Conceptualized in the year 2000, Shānkari Nātyasthal had been imparting training in Kuchipudi Dance and Carnatic Music. Teaching the finer nuances of pure dance and expressions of Kuchipudi, the science of dance, drama, and music.
Over the last 2 decades, students of Shānkari Nātyasthal have been performing at several prestigious sabhas, national and international dance festivals including Natyanjali and Brahan Natyanjali, and many temples and divine shrines across India.
The repertoire aligns to traditional Kuchipudi and Yakshagana forms and comprises several ballets or dance dramas, tarangams, thillanas, padamas and compositions of various Vaggeyakaras from ancient era to yesteryears.
Every year Shankari Natyasthal conducts Sadguru Tyagaraja Swamy’s Aradhana on Pushya,
Another legendary personality whose immense contribution to the world of music is priceless.
For the last 6 years, Shankari Natyasthal is truly blessed to be part of the Dev Deepavali festival at the spiritual shrine of India – Varanasi.
A unique presentation with a blend of Harikatha, Carnatic music, Theatre and Kuchipudi Dance. Shankari Natyasthal owns quite a few such productions,
Several dance dramas – Rukmini Kalyanam based on Sri Krishna Leela Tarangini, Parvati Kalyanam, Devi Vaibhavam, Navadurga Vilasam, Panchabhoota Linga,
Vijayavalli Bharadwaj was born in Tenali, Andhra Pradesh, and comes from a traditional Harikatha Bhagavatar's family. Her father and Guru, Brahmasri Yeleswarapu Subrahmanya Sastry, were multitalented and versatile artists proficient in Harikatha, Theatre, Literature, and Classical Music.
She holds a Master's degree in Kuchipudi Dance, having earned a Bachelor's degree with a Gold medal in Kuchipudi Dance and a Post Graduate Diploma in Folk Arts from Potti Sree Ramulu Telugu University in Hyderabad.
Trained in Harikatha, Telugu Literature, and Classical music from her father at a very young age, Vijayavalli rendered her first Harikatha performance at an event organized by All India Radio when she was just 5 years old. She began performing at several prestigious events and occasions and received numerous appreciations and awards, establishing herself as a child prodigy. One of her notable performances was during the TANA Silver Jubilee Celebrations in San Jose and Los Angeles, USA, in 2003.
Fascinated by the grace and expressive qualities of Kuchipudi dance, she dedicated herself to this divine art, embracing its tradition and pure form of classical dance.
Inspired by the legendary Sri Vempati Chinna Satyam garu, Vijayavalli embarked on a journey to explore the finer nuances and intricacies of various dance forms and ancient scriptures to acquire an in-depth insight. She attended numerous workshops and performances by renowned stalwarts, maintaining an insatiable appetite for knowledge and excellence.
Recognizing the paramount importance of Nattuvangam, the rhythmic sound play of cymbals in classical dance, she diligently honed her skills in this essential element. She was fortunate to receive guidance in the nuances of Nattuvangam from Smt. Kamala Rani, an adept Nattuvanaar from Kalakshetra, Chennai.
Started in the year 2000, the institution offers revived tradition of Carnatic music and Kuchipudi dance. Teaching the finer nuances of pure dance and expressions of Kuchipudi, imparting the science of dance, drama and music.
The institute also prepares students for Certificate and Diploma Examinations every year, conducted by Potti Sree Ramulu Telugu University, Hyderabad. More than 100 of my disciples have secured first class distinction so far. My disciples have also won many competitions at state and national level, have been graded and recognised by Prasar Bharati, Govt. of India.
Being part of some of the prestigious international dance festivals is yet another facet of Shankari Natyasthal. My students have performed at prestigious and international dance festivals such as Brahan Natyanjali,Tanjavur, Natyanjali festival at Chidambaram and Kumbakonam, Thirunallar, Karur, Nagapattinam, Shanmukhapriya Natyanjali Mumbai, Natarajotsav Mysuru and many more.
Inculcating love and respect for classical arts, promoting our culture among the young, stimulating discipline and nurturing their promising aptitude and artistic faculties has always been the primary purpose of the institution.
