Natyakalalayam

Her Legacy

Her journey in Bharathanatyam began in Sri Lanka when Srimathy Vasantha Daniel studied this divine art under the late
Sri Aerumbu Subbiah and Srimathy Thirpurasundari Yoganantham. Inspired by her initial training and recognizing her passion for Bharathanatyam,
she became the first student from Sri Lanka to move to Chennai, India for intensive training under the legendary Padmashri K.N. Dandayuthapanipillai. 

It was through traditional Gurukula Vasam that she was introduced to the values and customs of Hinduism by her Guru’s family. She was awarded her Diploma in Bharathanatyam and Nattuvangam, and the designation “Natyakalamani” from her Guru. As per his wishes, she successfully established the primary satellite of Natyakalalayam in Sri Lanka in 1968 and began her new adventure – a journey that is relished today, 50 years later. 

As a highly reputable and skilled Bharathanayta choreographer and instructor, and the director of Natyakalalayam, Vasantha Daniel has proliferated the rich traditions and values of Bharathanatyam ingrained by her beloved guru. Under her direction, Natyakalalayam has been committed to excellence in teaching the Pandanallur style of Bharathanatyam. Vasantha Daniel strives to cultivate excellence, creativity and self-confidence in emerging dancers.  

The school has taken an extended role in enriching and dispersing Bharathanatyam through exceptional performances around the world including Sri Lanka, the Maldive Islands, Uganda, India, and the United States. Her inspiration and creativity in choreography is largely derived from contemporary societal affairs like the hardships of war and violence, women’s rights, motherhood, religion, environmental sustainability, oppression, family relations etc. It is through dance that she reflects social consciousness and explores life’s tribulations. 

An award winning artist, Vasantha Daniel was the recipient of the “Ahenam – The lifetime achievement award” presented by the Independent Art Film Society at the International Tamil Art Film Festival in 2010 for “…transforming a classical art form and using it as a tool for social justice and the voice of humanity.”  Amongst other numerous accolades, a few notable achievements include acclamation by the delegates of the The United Nations for excellence in choreography in 1991, the “Best Dance Instructor” award by the Ministry of Environment of Ontario in 1992 and the “Services in Dance Throughout Canada” award by the Pondicheri Kalai Mandram in 2011.  

In keeping with Padmashri K.N. Dandayuthapanipillai’s values, Natyakalalayam has become even more involved in its contributions to society. The school has lead fundraisers for various causes such as urban redeveopement post-drought, orphanages, single mothers etc. As such, parents and students take great pride in this school as it teaches much more than Bharathanatyam - nurturing compassion for others and philanthropy.   

Vasantha Daniel’s dedication to this art and Natyakalalayam has served to integrate Bharathanatyam into Canadian culture while maintaining the traditions set forth by her Guru. As the school celebrates its Golden Jubilee, she looks forward to producing many more exceptional artists and dance lovers for generations ahead.

For more information please email SMT Vasantha Daniel at “natyakalalayam@yahoo.ca”