Narthanakalalaya (Academy of Fine Arts) is a prestigious dance school located in London, established in 1985 by Sangeetha Vidwan Smt. Pathmini Gunaseelan. With over 35 years of experience, the school has become a leading institution for Bharthanatyam, vocal, and violin classes in the Walthamstow and East Ham areas.
The school takes pride in guiding hundreds of aspiring dancers and producing 43 arangetram students since its inception. Smt. Pathmini Gunaseelan, a talented guru, has nurtured her students not only in the art of Bharathanatyam but also in discipline, flexibility, motivation, religious and cultural education, and self-expression.
Many former students attribute their success in various fields to the training and guidance they received at Narthanakalalaya. One former student, Dr. Suboshini Kugaprasad, who trained under Smt. Pathmini Gunaseelan and performed her arangetram in 1994, believes that Bharathanatyam and her guru's teachings played a vital role in shaping her into the doctor and general practitioner she is today.
Dr. Kugaprasad also expresses her joy and gratitude that her own two daughters have had the opportunity to continue their dance education under Smt. Pathmini Gunaseelan and her talented daughter, Smt. Saranka Gunaseelan, ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage for future generations.
Narthanakalalaya actively participates in various events and celebrations. The school's students took part in the local borough Diwali Celebrations and performed in ode to Diwali. Additionally, the students were blessed to perform for two consecutive days during the auspicious festival of Navaratri.
The academy is affiliated with the Academy of Fine Arts (London) and conducts annual exams with grades ranging from beginners to the teacher's diploma. Students have the opportunity to attend workshops by renowned Bharatanatyam performers/teachers, enriching their skills and knowledge. The school also provides various performance opportunities, ranging from local temples to parliament and even internationally.
Narthanakalalaya is known for its outstanding dance drama productions, receiving high praise and recognition. The school has staged over 43 arangetrams and has produced students who have gone on to become teachers in their own rights.
The school is led by its CEO and Founder, Smt. Pathmini Gunaseelan, who is also the Chief Examiner for the Academy of Fine Arts. Her daughter and disciple, Smt. Saranka Gunaseelan, is a teacher at Narthanakalalaya and contributed to joint choreography and nattuvangam for a recent arangetram in 2018.
Narthanakalalaya can be contacted through email at narthanakalalayam2023@gmail. Com or via phone at 07539444526. The school's website provides detailed information on its timetable, contact information, and news updates.