​    Shishya School Of Performing Arts     ​

by Dyuthi Ananth Nataraja, the dancing form of Lord Shiva, is one of the most recognizable images in Indian art and a powerful symbol within Bharatanatyam. The word Nataraja comes from Sanskrit—Nata meaning “dance” and Raja meaning “king,” or “King of Dance.” In the famous Nataraja pose, Shiva is depicted dancing within a circle of flames, representing the endless cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. His dynamic posture captures the idea that the universe is cons

by Zanetta Pierce There are moments when an opportunity comes along that completely rewrites your plans in the best way possible. To be completely honest, I didn't initially plan on stepping onto the dance floor. My lovely friend Ghazala had originally brought me on board with a very specific role in mind: I was just going to be a chaperone! I was perfectly happy to support from the sidelines, hold the bags, and cheer everyone on. That all changed when our incredible instruct

Natasha Agrawal July 2026 In 1838, a troupe of dancers from Perumal Temple in Pondicherry was selected to travel to Europe. Pondicherry being a French colony, it is likely that the dancers had no agency in choosing to travel. However, it is documented that the dancers were paid well - Rs. 10 per day as they traversed around Europe dancing and showcasing their art to colonial audiences. The five dancers Tillammal, Ammani, Sundaram, Rangam, Vedam were accompanied by musician

by Sukanya Mahadevan How Dance Travel Transforms Young Artists: From Rome & Paris to Our Upcoming Journey in Lisboa Travel has always been one of the most powerful teachers — and when paired with dance, it becomes life‑changing. At Shishya, our international tours are more than performances; they are immersive experiences that shape how our dancers see the world and themselves. After unforgettable journeys to India, Rome and Paris, we are now preparing for our next adventure:

by Sukanya Mahadevan As a teacher of the Arts, it always makes me fulfilled when my 'shishyas' go on to the next chapters of their lives but carry their art and all the life lessons they learn in our school. Our school motto 'Art for Humanity' is one I inculcate in them from a very early age and it has been a Shishya cornerstone for decades. A real testament to it is when a student takes this beyond their tutelage here and applies it to real life. It gives me great pleasure i

by Godha Pranathi If my mom hadn’t lied that day, then I would consider myself incomplete. I have two names: Godha, the name only close relatives use, while Pranathi is my “American” name. I was never one whole person, but two identities shoved into one body, until my passion for dance blended them into a cohesive self, helping me accept who I am. “Can I get out?” I muttered as I clung to my mother's churidar, begging not to go down the void of stairs approaching a looming d

by NIKITA GOYAL I have always struggled with my identity. Born and raised in America, I often found myself "too Indian" or "not Indian enough", making it difficult for me to ever really feel like I belong. So, when my parents decided to introduce me to Bharatanatyam at the age of 4, I finally found a safe space to embrace my heritage. To me, Bharatanatyam is more than an amalgamation of movements; it is an incredible feat of strength that showcases poignant tales with emotion

by RHEA CADAMBI My legs burn. My feet ache. Yet the unwavering, exhilarated smile on my face is genuine every time. The thrill of striding onto stage upon hearing Guru Sukanya’s signal of the kinkini has lasted from my first Bharatanatyam performance at age ten through my most recent, seven years later. Channeling the essence of each Hindu deity, captivating the crowd, and letting loose all inhibitions make every performance even more invigorating than the last. However, Bhar

by RIA CHIDARE I have been dancing since I could walk, but when I first started taking classes, I felt completely disconnected from it. I couldn’t understand why people were so captivated by dance or why I had to go to classes. It felt meaningless to me. But as time went on, something changed. I began to notice the little things—the rhythm in each step, the talam that grounded the movement, and the diverse expressions that brought every piece to life. I came to recognize that

by SUHANI GOYAL Dance has been an important aspect of my life, from being able to practice songs in the studio to sharing my culture through dance with performances. Bharatanatyam requires a great deal of strength and focus, especially when I have to perform long and tough dances, but I love it because it allows me to express myself and tell stories through movement. Performing for others is always the best part, whether at cultural programs or community gatherings, especiall

by Dyuthi Ananth (contribution by Sukanya Mahadevan) Every year, as the sky glows with lamps and laughter, Diwali — the Festival of Lights — reminds us of an ancient story that continues to guide the human spirit. Across India, Diwali is celebrated as the homecoming of Lord Rama, who returned to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and victory over the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya lit rows of lamps to welcome their king, symbolizing the triumph of dharma (righteo

by Dyuthi Ananth Dashami, also known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra, is a major Indian festival that symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Celebrated on the tenth day of the Navaratri festival, it marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana and, in some regions, the defeat of Mahishasura by Goddess Durga. Beyond the mythological tales, Dashami represents renewal, courage, and righteousness—the cleansing of negativity and the rise of truth. It’s a time when com

by Nila Sathiesh When my family travels, we are all about a tight itinerary and using every hour in the most efficient way we can. While those trips are fulfilling in their own right, sometimes the most memorable trips can be the ones where not everything is planned. From visiting the Louvre to the city pharmacy, my summer trip to Pariswas full of fun moments. We enjoyed our time at cafés eating so many different and unique dishes like Nutella crepes, chicken crepes, fruit c

by Tara Kartik

by Roshni Dhanavanth

By Sanjana Kamath Getting ready for my arangetram has been a whole new level of intensity. The practices are long and focused sometimes...

by Dyuthi Anantharam Some passions are born with us; others are gifted across generations like heirlooms. My love for Bharatanatyam, I...

by Maya Ivancic Maya Ivancic's interview questions for Sukanya Aunty: How did you decide to start Shishya dance school My friends...

by Jaya Balasubramaniam 14 years ago, my then four year-old attended a neighbor’s Bharatnatyam dance recital and begged me for classes....

by Sukanya Mahadevan I have to stop and think and pinch myself when I realize that twenty years have flown by since the inception of this...