Guru Shobana

🪔 About

Shobanaa Bhalchandra is a highly respected Bharatanatyam guru, recognized for her profound contributions to Indian classical dance. The youngest of Chennai's renowned Trio Sisters, she received rigorous training in the Kalakshetra style as an early disciple of the esteemed dance duo, the Dhananjayans. Further enhancing her artistry, Shobanaa undertook extensive study of Abhinaya (expressions) under the tutelage of Padmabushan Kalanidhi Narayanan. Her dedication to the art form led her to pursue professional training in Classical Music and Nattuvangam, integral components of Bharatanatyam. Commencing her teaching career at her alma mater, Bharatha Kalanjali, in the early 1980s, Shobanaa has since become a prominent educator and performer. She founded her own dance institution, "Thrayee," which operates in Chennai and Coimbatore, nurturing over 100 students. Since 2021, she has also served as the Creative Executive Director of Bharata Kalanjali. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes a holistic approach, encompassing practical, theoretical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of dance. Shobanaa's commitment to fostering new talent has resulted in many senior disciples successfully completing their arangetrams and pursuing independent careers as performers and teachers. Her institution also attracts international students from countries including the USA, UK, Canada, and Japan. She is also an accomplished choreographer, showcasing her creativity in numerous productions over three decades. Shobanaa Bhalchandra has been honored with several accolades, including the Vrindarani Award in 2023 and a Narada Gana Sabha Trust award for propagating Swati Tirunal's works in the same year. Awards & Honours: A Top grade award by Doordarshan Kendra, Prasar Bharti, Vrindarani Award (2023), Narada Gana Sabha Trust Award for propagating Swati Tirunal's Works (2023).