Smt. sudha krishnan - Founder & Artistic Director

Sudha Krishnan began her journey of learning this art form at the age of 5 and completed her arangetram under Guru Shri.K.J.Govindarajan Pillai when was 14 years old. In the year 2000 she moved to California with her husband and began teaching young kids and adults from her small apartment. 

 It was in 2010 that she formalized her dance school - Nritya Laya Darpan through which she continues to nurture the art of Bharatanatyam.Sudha also learnt under Guru. Smt. Gayatri Subramaniam of Mumbai and more recently had the fortune to be trained under the internationally acclaimed artiste and Guru. Smt. Vidhya Subramanian.Sudha has conceptualized and produced quite a few productions as fund raisers for noble causes, like  - “Paryavaranam”. She has also performed at various venues and occasions here in the Bay Area.                                                                                                                 
In 2020,  she also launched an off-shoot of her dance school called Darpanaa ~ The Reflector Series through which she wishes to provide a platform to young aspiring students allowing them to reflect upon various aspects of Bharatanatyam. 

Gurus

My Nurturer ~ Smt. Aruna Subramaniam

At the age of 5, I walked in bedazzled by the grandeur of this art form, not fully understanding or anticipating what rigor it takes to become a good dancer. The motherly care that Aruna Teacher showered upon me, being tough when she had to be and absolutely loving when I needed it, her patience with me, in time, inculcated the discipline this art form needed and kicked off my learning journey. 
Aruna Teacher gave me so many opportunities when I was under her wings and I am so grateful to her for initiating this path for me and igniting this passion in me! She now resides in Tanjore District of Tamil Nadu, where she continues to teach young girls. She was recently awarded with Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Award in recognition of her efforts in Bharatanatyam.

My Enlightener ~ Guru Sri. K.J.Govindarajan Pillai

Guruji, as I fondly called him, adopted me as his disciple after my first guru moved back south and my yearning for the art form kept brewing. Under his able tutelage and guidance, the love for the art form started growing. Following strict routines, he encouraged me to complete my arangetram. Upon the completion of which, I realized that I could not let go of this aesthetic dance from my life. I was hooked for life! He taught me what it takes to be devoted to this art, how to be a performer on stage and that discipline drives passion!! 
Just about a year later, Guruji left me and many others only to leave us yearning to be satisfied which in my case was fulfilled by his daughter/disciple Smt. Kalaivani Rajmohan. I trained under her guidance until 2000 after which I moved to Bay Area, CA, USA.

My Mentor ~ Guru Smt. Gayatri Subramanian

Gayathri Akka came into my life when I needed a guiding hand, when my quest to learn more remained unfulfilled. Since moving to the USA in 2000, I missed being under the wings of an able Guru who could teach me, correct me, challenge me and keep my quest for learning fulfilled. In 2014, a chance meeting with her through my mother, ended my search and my dream to perform a solo Margam in the US came to fruition. She helped me rediscover myself as a dancer. I spent an entire week with her, from sunrise to sunset discussing only dance and absorbing everything she taught me. I walked out regaining my confidence and reinventing myself as a dancer/performer! 

My Inspiration ~ Nritya Choodamani Guru Smt. Vidhya Subramanian

The longing to keep learning, the yearning to be under the able guidance of a Guru is something that I cannot extinguish in me. I sought to pursue my passion to learn more about this divine art from Vidhya Akka. She graciously agreed to carve time out from her busy schedule to train me. Sessions with her were enriching and informative, she showed me the nuances of body language, facial expressions, stage presence and so much more! Akka has been the source for me to learn the art of Nattuvangam and mentored  me in the same during my very first Arangetram as a teacher. I spent very little time with her but the learnings will last me a lifetime! Till date, she continues to inspire me through her graceful demeanor and in the way she preserves the traditionality of this divine art! She has also helped my daughter with some of her choreographic delights which was presented in her Arangetram on the 22nd January 2022. Akka is a constant source of inspiration for me.