Sandra Eschenbach (Akhila)

🪔 About

Sandra Eschenbach, known by her stage name Akhila, is a dedicated practitioner and teacher of Indian classical dance forms, primarily Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam. Born in Germany, her journey into dance began at a young age with classical ballet, jazz ballet, and later Hip Hop. She also spent over a decade practicing Taiji Quan, an experience that later informed her understanding of body movement in dance. Akhila's introduction to Indian classical dance came in 2007 after witnessing a Bharatanatyam performance by Senthil Kumar. Captivated by the art form, she began her formal training in Munich at Natyadhara − Zentrum für indischen Tanz und Kultur under Chandra Devi, a disciple of Smt. Shyamala Surendran. Her commitment to the art led her to Kochi, India, in 2008, to train intensively with Shyamala Surendran, a practice that became an annual pilgrimage. In 2009, she expanded her repertoire by beginning her studies in Mohiniyattam, a temple dance from Kerala, also under Shyamala Surendran, who was a student of the renowned Kalamandalam Kalyani Kuttyamma. Akhila commenced her teaching career in 2010, instructing Bollywood and Bharatanatyam at Natyadhara. She also assisted in teaching children and led Mohiniyattam groups. In 2018, she marked a significant milestone with her Mohiniyattam Rangapravesam (debut performance) in Munich, presenting a full repertoire with live music. Her performance was lauded by Kala Vijayan, daughter of Kalyani Kuttyamma, for its deep understanding of literature and soulful Abhinaya (expression). Akhila performs solo and with her performance groups, including the Natyadhara- and Revathi Dance Ensembles, at various cultural, private, and corporate events, as well as Indian festivals. She continues to teach Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam to adults and children, catering to both beginners and professionals. Awards & Honours: Future Kerala Educational Excellence Award (2019).