Sanskriti: means culture - the name was carefully chosen using the Sanskrit meanings where the expansion reads South Asian Natya (dance) Sangita (music) Kriya (act of performing, theatre) Iti: (etcetera). Founded by Shruti Sriram in 2000 in the USA, Sanskriti: is now based in the UK. Shruti works with her mother Mrs. Pushkala Gopal - a renowned teacher, dancer, choreographer and musician who was also artistic director Mudralaya, est.1984. As an institution dedicated to the performing arts, Sanskriti: strives to provide a culturally enriching learning environment to members of the community - youngsters and adults alike. Sanskriti: welcomes students of all age-groups (4 and above). Quality teaching is delivered in the Kalakshetra style of Bharatanatyam alongside south Indian classical (carnatic) vocal music. At Sanskriti:, intensive, structured training is provided for beginners, intermediate and advanced learners on all aspects namely theory, techniques and practical application of knowledge to enhance performance skills. Since dance in any form is synonymous with rythm and music, Bharatanatyam and Carnatic vocal are taught in conjunction to most students so a natural connection is made with the art forms. The goal is to help students develop their creativity while learning to appreciate the intricacies as they progress through the interesting journey, using their artistic abilities and imagination. Classes are grouped according to age and ability. Groups are limited to small ratios to ensure that each student receives adequate attention. Progress is monitored very closely as it is imperative to create a strong foundation for the learner, to further enable the student’s mastery of the art form over the years. Sanskriti: classes are held at Ilford, Manor park, Croydon, Raynes Park and Kent. For Advanced training, individual lessons can be provided at the students'' homebase or at Sanskriti:s locations. Classes are planned for a 60 minute duration. Most sessions for dance are held in the local area church community halls, where the space is large, with heating and lighting facilities for rehearsals, and changing/washroom facilities. The Bharatanatyam training incorporates aspects of yoga, pilates and the traditional arts form so beginners are eased into rigorous body work or ‘nritta’- which is a very strong characteristic of the kalakshetra style. Abhinaya (expression) and theory are taught alongside nritta as students progress. The training typically spans over 3-6 years before the student is able to render a full ‘maargam’ or repertoire, culminating in the solo maiden performance or ‘arangetram’. For vocal, theory and practical application skills for performance are taught in a structured way. All students are able to exhibit their talents at various public and community events throughout the year. They are encouraged to participate in competitions to boost confidence levels and overcome fear of public appearances. Sanskriti:''s primary teachers are Artistic directors Shruti Sriram and guru Pushkala Gopal. When necessary, Sanskriti: employs professionally trained, qualified teachers to monitor lessons. All individuals teaching at Sanskriti: are CRB checked. They include Sanskriti:''s current and former students who are able to give back to the institution in a teaching capacity. Sanskriti: is like an extended family where the focus on each child extends beyond just their lessons. Bharatanatyam examinations are offered by the ISTD and vocal examinations are conducted by the Academy of Fine Arts. Shruti Sriram had her early training in Karnatic vocal from her grandmother Smt. Kalpakam Balasubrahmanian and in Bharatanatyam from her mother, Guru Smt. Pushkala Gopal. She pursued further vocal training from Sangeeta Kalanidhi Srimathi D. K. Pattammal in Chennai and continues her vocal training under the tutelage of Sri Rajkumar Bharathi. Shruti completed her Arangetram in Bharatanatyam in 1993 in Chennai under the tutelage of Kala Acharyas Padmasri Srimathi Shanta and Sri VP Dhananjayan (Founders- Bharatakalanjali).

indian dance indian vocal bharatanatyam karnatic vocal indian classical dance and vocal SANSKRITI: dance/vocal institution Dance School Ilford Essex
SANSKRITI: dance/vocal institution are listed in; Essex Business Directory : Ilford Business Directory : Dance School Directory : Dance School in Ilford : Dance School in Essex

SANSKRITI: dance/vocal institution