chandralaya school of dance

Welcome to Chandralaya School of Dance, located at 21 Patterson Road in Bentleigh, Australia. As an establishment and point of interest, we are dedicated to bringing the classical Indian dance to Melbourne in both its purest and contemporary forms. Our goal is to nurture and develop the inherent artistic interests of each student, providing them with a friendly environment to dance, express, and be inspired.

Led by the talented and versatile dancer Deepa P Mani, Chandralaya School of Dance offers training in both Classical Bharatanatyam and Contemporary dance. With over 30 years of experience and training, Deepa is a consummate dancer who has performed to acclaim in India, the United States, and Australia.

Bharatanatyam, the traditional and stylized dance form from Tamil Nadu, India, is poetry in motion. It is one of the oldest classical dance forms, known for its grace, purity, statuesque poses, and intricate techniques that require years of practice to master. Bharatanatyam engages every muscle in the body and is divided into two primary elements: Nritta (body movements) and Nritya (expressions), forming what is known as Natya.

In addition to Bharatanatyam, Chandralaya School of Dance also offers training in Contemporary dance. Contemporary dance breaks from tradition, extending and challenging the boundaries of the classical dance form. It encourages creativity, reflects our times, and incorporates various forms such as Bharatanatyam, Jazz, and Ballet into music, imagery, and fashion. Our artists performing contemporary dance are trained in classical dance forms and develop their own unique style and purpose.

One of our unique offerings is the Bridging form, which predominantly uses pure Bharatanatyam techniques but presents the dances in a contemporary format with modern visual vibes. These dances, known as "bridging dances," showcase the fusion of traditional and contemporary elements.

At Chandralaya School of Dance, we also acknowledge and pay respect to the traditional custodians, the Boonwurrung/Bunurong and Wurrundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation, on whose land we live and create. We honor their Elders, past, present, and emerging.

Join us at Chandralaya School of Dance and embark on a journey of artistic exploration, cultural appreciation, and personal growth. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced dancer, our institution offers a welcoming and supportive environment for all.