Dedicated to nurturing the rich heritage of Bharatanatyam, we inspire students to embrace the art form with grace, discipline, and passion.
Celebrating Indian Heritage on the Minnesota Stage
Each movement reflects a heritage rooted in India and flourishing in Minnesota, as dance connects generations across continents and allows traditions to transcend borders.
About Us
Crafting A Legacy Of Tradition And Excellence In Minnesota
Established in 2005, the Nritya Kalakshetra Academy of performing arts is rooted in the rich traditions of Indian classical dance and is dedicated to imparting the sacred art forms of Bharatanatyam and Mohiniattam. Students progress from beginner to performer levels through disciplined training in technique, expression, and theory. Through collaboration with Griffin College of London, students have the opportunity to take structured level exams, internationally recognized in the field of performing arts. Our classes aim to nurture grace, devotion, and cultural understanding, while preserving India’s timeless dance heritage.
Now, you can embrace this art form through our thoughtfully designed dance classes in Woodbury, Edina, Plymouth, and Rochester.
Nritya Kalakshetra Academy has partnered with Griffin College London to offer WASC-accredited performing arts programs in the United States
UNC Charlotte Dance Outreach Initiative for Indian Diasporic Arts
The Department of Dance at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte leads an outreach initiative dedicated to advancing Indian diasporic arts education within higher education. The program integrates classical Indian dance traditions with academic inquiry, leadership development, and community engagement.
Guru Smt. Sivanuja Balaji, Artistic Director and Founder of Nritya Kalakshetra Academy, serves as one of the Guides for the initiative. Through her mentorship, students engage with classical Indian dance as both a rigorous artistic practice and an academic asset.
The initiative is guided by six core principles—Darshan, Drishti, Avahan, Titiksha, Parichay, and Nishtha—fostering philosophy, vision, curiosity, perseverance, collaboration, and social responsibility among students (Scouts) and educators (Guides).
The program empowers students to leverage their dance training for college readiness, NHSDA induction, and competitive opportunities such as YoungArts, Lotus Fellowship, and the NHSDA Award.
By bridging tradition, scholarship, and civic leadership, the UNC Charlotte Dance Outreach Initiative cultivates culturally informed and community-driven arts leaders.
Natarajasana
Nataraja, The cosmic dancer is central to the art forms spiritual and artistic essence. He weaves the rhythm of creation and destruction through his divine steps, echoing the eternal pulse of the universe.
Balance
Flexibility
Core Strength
Stability
Mindfulness
Focus
Padabheda
Nataraja’s raised foot symbolizes liberation and enlightenment, while the grounded foot embodies stability and harmony.
Through precise footwork work dancers invoke Nataraja’s energy, transforming each step as a bridge between human and divine.
Strength
Posture Alignment
Spiritual Alignment
Coordination
Grounding
Grounding
Mudras
Upper Left Hand
Extended gracefully towards the raised foot, guiding devotees towards liberation and spiritual awakening.
Upper Right Hand
The gesture of protection and reassurance, symbolizing fearlessness and divine grace.
Lower Right Hand
Holds the drum symbolizing the sound of creation and the pulse of the universe.
Lower Left Hand
Holds the flame, representing transformation and the inner light of knowledge.
JataJuta
Nataraja’s dynamic spread of hair symbolizes the powerful cosmic wind and the unrestrained flow of divine energy.
Spiritual Freedom
Divine Energy
Awakening
Vitality
Cosmic Energy
Grounding
What Is
Bharatanatyam & Mohiniattam
- Bharatanatyam
Bharatanatyam is a classical Indian dance style that originated in the temples of Tamil Nadu, South India. It was traditionally performed as a form of devotion to Hindu deities, especially in temple rituals.
Over time, it evolved into a sophisticated stage art that beautifully weaves together Bhava (Expression), Raga (Music), Tala (Rhythm), Natya (Dramatic Story telling through Dance). These core elements form the foundation of the name Bha-Ra-Ta-Natyam
- Mohiniattam
Mohiniattam is a classical Indian dance form from Kerala, South India. The name
comes from “Mohini” (a beautiful female form of Lord Vishnu) and “attam”, which
means graceful movement. It is traditionally performed by women and is known for its gentle, flowing steps, soft expressions, and graceful body movements. Mohiniattam combines Lasya (soft, and graceful movements), Bhava (expressive emotions and storytelling), Sangeetam (beautiful music), Talam (rhythmic patterns). This dance form often tells stories from Hindu mythology, focusing on themes of love, devotion, and
nature.
Benefits for
Develops discipline, focus, and patience
Boosts physical fitness, balance, and coordination
Cultivates cultural pride rooted in Indian mythology and tradition
Builds confidence and emotional expression
Encourages creativity and artistic appreciation
Reduces stress and promotes mindfulness
Improves posture, physical endurance, and flexibility
Offers meaningful lifelong learning
Strengthens cultural connection and identity
Fosters community and performance opportunities
Builds resilience and cognitive skills
Provides spiritual and artistic depth
Encourages structured self-expression
Instills respect for heritage and tradition
Why Choose Us?
At Nritya Kalakshetra, we believe Bharatanatyam is more than dance — it’s a journey of
cultural discovery, artistic growth, and personal transformation. Here’s why dancers and
families trust us:
Our Accomplishments
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Students
Dedicated learners of Bharatanatyam & Mohiniattam.
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Stage Shows
Graceful performances on diverse platforms
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Art Festivals
Prestigious participations in the festivals across the USA