Ontario, Canada
Bharatanatyam in Scarborough
Our Canadian branch, running individual and group classes at Morningside and Finch under Kalakshetra-trained faculty.
Where and when
1 venue
Classes run in weekly batches, grouped by level rather than by age. 3 batches are currently taking admissions.
Scarborough · Morningside & Finch
3 batches
- CA1Level 1 — FoundationSat · 6 pm – 7 pmAdmission open
- CA2Level 1 — FoundationAdultsSun · 5 pm – 6 pmAdmission open
- CA3Introductory ProgrammeSun · 5 pm – 6 pmAdmission open
Who travels to us
Families from across Scarborough
We hold classes in Morningside & Finch. Students also travel from the neighbourhoods below — these are catchment areas, not separate venues.
- Scarborough
- Malvern
- Morningside Heights
- Markham
- Pickering
- Ajax
- North York
- Greater Toronto Area
Who teaches here
S. Kirusanthini
Head, Canada Branch
A Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, and teacher with strong artistic roots in Sri Lanka. She began her training in the Vazhuvoor style under Smt. Sangeetha Karthikeyan and later studied the Kalakshetra Bani for over nine years under Sunitta Menghanaani, whom she joined in 2017. Her dance and teaching work extends to AIMA in Chennai and the SEED NGO in Sri Lanka.
- First-Class Grade Levels in Bharatanatyam, Annamalai University
- Best Dancer Award, UNIPUN Sri Lanka
- BCA and MCA (Computer Applications)
The progression
From first shloka to Arangetram, in Scarborough
00
Introductory ProgrammeIntroduction to the Arts
Ages 3.5 – 6 years
A gentle and joyful introduction designed for young children to develop rhythm, coordination, concentration, confidence, and cultural values. Through Sanskrit shlokas, devotional themes, storytelling, creative movement, rhythm exercises, and expressive dance activities, children are introduced to Indian culture in an engaging and age-appropriate manner before beginning formal Bharatanatyam training.
01
Level 1Foundation
Students establish a strong technical foundation through basic Adavus, Hastas, rhythm training, introductory theory, and devotional compositions such as Mallari and Nottuswaram.
02
Level 2Technique Development
Building strength, precision, and coordination through advanced Adavus while expanding theoretical knowledge and introducing traditional repertoire including Kauthuvam and Todayamangalam.
03
Level 3Margam Preparation
Students begin their journey into the classical Margam, learning foundational performance pieces such as Alarippu, while continuing to strengthen technique and musical understanding through Tevaram and Divya Prabandham.
04
Level 4Repertoire & Expression
Students expand their artistic vocabulary through Jatiswaram, Shabdam, Keerthanam, and Virutham, while developing expressive storytelling, abhinaya, and a deeper appreciation of Bharatanatyam's cultural heritage.
05
Level 5Advanced Artistry
Technical excellence is refined through Thillana, Ashtapadi, Bhajan, and Javali, alongside advanced study of theory, literature, composers, and expressive interpretation.
06
Level 6Mastery
The final academic level focuses on the most demanding elements of the Bharatanatyam repertoire, including Varnam, Padam, and Swarajathi, cultivating technical maturity, artistic excellence, and independent performance ability.
Visit us in Scarborough
Bharatanatyam, Kalakshetra Bani since 2009