Jayanthi Subramaniam

🪔 About

Jayanthi Subramaniam is a distinguished Bharatanatyam exponent and guru based in Chennai, India. Her extensive training in Indian classical dance began at the age of five. She initially received foundational lessons from S.K. Kameshwaran, who followed the Vazhvoor school style. Subsequently, she underwent rigorous and intense training under the tutelage of Guru Adyar K. Lakshman of the Kalakshetra School. This period involved a profound process of unlearning and relearning, emphasizing a deep understanding of compositions rather than merely performing "items." To further her mastery of abhinaya, or expressive dance, she sought guidance from the veteran Kalanidhi Narayanan, who fostered individuality and creative interpretation in her students. Additionally, she honed her rhythmic intricacies and nattuvangam skills under Bhagavatulu Seetarama Sarma, focusing on kanakkus and kala pramanam. As a senior disciple of Adyar K. Lakshmanan, Jayanthi Subramaniam has established herself as a prominent figure in Bharatanatyam. She has performed globally and holds the distinction of being an A-grade artist of Doordarshan and an empanelled artist of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). In 1988, she founded her own dance institution, Kala Darsana (also known as Kala Dharshana Foundation of Arts), starting with just two students. By 2013, the academy had grown to over fifty students and celebrated its silver jubilee. Kala Darsana provides comprehensive training in both the theoretical and practical aspects of Bharatanatyam to aspiring dancers from India and abroad. Jayanthi Subramaniam is recognized for her commitment to preserving the traditional elements of Bharatanatyam while also embracing innovative choreographic works. A notable example is her production "Jyotir Gamaya," an adaptation of Richard Bach's novel "Jonathan Livingston Seagull," which was set to music by Rajkumar Bharati. With over twenty-five years of teaching experience as of 2013, she instills in her students the philosophy of pursuing art with sincerity and professional excellence, viewing dance as a form of worship, and deeply understanding the spiritual essence of the art form. Awards received by Jayanthi Subramaniam include the Acharya Choodamani award and the Kalaimamani award. More recently, she was conferred the Natya Kala Sarathy by the Parthasarathy Swami Sabha on March 31, 2024, and the Natana RASA Mamani Award for 2024-25 by RASA and the Madras South Lions Charitable Trust. Awards & Honours: Acharya Choodamani award, Kalaimamani award, Natya Kala Sarathy (2024), Natana RASA Mamani Award (2024).