Our Story
As Narrated by Our Founder, Asha Bala
Leela School of Dance is a manifestation of a dream—a dream to establish a haven of excellence. It embodies a sanctuary built upon trust and compassion, where learning flourishes in an environment that embraces all, irrespective of age, skill level, religion, or ethnicity.
I had the privilege to study from some of the finest institutions, and from some of the best teachers. My gurus from Sri Raja Rajeshwari Bharata Natya Kala Mandir came from a traditional lineage of teachers known as natyacharyas, where knowledge of dance was passed from father to son. They were strict custodians of this art. It was here that I got my strong foundation in Bharata Natyam. It is also here that I learnt reverence and devotion for dance and for teachers who taught this art. I took that sense of reverence and gratitude when I furthered my studies at Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya in Mumbai and later at American University in DC. The five-year BFA and MFA programs gave me a wonderful appreciation and understanding of not only the rich dance tradition of India but the related arts of music, sculpture, architecture and theater. American University further broadened my horizon through the world of modern dance, music and choreography, and introduced me to a whole different way looking of looking at dance.
Each of these institutions deeply informed my dance. At Leela School of Dance they are all brought together as I teach, choreograph and collaborate with other dancers, artists and students to create exceptional works of art.
It is a place where dance is not only a performing art but an education. An education that takes time, commitment, and devotion.
I have been very fortunate to have others travel with me on this journey. Ms Smitha, Ms Hema, Vaibhav Arekar and his dancers. They have added immense value to making the teaching at Leela School complete and wholesome. Reinforcing values of kindness, caring and devotion.
At Leela dance is more than a performing art. It is an education.
The Sanskrit word Leela means the effortless play between the Sublime and the physical world. A thing of Beauty and Power. It is the Sublime bliss that inspires creation.
Leela is all this and more in Indian classical dance, where dance is a personal form of prayer. Where the dancer is virtually inseparable from the dance as the body is trained to become one with the mind and spirit to create the Sublime Bliss we call Rasa. This is the ultimate goal and purpose of art.
At Leela we nurture and inspire young dancers to reach these heights in their dance. We strive to create the environment for them to develop discipline, dedication and passion for their art. This is achieved through a holistic education that combines in-depth instruction in the practice of Bharata Natyam with applicable theory. With a well balanced curriculum students advance from learning the rudiments of movements called adavus to simple and complex dance pieces that form the Bharata Natyam repertoire.
Dancers are meticulously guided through all areas of dance instruction for them to acquire proper body alignment, posture, coordination, rhythm, balance, strength and flexibility. In addition, opportunities to perform develop self-confidence, poise and self-assurance.
About Leela
Documentary Film by Bull Doc City
Learn more about Leela School of Dance through this video of the Temple Procession - Waking Lord Vishnu in the Temple of Sri Rangam.