Foundation
Adavus, tala, and the standing posture — araimandi — that everything else in Bharatanatyam is built on. For young beginners and complete newcomers.
Shivamba Foundation ® presents
Bharatanatyam classes rooted in tradition, taught with devotion — opening its doors in Malavalli, Mandya District.
Anjali · The Offering
Shivanjali Nrityalaya is an institution devoted to the practice and preservation of Bharatanatyam, established upon a foundation of more than sixteen years of dedicated engagement with the art form. It was founded by Vidushi Suvarsha Gowda, who received her training under the tutelage of Karnataka Kalashree Vidwan K. Chandrashekhara Navada and Vidushi Sindhu. The institution stands as a sincere endeavour to impart the beauty, discipline, and depth of this timeless classical tradition to the succeeding generation.
The vision underlying Shivanjali Nrityalaya is to cultivate a nurturing environment in which students may study Bharatanatyam with sincerity, comprehend its tradition and significance, and mature into confident, graceful, and dedicated artists — carrying forward not merely the elegance of the dance, but also its values, discipline, and spirit.
For Suvarsha, Shivanjali Nrityalaya represents far more than a dance institution; it marks the commencement of a vision to impart, in turn, what she herself has received through years of disciplined learning — one rhythm at a time.
The founder
Vidushi · Founder, Shivanjali Nrityalaya
The journey of Suvarsha Gowda reflects a singular conviction: that when passion is sustained by discipline, dedication, and faith, even the most distant aspirations may be realised. A native of Kiragasuru, Malavalli Taluk, Mandya District, she attributes the person she has become to two formative influences — Psychology and Bharatanatyam. Though ostensibly disparate disciplines, both have imparted to her the selfsame lessons: discipline, patience, observation, and emotional fortitude.
In the realm of academia, Suvarsha completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Mysore, where she was conferred a Gold Medal in recognition of her scholarship. She subsequently pursued a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, during which her diligence earned her five further Gold Medals together with a cash prize, as well as the First Rank in Psychology and Criminology. These distinctions remain among her most cherished achievements; yet, beyond the accolades themselves, they instilled in her the understanding that sustained effort invariably leaves its mark.
Bharatanatyam has occupied an equally significant place in her life. She has devoted upwards of sixteen years to the study of this classical art form under the guidance of her Guru, Karnataka Kalashree Vidwan K. Chandrashekhara Navada. Following years of rigorous training, she completed her Vidwath examinations, securing the First Rank in the Final Vidwath Examination conducted by S-VYASA University, Bengaluru — attaining First Rank in the State of Karnataka and the conferred title of "Vidushi."
"Bharatanatyam is not merely a dance; it is a way of life. It has taught me to remain grounded in success, resilient in failure, and steadfast even when the path grows arduous."
Her journey has, in equal measure, encompassed the domains of the National Cadet Corps and leadership. As a former NCC Cadet of the 3 Karnataka Girls Battalion, Mysuru, she had the distinct privilege of representing Karnataka at the Republic Day Camp held in New Delhi in 2022. In recognition of her service, she received both the Director General's Commendation and the Chief Minister's Commendation, and was recommended by the 18 SSB, Prayagraj, for entry into the Indian Army through the NCC Special Entry Scheme, securing an All India Rank of 21.
Each achievement has been accompanied by its own measure of challenge, sacrifice, and countless hours of unseen endeavour. Today, she serves as the Founder of Shivanjali Nrityalaya, guided by a vision to bring Bharatanatyam to a wider circle of young minds — nurturing not merely dancers, but individuals who carry forth discipline, confidence, culture, grace, and reverence for tradition in all that they pursue.
She regards neither medals nor titles nor ranks as the ultimate destination; rather, she considers them markers of the distance already travelled, and a continued source of motivation for the distance yet to come.
On stage
What she teaches
Adavus, tala, and the standing posture — araimandi — that everything else in Bharatanatyam is built on. For young beginners and complete newcomers.
Pure rhythmic dance — jatis, korvais, and the intricate footwork set to the mridangam's syllables. Precision, stamina, and musicality.
Expressive storytelling through mudra, gaze, and emotion — padams, javalis, and the narrative repertoire that carries the audience into the story.
One-to-one preparation for a dancer's solo debut — full margam, stagecraft, and the discipline of performing a complete recital alone.
26th August 2026
Shivanjali Nrityalaya opened its doors in a ceremony graced by Shri Prashanth Guruji, inaugurated by Vidwan K Chandrashekhara Navada, and joined by guests of honour, family, students, and well-wishers.
Media coverage
The grand opening of Shivanjali Nrityalaya was covered by the following publications.
Blessing this beginning
Joining from Mysore, Shri Prashanth Guruji lends his blessing to the opening of Shivanjali Nrityalaya — a presence that ties this new school to the lineage of teachers before it.
The inauguration itself is led by Vidwan K Chandrashekhara Navada, recipient of the Karnataka Kalashree and founder of Sri Natyanjali Kala Academy ® in Surathkal, whose decades of work in Bharatanatyam pedagogy shape the standard this school is built to meet.
With gratitude
Every dream needs hands to carry it forward — these are the people whose belief and support brought Shivanjali Nrityalaya to life.
Founder and Chairman
Director
Deputy Director
Guru & Artistic Mentor
Guru & Artistic Mentor
Executive Member
Core Support Member
Honorary Patron
Advisor
Advisor and Well Wisher
Advisor
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