Namaste,

Today’s Indian culture has a distinct identity animated through the Temple traditions. Indian dance forms associated with the evolution and development of temple arts speak volumes for the great cultural endeavor. The forms of Indian dance practiced today have captured global attention and sensitized indigenous peoples in all cultural perspectives around the world.

India offers a number of classical dance forms, each of which dates back to different parts of the country. Each shape represents the culture and ethics of a particular region or group of people. The most famous classical forms are BHARATANATYAM from Tamilnad, KATHAKALI and MOHINIYATTAM from Kerala, ODISSI from Orissa, KATHAK from Uttarpradesh, KUCHIPUDI from Andhrapradesh and MANIPURI from Manipur.

The dance forms were nurtured with a purpose in the sacred premises of the temples. The temple dance had a mission: to bring art to the people and convey a message to the masses. The monotony of life in common, as well as the elite, was shared equally in the premises of a temple. True religion sanctified each element with a touch of beauty.

Art was an effective means of suggesting the cosmic truth that touched the hearts of devotees through dance, music, sculpture, architecture, or jewelery, compared to the effect created by rigid ritual practices.

Sheetal, founder of Shital Arts, has been a Bharatnatyam dancer since she was 5 years old. She has been performing and teaching this traditional dance form for almost 6 years. After having great success in India, Sheetal has now moved to Los Angeles, where he continues to share his tremendous knowledge of this dance. She has a diploma in dance from the most renowned dance institute in India called Nalanda University. He finished his Arangetram (the final domain of Bharatnatyam) at the age of 16. He teaches classes at Canoga Park and also gives private lessons. Besides dancing, she also teaches yoga and is an amazing henna tattoo artist.

Sheetal just presented at California State University Northridge (CSUN) for their International Open Market Festival to spread more awareness of this elegant dance. This appeared in Sun Dial magazine – [http://sundial.csun.edu/vnews/display.v/ART/2005/11/21/4381fe76b3090]

The classes are located in the following locations:

1. Canoga Park, San Fernando Valley

2. Los Angeles, Culver City (Pico + La Brea) near Korea City, Hollywood

If you are looking to learn about this incredible dance form or need an artist to perform, give us a call at the numbers below and we will be happy to assist you.

Blessings!