BHARATANATYAM

LEarning the nuances

A sound knowledge of theory and literature is indispensible part of a dancer’s training. At AEKA, students at every level are taught the theory of dance and music. The training methodology followed at AEKA not only focuses on the technical ability of the dancer but also into fine tuning of their mastery of Abhinaya and the subtle nuances of Bharatanatyam.

Classes

Classes are structured to motivate, involve and encourage learning through observation and dedicated practice.

'Art for creativity' is an after school program, designed towards constructive use of after school time to help build:
Stronger self image
Critical personal skills
New interests
Build confidence

Beginner

Whether your goal is to actually dance Bharatanatyam or just learn all about it,
step in.

Intermediate

To build confidence in dance and yourself, while learning in a fun and
supportive environment.

Advanced

"Aimed for dancers who want an intensive training experience to be the beautiful and graceful dancers they are."

Classes

Master the techniques

01/03

Bharatanatyam classes are conducted online by Aparna Raghavan, the Founder of Aeka Academy and the senior student of Padma Bhushan The Dhananjayans.

Online

Class By

Aparna Raghavan

02/03

Our senior student & now a faculty member, will teach Bharatanatyam and Cāris at Aeka Academy premises, in Geneva. Online classes available on demand.

in-person

Class By

Alice Bordoloi

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03/03

A diligent student of our academy, presently a thriving solo dancer is our faculty, teaching Bharatanatyam in-person classes for beginners at Aeka Academy, Geneva.

in-person

Class By

Sadhika

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Alice
Bordoloi

Alice's journey as a dancer commenced at the age of 14. Of Indian and German heritage but raised in Switzerland, she has grown a profound connection to her Indian roots through classical Indian dance, enriching her cultural identity.

Alice Amrapali is a student of esteemed gurus Monika Kunz and Nirupama Rajendra, and, most recently, Aparna Raghavan in Geneva. While she has explored various styles, her foundation remains rooted in the Kalakshetra tradition. Under the tutelage of Monika and Nirupama, she also delved into the intricacies of Caris and the 108 Karanas, further expanding her dance vocabulary. She also pursued contemporary dance training at the Zurich School for Dance and Theatre. Following her graduation, she joined the Chitralekha Dance Company in Birmingham as a company dancer, danced for Nina Rajarani in London as well as for the Radha Kalpa Dance Company under Director Rukmini Vijayakumar in Bangalore. She is also a certified Yoga teacher.

Teaching Bharata Natyam is Alice's true passion. She takes immense pleasure in imparting her knowledge and transmitting the joy of dancing to her students. With a meticulous approach, she also emphasizes the importance of a rigorous and precise technique. She has been teaching Bharata Natyam in Zurich for many years, and as a senior faculty member of AEKA she acts as substitute teacher at the academy.

She holds a Master's degree in English Literature and is an experienced communication and PR professional. She is also a mother of a young daughter and lives with her family in Geneva.

Sadhika

Sadhika, a prodigious talent, embarked on her Bharatanatyam journey at the tender age of 8 under the guidance of Natyacharya Smt.Aparna Raghavan, at Aeka Academy, Geneva, Switzerland. Fuelled by her unwavering passion for Natyam, Sadhika gracefully balances her academic pursuits with her artistic endeavours, a testament to her dedication and commitment.

Sadhika, a prodigious talent, embarked on her Bharatanatyam journey at the tender age of 8 under the guidance of Natyacharya Smt.Aparna Raghavan, at Aeka Academy, Geneva, Switzerland. Fuelled by her unwavering passion for Natyam, Sadhika gracefully balances her academic pursuits with her artistic endeavours, a testament to her dedication and commitment.

A few words in Sadhika’s own words:

My Journey in Bharatanatyam and the Joy of Teaching

Since childhood, dancing became my purest form of joy and almost instinctive, like an extension of who I was. I was introduced to Bharatanatyam, at a very early age, and from my very first class, I was captivated. The precision, expression, and storytelling woven into every step fascinated me and as I delved deeper, not just into the technique but into the history, and discipline behind it, what began as a passion became a lifelong pursuit.

Balancing dance with academics wasn’t always easy, but Bharatanatyam became my anchor. It deepened my connection to my Indian heritage, keeping me rooted in my culture despite growing up in a foreign country. Over time, my love for the art led me to my Arangetram, a defining milestone that reinforced how much this dance meant to me.

Now, as I navigate my first year of biochemistry, I’ve discovered an unexpected joy, teaching. Under my Nātyacharya’s guidance, I recently began instructing a beginners’ class, and in doing so, the same joy I found in dancing, I now find in passing it on to others. Watching students take their first steps in Bharatanatyam reminds me of my own journey, and I hope to inspire them just as my Nātyacharya inspired me.

Teaching, for me, is not just about passing on technique but nurturing a genuine love for the art. Just as my Nātyacharya has guided and shaped my journey, I aspire to do the same for the next generation of dancers. As I continue growing, both in dance and in life, I see teaching not just as an extension of my passion, but as a way to give back to the art form that has given me so much.