“We are so blessed to be part of Kalapeetham for the past 15 years. Kalyani aunty and Tharini provided an enriching environment for my daughter to learn the Kalakshetra style of dancing. The guidance and emotional support her Gurus provided for her Arangetram was a monumental one that instilled discipline and grace in her. The journey has been deeply rooted in our culture and we are forever grateful to her Gurus.”
Mithra Mohan – Kalapeetham mom since 2009
“My experience with Kalapeetham was absolutely transformative. It was more than just a dance school; it was a family. Throughout my 9 years dancing, I gained more aunties and sisters than I can count. Kalyani Aunty is like a second mother to us all, teaching us to be the best versions of ourselves through humility, grace, patience, perseverance, and kindness. Tharini Akka is the epitome of a role model. She taught us that hard work and determination absolutely pays off. I was mesmerized every time I watched her dance and getting to dance alongside her was an ultimate privilege I often look back on with pure joy. Kalpeetham helped shape me into the woman I am and it kept me connected to a culture I’ve grown to appreciate more and more everyday. Some of my favorite parts of myself are the parts I nurtured through dance and thanks to Kalyani Aunty, Tharini Akka, and Kalapeetham, no matter where I go, dance will always be a part of my identity.”
Trupti Sriram – Kalapeetham student since 2006
“Through being a student at Kalapeetham School of Dance, I have been given the guidance and support from my Gurus to appreciate and see the art that is inherent to life. Through Aunty and Akka, I’ve observed from their way of living, how there is Godliness in living with discipline and piety, values that are directly transmitted through the Kalakshetra stamp that is taught to us students. Similar to how students of Kalakshetra live as dancers, carrying their grace and humility with them wherever they go, I too feel that being a student has immersed me such that wherever I am in life, I can attribute any positive qualities I have to what I’ve learned from dancing. Aunty and Akka, more than anything, teach that the art that is real and worth preserving is one that is attained through sincere dedication, not simply through the aesthetic elements of Bharatanatyam, as the art form itself has always been about more than just presentation. Kalapeetham provides its students not only with invaluable dance instruction but also with profound values that allows every student to carry that they are a dancer, not only in mind and body, but also in practice.”
Harshini Mohan – Kalapeetham student since 2009
I started dancing at Kalapeetham when I was about five, but what I really received there was far more than dance.
From the very beginning, Kalyani Ammamma and Tharini Akka gave so much of themselves to us. It wasn’t just about getting the steps right. They cared about what the movement meant, what we felt when we danced, and how we carried it within us. They would patiently walk us through every mudra, every glance, every small detail, until it wasn’t just something we were doing, but something we understood.
They showed us what it means to truly commit to something, to respect an art form, and to keep showing up even when it’s difficult.
Over the years, dance became a space where I learned discipline, confidence, and resilience. All of that came through their guidance. They carved not just the dancer in me, but the person I am becoming.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have been under their guidance for the past 16 years. Dance may have been my first passion, but they are the reason it meant so much. I will always carry their lessons with me, with deep gratitude.
Navya Putrevu – Kalapeetham Student since 2010
Without a doubt, being a student of the Kalapeetham School of Dance has had a direct impact on the person I am today and how I live my life. Kalyani Aunty and Tharini Akka are not only amazing at teaching Bharathanatyam with precision, passion, and perfection, but they instill countless core values into their students that stick with them for the rest of their lives.
Learning from a school like Kalapeetham, where Kalyani Aunty and Tharini Akka strive to make their students the very best, I pushed myself beyond my perceived limits countless times. However, that hard-work is what followed me into every aspect of my life, showing me that what we learn in Kalapeetham as dancers contributes to how we carry ourselves in life. Without Aunty and Akka teaching me the power of “willpower” and instilling values of “discipline, dedication, and devotion” into me, I would not carry myself with half the confidence that I do today.
Additionally, I’ve never been taught to dance for the sake of performance, but to dance for the sake of immersing myself in the spiritual, devotional, and artistic aspects of the art form. Every time Aunty explained stories from the Ramayana and Mahabaratha for our dances, I felt that she brought me closer to my spirituality and culture. From the invaluable opportunities to the heartful teaching, Kalapeetham has shaped who I am today, and I am forever grateful.
Nitya Kotha – Kalapeetham Student since 2014
It was a wonderful journey for me and my daughter Trupti Sriram for 9 plus years with Kalyani aunty, Tharini and the Kalapeetham family. Aunty’s sincere dedication, patience and love for the art increased Trupti’s interest in dance and she absolutely enjoyed going to class just for aunty, even as a beginner. As Trupti grew older and started attending Tharini’s classes she was fascinated with the passion, hardwork and creativity that Tharini showed and she became her “Akka” in the true sense! I’m happy that Trupti got to perform her convocation performance in 2017 and am thankful to both of them for all the support and encouragement they gave us during that time. Learning about our culture and tradition is an important part during the growing years for kids and I’m happy that Trupti learned it through her dance journey with Kalyani aunty and Tharini.
Latha Iyengar – Kalapeetham mom since 2006
Being a part of Kalapeetham has been one of the most meaningful and grounding experiences of my life. Having practiced Bharatanatyam for over 22 years, the depth of training, authenticity, and care here is truly unmatched. Under the guidance of Kalyani Aunty and Tharini Akka, I have not only strengthened my technique, but also developed a deeper understanding of the artistry, discipline, and cultural richness that Bharatanatyam embodies.
Their teaching goes far beyond movement—they instill patience, expression, and a true respect for the tradition. They challenge you to grow while supporting you with so much warmth and intention. Through their mentorship, I have grown not just as a dancer, but as a person.
Kalapeetham is more than a dance school—it is a community and a second home. I am incredibly grateful to continue my journey here, rooted in such a strong foundation of passion, tradition, and love for the art.
Prithvi Govindan – Kalapeetham Student since 2004
My daughter, Prithvi began her journey at Kalapeetham when she was just 7 years old. I first heard about the school through another parent, and I’m so grateful we took that step— because from that day on, Kalapeetham, along with Kalyani Aunty and Tharini, became such an important part of our lives.
Over the years, I have watched Prithvi grow not only as a Bharatanatyam dancer, but also as an individual deeply connected to her Indian culture and traditions. The knowledge and values she has gained go far beyond dance, and that is truly a reflection of the dedication and care that Kalyani Aunty and Tharini pour into their teaching.
Kalyani Aunty’s patience and the love she shows her students is something very special—she cares for them like a second mother. Tharini is like an exceptional older sister. I have seen how she guides her students with so much passion, encouragement, and genuine love for the art.
Kalapeetham has been more than just a dance school for our family—it has been a place of growth, culture, and community. Our relationship with Kalapeetham is one that we will always
cherish and continue for many years to come.♥
Asha Govindan – Kalapeetham mom since 2004
