Lotus of Prem’ and ‘Turning Point’.
Website: www.urmilasathyanarayanan.com
Faculty
Smt. Rama Swaminathan is senior faculty of Natya Sankalpaa. She has been conducting, choreographing, teaching and presenting students for over 15 years. She is the daughter of late Mridanga Vidwan Sri V.P. Ramadas and wife of late violinist Sri D. Swaminathan. Rama is known for the rigorous training she provides to enable students achieve perfection.
Smt. Saikripa Prasanna is a post-diploma holder from the Kalakshetra Foundation. She is a pillar of support for Natya Sankalpaa. Saikripa handles all aspects of teaching as well as performances.
Smt. Rekha Vijayakumar is a post-diploma holder from the Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai. She is fully committed to the institution. With immense perseverance, Rekha strives to build a strong foundation in the basics of Bharatanatyam.
Sri T.K. Tiruchelvam is a multifaceted artist. He is a graduate from the Kalakshetra Foundation. He is a highly involved teacher. With great patience he instills in the students of Natya Sankalpaa an indepth understanding of the art.
Kum. Yamini Baskaran is trained in Bharatanatyam at NatyaSankalpaa. Pursuing MFA Bharatanatyam at SASTRA University. Faculty at Natya Sankalpaa for several years. Involved in conducting and presenting students.
Kum. M. Thamayanthi has trained in Bharatanatyam at Natya Sankalpaa. MFA graduate in Bharatanatyam at SASTRA University. She is a dedicated teacher.
Kum. Bhavani Udayakumar has trained in Bharatanatyam at Natya Sankalpaa. Participated in various productions of Natya Sankalpaa. Pursuing BFA Bharatanatyam at SASTRA University.