Not just an artform. A way of life.

Bharatanatyam, Kalakshetra Bani since 2009

Since 2009 · Kalakshetra Bani · Chennai & CanadaUdaan 2025 in The Times of India · Adyar Times

Why families choose SKN

More than a dance class

At SKN, we place equal importance on artistic learning and the overall development of the student.

Through regular practice and learning, students develop discipline, perseverance, confidence, cultural awareness, self-expression, and a deeper connection with themselves. No marks, no competition: we look at effort, consistency and the ability to overcome fear.

Academy

Since 2009

1,500+
Students taught since 2009
20+
Stages performed on
16
Weekly batches, from children to adults
3
Countries where our students live: India, Canada and the USA

Since 2009

From one student to 1,500+

Sunitta MenghanaaniCo-Founder & Director

Lineage

2009
One room, one student
Teaching begins in Besant Nagar under the name Samarppan, with a single student — Aparna.
2013
The teacher on stage
Sunitta Menghanaani presents her first solo recital.
2015
Bharat Nritya Utsav
A solo at Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sabha’s festival of dance.
2018
A name, and a first Arangetram
The school takes the name Shanti Kala Nikketan under Om Guru Om, and Aparna Manu presents her Arangetram at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
2022
Jeevan Utsav
A celebration of life through dance, performed online across six countries.
2023
Udaan takes flight
The academy’s own showcase begins at Narada Gana Sabha, so that every dancer has a stage.
2024
From student to teacher
S. Kirusanthini, now head of the Canada branch, presents her Arangetram.
2025
On Kalakshetra’s stage
Udaan returns at Kalakshetra Foundation with over forty performers, from children to adults.
2026
Nada Sudha
Students perform at the 27th Nada Sudha Music & Dance Festival.
Today
The tradition travels
1,500+ students taught, in Chennai, in Canada and online.

Honoured on stage and in print

Sunitta Menghanaani receiving an award on stage, with Om Guru Om beside her — Sunitta Menghanaani with Om Guru Om

Best Performer Award
Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sabha
Exemplar Award
Dorai Foundation, Chennai

In the papers

Times of India photo spread of Udaan 2025 at Kalakshetra, with captions naming Aparna Manu and Sunitta Menghanaani — “A mesmerising night of rhythm, tradition and classical dance”The Times of India · Chennai Times · 26 June 2025

Adyar Times community page reporting Shanti Kala Nikketan’s Udaan at Kalakshetra Foundation — “Over 40 performers, from children to adults”Adyar Times · 13–19 July 2025

On our stages

Every dancer gets a stage

Two dancers mid-performance at Udaan 2025

21 Jun 2025 · Kalakshetra Foundation

Udaan 2025 — Where Tradition Takes Flight

Our own showcase, created so that every dancer has a stage irrespective of their stage of learning. Over forty performers, from children to adults.

Watch on YouTube

24 Jan 2026
Nada Sudha — 27th Music & Dance Festival
30 Sept 2025
Samarpanam Festival
22 Jun 2025
Arangetram — Jahnavi Sivasubramanyam

Events

In their words

“I am proud to say that my daughter, Aparna Manu is the first student of Shanti Kala Niketan since the age of 5. Sunitta Ma’am promised her she would never stop teaching her, and that promise has held till date — we are more like a family. She has not only shaped Aparna into a beautiful dancer but made her a confident person ready to face the world, and with good values. We are very lucky to be associated with SKN. I wish SKN all the best!”
Lakshmi K
“It has been a wonderful experience re-learning Bharatanatyam systematically under the training and guidance of Guru Sunita Menghanaani. The way she breaks down tough modules into easy to grasp sections is amazing. She truly promotes the philosophy that everyone with the right mindset and passion can dance beautifully with practice and dedication.”
Sanghamitra M
“One of the best decisions we made for Mayuri was enrolling her at Shanti Kala Nikketan under Sunitta Ma’am’s guidance. Seeing Sunitta Ma’am carry forward the pure Kalakshetra legacy with such dedication, love, and discipline is a blessing. It has taught our daughter not just how to dance, but how to respect, persevere, and connect deeply with our culture.”
Mayuri’s parents

“Excellent teachers. I will highly recommend SKN for people of all ages who are interested in Bharatanatyam. For students from age 5 to 50 they adapt the teaching based on one’s strength and capabilities. We parents also started learning Bharatanatyam, and truly enjoy the journey with SKN.”
Balaji P
“Excellent program, well planned and executed. Teachers in the institution are very kind and committed in taking the dance form to the students. My daughter Jahnavi performed a shabdam in this program. I have watched a few classes and am amazed at the way Sunitta Maam teaches the dance — she explains the meaning of the lyrics and asks her to show expressions in her own way. Very fortunate to be with SKN, which makes a kid believe in herself.”
Yamini Siva
“Both my daughters are learning with Shanti kala niketan. My daughters are enjoying learning with teachers. We are very happy with teachers and their teaching techniques.”
Prachi Goel