Kalari

Samarpana Mohiniyattam Kalari (Established in May 2018) is a dance school based in Bangalore aimed at propagating the art form of Mohiniyattam.

The dance school is spearheaded by Smt. Vinaya Narayanan who is a senior disciple of Padmashri Bharati Shivaji and a well known performer and a devoted teacher. A few dedicated and passionate souls , eager to attain perfection in this style of Mohiniyattam are attending classes here, in both offline as well as online modes of study. Students from the age of eight onwards are admitted for classes in Mohiniyattam. Carnatic Music classes are also conducted here for the beginner’s level.

A well structured system of pedagogy for Mohiniyattam is offered at the institute where emphasis is given to both practical as well as theory learning. The texts of Natyashastra and Hastalakshanadeepika are adhered to, for theory learning and for the practicals, lessons on Hastas (hand gestures), Abhinaya (expressions), Talams (rhythmic structures), and the basics of music are taught along with the adavus (movement patterns), and repertoire items. 

Students are not only encouraged to take to dancing passionately but also to experience dance through its spiritual aspects. Vinaya firmly stresses on the importance of understanding dance not just as a way of entertainment for the self and others, but also for the upliftment of one’s energy system. By conscious engagement of one’s body, breath, mind and energy, one is able to transcend from the mere physical to the other dimensions of existence and connect with oneself as well as others at a spiritual level. This process of unification of energy is the most fulfilling aspect of any form of classical arts and has to be consciously encouraged and experienced.