Our School
Learn about Bharatanatyam, the traditions we honor, and how Jayendra Kalakendra supports each student’s growth on and off the stage. Explore our Kalakshetra and Bharata Kalanjali lineage and how it shapes our approach to training and performance.
About Bharatanatyam
Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest and most revered classical dance forms of India, originating from the temples of Tamil Nadu. It is known for its precise rhythmic footwork, expressive storytelling through facial expressions (abhinaya), and graceful hand gestures (mudras). Traditionally performed as an offering to the divine, Bharatanatyam combines Nritta (pure dance), Nritya (expressive dance), and Natya (dramatic storytelling). Today, it is celebrated worldwide as both a spiritual discipline and a powerful performing art that bridges tradition and contemporary expression.
About Kalakshetra
Kalakshetra Foundation, established in 1936 in Chennai by Rukmini Devi Arundale, is one of the most respected institutions for the study and preservation of Indian classical arts.Kalakshetra revolutionized Bharatanatyam training by bringing structure, discipline, and artistic purity to its pedagogy. The “Kalakshetra style” is known for:
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Straight, clean lines and precise geometry in movement
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Graceful control and spiritual depth
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Faithfulness to traditional Natyashastra principles
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At Jayendra Kalakendra, we follow this Kalakshetra style and discipline, ensuring that our students receive the same structured foundation and artistic integrity that define Kalakshetra training.
* Pictured is Rukmini Devi Arundale - Photo Rights from Sanctuary Nature Foundation
About Bharata Kalanjali
Bharata Kalanjali was founded in 1968 in Chennai by the legendary dancing couple The Dhananjayans, V.P. Dhananjayan and Shanta Dhananjayan, both senior disciples of Rukmini Devi from Kalakshetra.
The institution is known for its deep emphasis on classical rigor, creativity, and philosophy. Bharata Kalanjali blends Kalakshetra’s disciplined foundation with the Dhananjayans’ unique interpretive style, giving rise to dynamic productions rooted in tradition but alive with innovation.
Students of Bharata Kalanjali are trained to see Bharatanatyam not only as performance but as a way of life , integrating body, mind, and spirit.
* Pictured is V.P. Dhananjayan and Shanta Dhananjayan - Photo Rights from the Bharata Kalanjali Website
History of
Jayendra Kalakendra
Jayendra Kalakendra was founded over 35 years ago in the San Francisco Bay Area by Aacharya Suganda Iyer, a devoted disciple of The Dhananjayans of Bharata Kalanjali.
Carrying forward the rich Kalakshetra, Bharata Kalanjali lineage, Jayendra Kalakendra has nurtured generations of dancers with a focus on:
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Strong foundation in Nritta (technique)
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Expressive storytelling through Abhinaya
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Deep respect for the spiritual and cultural roots of the art
Under the guidance of Aacharya Suganda Iyer and Guru Shreya Iyer, the school continues to be a cultural pillar in the Bay Area, offering structured training, annual performances, and an environment that instills discipline, grace, and devotion in every student.
* Pictured is Aacharya Suganda Iyer
Our Teaching Philosophy
Where Legacy Leads & Legend Lives
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For 36 years, we haven’t just taught dance. We have defined it.
In a world of fleeting trends, Jayendra Kalakendra stands as a beacon of artistic permanence and excellence in the San Francisco Bay Area. Founded by the visionary Guru Smt. Suganda Sreenath Iyer and co-piloted by the dynamic Shreya Iyer, we are not merely a dance school, we are the premier institution for the classical arts, bridging the purity of the Kalakshetra tradition with the pulse of the modern world.
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THE JK DIFFERENCE: ELITE TRAINING FOR THE MODERN ARTIST
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We offer more than classes; we offer a lineage. Our curriculum is a direct conduit to the legends of Bharatanatyam, shaped by the mentorship of Padma Bhushan awardees Smt. Shanta and Sri V.P. Dhananjayan.
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UNMATCHED PEDAGOGY: From the precise geometry of nritta to the emotive depths of abhinaya, our students receive rigorous, conservatory-style training that has produced over 5,000 alumni and a global network of performers and teachers.
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DUAL-GENERATION LEADERSHIP: Experience the best of both worlds. Smt. Suganda brings award-winning gravitas and three decades of expertise, while Principal Dancer Shreya Iyer infuses the curriculum with contemporary energy, ensuring the art form resonates with today’s generation.
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ART WITH PURPOSE: We believe the highest form of art serves humanity. Our students don't just perform; they impact. Through high-production charity galas and community initiatives, JK dancers have raised significant funds for global causes, learning that their art has the power to heal.
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A PRESTIGIOUS JOURNEY
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Your child’s journey at Jayendra Kalakendra is crafted for excellence.
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Global Classrooms: Whether in our studios in San Jose, Santa Clara, Fremont, and Pleasanton, or via our state-of-the-art online platforms connecting students worldwide.
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Holistic Development: Beyond steps, we cultivate discipline, grace, and cultural pride. Our training includes deep dives into theory (Shastra), ensuring our dancers are scholars as well as performers.
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The Arangetram Standard: Our graduates are recognized for their technical perfection and artistic maturity, a testament to the uncompromising standards held by our Gurus.
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Join the Legacy.
For the parent who seeks the finest cultural education for their child, and for the student who aspires to be more than just a dancer.