Sri Vidya Dance School

At Sri Vidya Dance School, we are passionate about sharing the beauty and richness of Bharatanatyam, one of India's most majestic classical dance forms. Our school is built on the foundation of traditional Indian dance and music, where the essence of the 4 Vedas and the Kalakshetra Bani come together to create an exquisite art form.

Our Story

In 1973, Dr. Indira S Rao founded the Sri Vidya School of Music and Dance in Hyderabad, India. The school flourished, with students performing numerous dance ballets, competitions, and hosting esteemed legends from the Classical Dance Community. Our humble beginnings involve the origin of Bharatanatyam, which has its roots in South Indian temples, where the essence of the 4 Vedas - Rg Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, and Atharvana Veda - convergence to create an extraordinary art form.

Bharatanatyam is often referred to as the Panchama Veda, owing to its origins in the four Vedas. Our school prides itself on upholding the traditional principles of performance, comprising Nritta (Rhythmic aspects), Nritya (Expression/Abinaya), and Natya (Narrative). The art form's name itself signifies the combination of Bhava (Expression), Ragam (Music), and Talam (Rhythm) in a performance.

Our Artistic Director

Our artistic director, Smt. Akila Rao, is a renowned Bharatanatyam dancer and artistic director of Sri Vidya Dance School. She commenced her dance training at the age of 7 under the tutelage of Guru Pasumarthy Ramalinga Sastry, Kalakshetra Bani. By 16, she completed her Arangetram (Graduation) and showcased her talents in various cities across India. Over the years, she has taught and performed in numerous cities across the US, collaborating with renowned artists and charitable organizations.

Our Mission

Our school's mission is to impart traditional teaching methods, focusing on theoretical and practical aspects of Bharatanatyam. Our goal is to instill in our students the values of self-respect, discipline, and traditional practices, fostering a lifelong passion for dance. We strive to provide an enriching experience, incorporating theory and practice, as well as yoga and body-conditioning formats to prevent injuries.

Our Classes and Studio Rental

We offer classes for students of all ages, from 6 years old to adults. Our classes cater to varying skill levels, from beginners to advanced dancers. We also provide studio rental services for rehearsals, workshops, and productions. Our studio is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities.

Locations and Schedule

Our school is conveniently located in the Bay Area, with classes held at 1701 Heron Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94087, and the SAN FRANCISCO location at 94110. Our classes are available on all days of the week, with evenings and weekends scheduled accordingly.

Get In Touch

For any inquiries, registration, or additional information, please visit our Contact Us page or email us at srividyadance@gmail.com. We look forward to welcoming you to the world of Bharatanatyam.