yavanika

Yavanika
School of Dance

Vidushi Sushma started the Yavanika dance school in 2015 to promote Bharatanatyam to the Indian diaspora and encourage cultural exchanges with the local communities. By following a traditional approach, students of Yavanika learn, experience and embrace Bharatanatyam in its classical style.

Scores of students, across age groups, have trained in both Bharatanatyam and free form over the years. Students of Yavanika have performed at various events, stages and continue to enhance their dancing skills.

Artistic Director

Vid. Sushma Gajanan

A Bharatanatyam exponent from the Pandanallur shaili, Sushma started the Yavanika School of Dance in Hong Kong in 2015. By focusing on the essence of Nritta and Natya, Sushma has been training students across different age groups over the years.

Right from the tender age of 6, Sushma showed a keen interest in dance and was initiated under Vid. Vyjayanthi Kashi.

Later, Sushma advanced her training under Guru Dr. Shubha Rani Bolar, a teacher of the Pandanallur tradition of Bharatanatyam in Bangalore, who is well known for her Abhinaya, choreography, and is a highly acclaimed Guru to hundreds of students in Bangalore.

Sushma has completed her Vidwat and currently pursuing Diploma in Bharatanatyam to explore the nuances of the Natya Shastra.

Guru

Vidushi. Dr. Shubha Rani Bolar

A classical exponent of the Pandanallur tradition, a national A-graded artist, empanelled by ICCR, New Delhi, she has initiated and nurtured hundreds of students to excel in Bharatanatyam. Today, her students are spread across multiple geographies and continue to pursue and promote Bharatanatyam.

Module

Aarambha

(Junior)

A course for the beginners, the classes generally commence with vyaayama kriyas. The students get to learn the basics of Bharatanatyam that include Adavus, Shlokas, Hasta Mudras, Alaripu, Jathiswaram, Devaranama, Kavutvam and Stutis. Theory sessions will include all about the importance of classical dance.
At the end of this program, students would have learned about – Balance, Grace, Expression, Emoting, Posture & Rhythm.

Fundamental study of basic Bharatanatyam techniques

– Focuses on Adavus, Shlokas, Hastha mudras (hand gestures) & basic abhinaya (expression)

– Introduction to items Alaripu, Jathiswaram & Devara nama (devotional songs)

Kids will learn to develop their skills, balance, expression & understand the rhythm.

Unnathi

(Vidyaman, Arivu, Para Vidya)

A course designed for the senior students who want to further enhance their knowledge and skill. The students will get to learn Bedas, Adavus in Trikala Jaati, Pada Varna, Padam, Kriti, Javali, Devaranama, Tillana and exposure to Navarasas.
At the end of this program, students will be able to accomplish stage initiation with Ranga Pravesha and be able to perform solo.

Mastery in intricate footwork & expressions

Performance of next level items Kavuthvam, Kritis, Varnam & Padams

Here, dancers will continue to increase their knowledge & hence will learn & express deeper emotions.

Sammishrana

(Folk, Semi-Classical)

This is a program designed especially for all the dance enthusiasts to experience and enjoy the benefits of dancing to folk music, light music and non-classical forms.

A program a well suited for people of all age groups who wish to explore dancing.

Inspiring Portrayals

By embodying soulful emotions and infusing every movement with the essence of the character,
Dancers get to portrayed various characters in in multiple compositions.

Notable Performances

More than 100 public performances across Hong Kong and India, including Hampi, Kancheepuram, Mysore, and Sirsi.

UNESCO, Hong Kong, Indian Performing Arts, Hong Kong Hong Kong Science and Technology Museum, Hong Kong, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Hong Kong More than 100 public performances across Hong Kong and India, including Hampi, Kancheepuram, Mysore, Sirsi.

Recognitions

Moments Captured

A curated collection of timeless memories and artistic expressions.

Gallery

Project ‘SwaraLaya’

In association with her mother-in-law, Vid. Girija Narayan, a renowned Sugama Sangeetha artist, Sushma has been supporting artists and students to pursue their dance and musical journeys through support scholarships.

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