Adavu
Movement foundation
KAYALS ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS
Bharatanatyam classes
in Sholinganallur
WHERE TRADITION BECOMES ART
Structured training rooted in the Pandanallur Bani, with strong foundations in Adavu, Sollukattu, Thalam, Abhinayam, theory, practical training and performance — guided by Acharya Kalaimamani Kayalvizhi Kabilan.
35+ years performing · 25+ years teaching
CLASSIC FARMS, SHOLINGANALLUR • KOTTIVAKKAM • ONLINE
+91 97910 34561
+91 97910 34561
GURU KAYALVIZHI KABILAN
ABHINAYA · RHYTHM · FORM01 — 04
- 35+ yearsPerforming experience
- 25+ yearsTeaching experience
- Pandanallur BaniTraditional foundation
- Practical + theoryComplete learning
- NattuvangamAdvanced training
- PerformanceStage experience
BHARATANATYAM IN SHOLINGANALLUR
Bharatanatyam training rooted in tradition.
Kayals Academy of Performing Arts is a Bharatanatyam learning institution based at Classic Farms, Sholinganallur, Chennai.
Founded by Acharya Kalaimamani Kayalvizhi Kabilan, the Academy provides structured training rooted in the Pandanallur Bani. Students develop strong foundations in movement, rhythm and expression while progressing through practical training, theory, performance experience and advanced learning.
Training is available at our Sholinganallur branch, at Kottivakkam and through online classes.
A PLACE TO BEGIN
An ancient art form.
A very personal journey.
Technique builds a foundation. Tradition gives it meaning. And each dancer brings something entirely their own.
LEARN AT YOUR OWN PACE
There is a place for you.
01020304
Classes for Children
A welcoming beginning to classical dance, shaped around age-appropriate foundations, attentive guidance and a joyful respect for tradition.
Classes for Adults
It is possible to begin a classical dance practice as an adult.
for Beginners
A first class is an invitation to discover the form: its rhythm, movement vocabulary, musicality and expressive depth.
Advanced Training
For experienced dancers ready to continue developing technique, musicality, expression and performance craft under Guru-led guidance.
FIND YOUR STARTING POINT
Which class is right for me?
Who are you learning for?
THE KAYALS DIFFERENCE
Why choose Kayals Academy?
- 01
Pandanallur Bani
Training rooted in the Pandanallur tradition.
- 02
35+ years performing
Deep experience in Bharatanatyam performance and artistic presentation.
- 03
25+ years teaching
Long-term experience guiding students through structured learning.
- 04
Complete foundation
Adavu, Sollukattu, Thalam and Abhinayam developed systematically.
- 05
Practical + theory
Students learn both practical training and theoretical understanding.
- 06
Nattuvangam training
Advanced students can develop knowledge and skills in Nattuvangam.
- 07
Performance opportunities
Solo, group and thematic presentations for students who reach the appropriate level.
- 08
Cultural exposure
Performance tours, workshops and cultural events.
- 09
Annual Day
Every year students present their learning through a professionally produced Annual Day.
- 10
Community
Working towards a stronger Bharatanatyam community in Sholinganallur and surrounding areas.
MORE THAN DANCE STEPS
A complete Bharatanatyam learning journey.
At Kayals Academy, students are not taught isolated dance steps. Each part of the art is developed with care.
Sollukattu
Understanding rhythmic syllables
Thalam
Rhythmic awareness
Abhinayam
Expression and storytelling
Theory
The principles and knowledge behind the art
Practical
Applying learning through movement and performance
Nattuvangam
Advanced rhythmic and performance knowledge
Performance
Bringing learning together on stage
OUR STYLE
Rooted in the Pandanallur Bani.
Kayals Academy's Bharatanatyam training is rooted in the Pandanallur Bani, with emphasis on clarity of movement, disciplined practice, rhythm, technique and expressive presentation.
PRACTICAL + THEORY
Learning the art beyond the movement.
Alongside practical training, students learn the theory behind what they dance, informed by principles associated with the Bharata Natyashastra — so they understand why a movement is performed the way it is.
EXAMINATIONS
Structured learning. Measurable progress.
Students can take Grade Examinations and Diploma Examinations, conducted in partnership with a recognised examination authority.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Nattuvangam training.
Students who wish to progress deeper into Bharatanatyam can develop knowledge and practical understanding of Nattuvangam — the rhythm and conducting of a performance — alongside their dance training.
Advanced Bharatanatyam trainingFOR PARENTS
A foundation that grows.
Introduce your child to rhythm, movement and expression through age-appropriate learning. Share their age and experience to discuss a fitting start.
Explore children’s classesFOR ADULTS
Your next chapter.
New to dance or returning after a break? Begin where you are, with a considered pace and a learning path shaped around your goals.
Explore adult classes
THE ART LIVES THROUGH ITS TEACHERSGUIDED BY THE GURU
Acharya Kalaimamani
Kayalvizhi Kabilan
Founder of Kayals Academy of Performing Arts, sharing a living Bharatanatyam practice rooted in tradition, thoughtful technique and expression.
Meet the GuruFOUNDER & GURU
The Guru continues to perform.
Acharya Kalaimamani Kayalvizhi Kabilan brings 35+ years of performing experience and 25+ years of teaching experience. Her artistic journey has included performances at established Chennai sabhas and cultural institutions such as Narada Gana Sabha, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and Brahma Gana Sabha.
Meet our GuruGuru
Experience · Knowledge · Choreography · Artistic direction
Student
Learning · Practice · Discipline · Expression · Confidence
Stage
Performance · Presentation · Experience · Growth
EXPERIENCE THE STAGE
Experience the stage.
Students who reach the appropriate performing level may receive opportunities for:
- · Solo presentations
- · Group performances
- · Thematic productions
- · Cultural festivals
- · Annual Day
- · Margazhi performances
- · Special cultural events
Students progress at different speeds; performance opportunities depend on readiness.
PERFORMANCE TOURS
Beyond the classroom. Into the world.
Every year, Kayals Academy creates opportunities for students to experience performance and cultural travel. Students have participated in international performance tours to Malaysia and Sri Lanka, as well as performances outside Tamil Nadu and cultural tours within the state — travelling and performing with their teachers and fellow students.
- Confidence
- Teamwork
- Discipline
- Independence
- Cultural awareness
- Friendship
- Stronger student–Guru bonds
- Greater love for Bharatanatyam
OUR ANNUAL DAY
A celebration of what our students have learned.
Every year, our students learn something new. Every year, they return to the stage to share it. And every year, our parents look forward to experiencing it again.
The Kayals Academy Annual Day celebrates student learning, student growth, parent support, the Guru's choreography and artistic presentation.
- Student growth
- Parent pride
- Guru's choreography
- New productions
- Professional presentation
Every year. A new creation.
The Guru introduces new choreography, themes and presentations each year. The learning continues. The creativity evolves. The stage becomes a new experience every year.
Where Bharatanatyam meets stagecraft.
We don't simply present a dance performance — we create a complete stage experience, with attention to:
Lighting · Sound · Background visuals · Stage presentation · Choreography · Visual composition · Performance coordination
WORKSHOPS
Learn. Share. Grow together.
Kayals Academy conducts annual workshops for knowledge sharing, advanced learning and cultural interaction. Where applicable, they also welcome students from other Bharatanatyam institutions.
Kids' dance workshops in ChennaiOUR COMMUNITY
Building a Bharatanatyam community in Sholinganallur.
The Academy aims to bring together students, parents, Gurus, Bharatanatyam schools, performers and dance enthusiasts through workshops, performance opportunities, cultural events, Maha Shivaratri celebrations and inter-school participation.
Maha Shivaratri
Kayals Natya Arpanam
Every year, Kayals Academy brings Bharatanatyam dancers and schools together for a Maha Shivaratri celebration — a platform for dancers to offer their art to Lord Shiva.
Many dancers. Many Gurus. One sacred stage. One offering through Natya.
IN PARENTS’ WORDS
What families say.
Amazing Class!
“Precise and detailed guidance on body control and posture.”
Gifted Teacher!
“Incredibly gifted and eager to impart such flawless knowledge.”
Excellent Work!
“Effective focus on effort, artistry, and technical skill.”
OUR DOORS ARE OPEN IN
Bharatanatyam classes in Chennai
Two Chennai branches and the possibility of learning online. Reach out to find a fitting place to begin.
A PRACTICE THAT DEEPENS
First step.
Lasting practice.
From foundational movement to a student’s chosen performance path, learning unfolds over time—with patience, purpose and the Guru’s guidance.
Explore the journey- 01First step
- 02Foundation
- 03Technique
- 04Expression
- 05Confidence
- 06Performance
- 07Salangai Puja
- 08Arangetram
For students who choose to pursue the performance journey, guided by individual readiness.
QUICK ANSWERS
Frequently asked questions
BEGIN YOUR BHARATANATYAM JOURNEY
From first step
to stage.
Your Bharatanatyam journey can begin with one step. Learn the tradition. Build strong foundations. Develop your expression. Experience the stage. Grow with the community.
Sholinganallur · Kottivakkam · Online — Kayals Academy of Performing Arts · Where Tradition Becomes Art · Tradition. Technique. Transformation.