Today we’d like to introduce you to Aparna Sundaram.
Aparna, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Bharatanatyam is a classical dance tradition nurtured in the ancient temples of southern India, combines artistic expression with a sense of spirituality. This dance is a long-term education, it needs immense dedication and motivation. I started learning Bharatanatyam dance at the age of 5 from guru smt Sowbhagya, India. I continued my dance education under the guidance of smt Vasundara Doraiswamy and smt Krupa Padke and passed my exams Junior, Senior and Vidwath.
After learning to dance for several years in India, I moved to the USA and continued my dance, I did my solo stage debut in the year 2003 in the Bay Area (Silicon Valley). That was the time, I got noticed by many people. Then, I started choreographing fora group of dancers who were performing in local cultural events. At the same time, I was looking for opportunities to perform a full dance repertoire. As usual, being a fine artist went through a lot of hurdles. Then, I decided to cross the bridge in my own way, and thus, Swapanthi dance academy got established in 2005 with just one 5-year-old student. During the same timeline, I decided to took a full time job as Montessori School Teacher. This helped me to connect with young kids. Moving forward, with the word of mouth, I started getting many students. My dance academy started getting recognized for its fineness, perfection and grace. Then, we started our schools annual day shows. My students started signing up for a long term goals, which gave me immense joy and feeling of accomplishment.
I started traveling internationally for dance shows. Gave my performances in Europe, attended dance workshops in India. I am looking forward to traveling more and perform many shows.
Has it been a smooth road?
To achieve high, it’s never easy. I went through many hurdles to get shows to perform. I had to prove myself time and again to show that I am one of the finest artists. Being a young entrepreneur, full-time school teacher and above all a mother of 3 years old, it was a big challenge. I had to balance my passion, job, and family. I was first one in my family to start the business. With all good luck and support of my husband, family, and friends, I was able to move forward and become a successful entrepreneur.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Swapanthi Dance Academy (SDA), is a premier performing art dance school in San Diego, where the focus is solely on Bharatnatyam classical dance. SDA primarily focuses on the traditional way of learning classical dance focusing mainly on rhythms, expressions, and musicality to bring out the appropriate mood of expressions.
I have been teaching Bharatanatyam for 12+ years in san diego. I am a performer myself. I strongly believe that to a be a good role model to all students one has to perform and set a positive example. I connect with my students of all ages. My class involves a lot of serious learning as well as funny moments. My students always look forward to the next class.
Students learn dance theory to understand the depth. SDA prepares each child and takes personal attention for the solo debut performance. I take special interest in the group dance shows, identify their strength and take them for international shows.
My dance school has become successful just using word of mouth, and no commercials, Facebook or Instagram. I am very proud to say that my students and their parents take extra effort to talk about me and my school. That eventually leads to more kids joining. I am very proud to say that most of my senior students have been learning from past 10+ years. and yet planning to pursue even during their under-graduation.
I bring dance production with unique style and epic stories. I take pride in portraying the Indian mythological as well as historical themes. My dance production involves musical dance dramas (a story that portrays only through music) as well as traditional theatrical dance drama (a story that portrays through dialogues and music).
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I feel every city is a great place to start our classical dance since it brings out the rich Indian heritage. These international classical dances connect people of all culture and background.
I would definitely recommend the new entrepreneurs to start these type dance classes.
Contact Info:
- Address: Swapanthi Dance Academy
15585 Via Montecristo, San Diego, CA 92127 - Website: www.swapanthi.com
- Phone: (858) 752-3178
- Email: swpanthidance@gmail.com
Image Credit:
SriV photography, Vidya photography
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