Shakti School Of Bharatanatyam

Shakti School of Bharata Natyam, founded in 1977, and having completed 30 glorious years of providing instruction to over two thousand students is one of oldest and the premier institutions of Bharata Natyam in Southern California. Viji Prakash teaches the Tanjavur style of Bharata Natyam which is characterized by its grace and vigor. Several of the students have had their solo dance debuts (arangetram) and have toured India and the USA as members of the Shakti Dance Company, and have won international awards and recognition. The performing division is called the Shakti Dance Company. All performing members have had several years of training and have completed their arangetram. Several of Viji's senior students are reputed teachers and performing artists in their own right. Some of them are teachers at the Shakti School of Bharata Natyam. In addition to regular classes, students attend special residencies and camps conducted by leading dancers and Natyacharyas (dance masters). All students at Shakti participate in at least two dance recitals annually. Additional performances are usually planned for intermediate and advanced students. The Shakti Orchestra comprising of professional musicians from India and the USA provide live accompaniment for all performances.