School and Guru

Shishya School Of Performing Arts' sole purpose is to educate and qualify students in the art of Indian Classical dance, music, mythology, and dance theater. The word 'Shishya' is of Sanskrit origin and means 'the student'. Guru 'Kalashree' Sukanya Mahadevan, founder and artistic director of Shishya School, a prominent performer, teacher and choreographer has been involved in this art form since the age of 6. She has performed in many venues and for many organizations in both India and the US. In India, she has performed for Delhi Doordarshan, Yuva Mahotsava, Mylapore Fine Arts, Narada Gana Sabha, Indira Nagar Sangeetha Sabha and RK Swamy Hall. She had the privilege of being taught by maestros such as Shri Bhaskar, Smt. Indira Krishnamurthy, Padmabhushan Dr. Saroja Vaidyanathan and late Kalaimamani Dr. Saraswati Sundaresan. In the US, she has performed for various organizations like Chinmaya mission, Brahmotsavam at Bridgewater temple, Mercer County heritage festival and Mercer Teen arts festival amongst others. She was given the title 'Kalashree' by Ganesa Natyalaya for propagating the art form to the next generation. Voorhees Township also awarded her a commendation for propagating this ancient art in the local communities here in the US. Amongst her many unique choreographies, are 'Kathak-Bharathanatyam' Jugalbandhis', Bharathanatyam-Ballet duets for several productions, dance dramas like Krishnaarpanam, Ram Charitham and 'KAA-NA-NAM', a unique Bharathanatyam presentation of the Jungle Book.

She is currently a visiting faculty at Rider University's world dance program. Guru Sukanya was awarded the prestigious 'Dr. Saraswati Award' by Vipanchee Natyalaya and Dr. Balamurali Krishna Music Therapy Trust.

She and her group were also invited to perform at the Invitation only international dance festival at Carnegie Hall in 2020, where they will present again in 2025. Shishya School will be represented by Guru Sukanya and a select set of students in the International Summer Stages performance in Rome in the summer of 2024.

Vedika is Guru Sukanya's 37^th Arangetram - a testament to her impactful mentorship and role model of artistic and humanitarian excellence.