Who we are

Formerly known as Bhaskar’s Academy of Dance, Nrityalaya Aesthetics Society (NAS) is the dedicated teaching wing of Bhaskar’s Arts Academy (www.bhaskarsartsacademy.com). The Society was founded by the late KP Bhaskar in India in the late 1940s. In 1952, he established it in Singapore and was later joined by his dancer wife, Santha Bhaskar. Together they trained students in Bharatanatyam in Singapore and Malaysia. Now, the organisation has expanded and offers courses in Dance, Music and Theatre and is represented in USA (California and Arizona) and Germany. With the passing of both KP Bhaskar (Apr 2013) and Santha Bhaskar (Feb 2022), the institution is now in the capable hands of their daughter Meenakshy Bhaskar. It currently boasts more than 600 students in its folds and has conducted in excess of 100 Dance and Music arangetrams (debut graduation presentation) over the years.

Organisation

Advisor                 Meenakshy Bhaskar
Principal               Ambujah Thirunavukarasu

Our Philosophy

We provide the platform and the opportunity.

The late KP Bhaskar has always emphasised that the Arts are a necessary part of human development, be it in improving the body, mind or soul. And as such, “No one shall be deprived of the Arts”. In his memory, Nrityalaya continues to offer scholarships and subsidies to children from less-privileged backgrounds. All we ask in return is a deep passion to learn the art form.

Nrityalaya also believes in enhancing classroom training through hands-on experience on-stage. To this end, students of Music and Dance are given numerous opportunities to perform such as at the Institution’s biennial events Sangitha Ankuram and Bala Nrityam/Ilayar Nadanam, as well as at other cultural shows at temple festivals or schools.

In addition, Dance and Music students with potential are carefully selected to be part of Bhaskar’s Arts Academy’s Company/Junior Company and Swathi Orchestra respectively, where they undergo intensive and well-rounded training. These trainings could eventually open doors to various opportunities such as performing in one of the Academy’s seasons, training under world-class choreographers/composers, or being part of an overseas performing tour.