Aruna Gandhi

🪔 About

Aruna Gandhi is a distinguished performing artist, choreographer, and educator specializing in the Indian classical dance style of Bharatanatyam. Based in Sydney, NSW, Australia, she is internationally recognized for her significant contributions to the arts, a testament to which is her receipt of Australia's 'Distinguished Talent Visa' in 2013. Her extensive training in Bharatanatyam began in 1984 under the tutelage of the renowned and legendary artiste, Prof. Sudharani Raghupathy, at Shree Bharatalaya in Chennai, India. During her formative years, Aruna was a recipient of the Scholarship for dance from the Centre for Cultural Resources & Training (CCRT), Government of India, from 1990 to 1997. Her comprehensive artistic education also includes Carnatic music, the theory of Bharatanatyam, Nattuvangam, and choreography. She further honed her skills by attending master-classes in Modern Dance, Yoga, Kalaripayattu, and various folk dances of Tamil Nadu. Academically, Aruna Gandhi holds a Master's degree in Communication from Women's Christian College, University of Madras, and a Science degree from Stella Maris College, Chennai. She also possesses a Certificate IV in Arts Administration (CACD: Community Arts and Cultural Development) from TAFE, NSW. In 2009, Aruna Gandhi founded 'Silambam-Sydney,' an institution dedicated to fine arts, where she offers training in Bharatanatyam in South-West Sydney. The institution draws inspiration from Shree Bharatalaya, continuing the tradition and values she imbibed from her Guru, Prof. Sudharani Raghupathy. Through Silambam-Sydney, she is committed to passing on the rich cultural heritage of India to the younger generation, fostering a holistic learning environment that includes not only dance practice and theory but also allied skills such as lighting, costuming, media design, choreography, and event management. Prior to establishing Silambam-Sydney, Aruna performed extensively across India, conducted workshops in Switzerland (1999-2008), and worked as a core teacher for the India-Study Group from Colgate University, New York, at Shree Bharatalaya (1997-2005). She has also served as an arts journalist for six years and featured as a soloist in several Bharatanatyam DVDs. Awards & Honours: Distinguished Talent Visa (under arts category) (2013), Yuva Kala Bharathi, Bharata Kala Bhushana.