Ambiha Sitsabesan

🪔 About

Ambiha Sitsabesan is a dedicated Bharatanatyam teacher who has been actively involved in the Indian classical dance scene in New Zealand for over 15 years. She manages the Tamil New Zealand School of Dance, an institution that trains students in the South Indian style of Bharatanatyam. Her school caters to a diverse community, including individuals from India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji, and South Africa. Throughout her career, Sitsabesan has organized and presented numerous Bharatanatyam performances in major New Zealand cities such as Auckland and Wellington. The Tamil New Zealand School of Dance regularly participates in significant cultural events, including the Auckland Diwali show, Auckland International Cultural Festival, Auckland Library Shows (organized by Auckland Council), Lakeside Festival, and Auckland Multicultural Expo. Beyond performances, Sitsabesan's teaching philosophy extends to promoting the younger generation in various aspects of dance, including teaching, showcasing the art form, and event/stage management. She also fosters collaborations with other community dance groups to build relationships within the wider Kiwi community. Her commitment to the art form is also evident through her family, as her sons, Sakayan and Saeyavan, have both completed their Bharatanatyam arangetram approximately six years ago, marking their formal debut as performers.