The Creator

About Dilani Sathees

Smt.Dilani Sathees started her Bharatanatyam training at the tender age of four under 'Kalabhooshanam', Smt.Thiripurasundari Yoganantham in the style of ‘Vazhuvoor’ and then continued in the style of ‘Kalakshetra’ with Smt. Nirmala John in Colombo, Sri Lanka. After moving to the U.K, she completed her Diploma in Dance with West London Tamil School under the guidance of Smt. Shanthi Thayaparan.

She has completed her B.F.A and M.F.A ( Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts) with Honors from the Asian Institute of Fine Arts (Collaborated with Annamalai University Chidambaram, India) and she is currently pursuing her PhD in Bharatanatyam under the guidance of her Guru Smt. Suryakala Chandrika Jeevananthan. Over the years, she has produced and choreographed the dance dramas ‘Navarasa Shiva Shakthi’ in 2015 and ‘Nava Shakthi’ in 2018. Her dance school Shrishti School of Dance has also been part of many events with charitable organizations and has performed for International Televisions like Kalaignar TV (India), Shakthi TV (Sri Lanka) and Me World (Australia). Under her tutelage, she has completed the Arangetram for twelve students in Atlanta, GA and Melbourne,FL. During her time in the U.K, she was also recognized and honored by the late HRH Queen Elizabeth II during her Golden Jubilee in 2002. Her dedication and passion for this art form is evident in the caliber of her students whom she graduates in her own signature dance style.

Under her tutelage, she has completed the Arangetram for twelve students in Atlanta, GA and Melbourne,FL. During her time in the U.K, she was also recognized and honored by the late HRH Queen Elizabeth II during her Golden Jubilee in 2002. Her dedication and passion for this art form is evident in the caliber of her students whom she graduates in her own signature dance style.

Dilani's Journey

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2020

Child Prodigy: Unveiling Temple Sculptures through Dance

Dilani Sathees is an accomplished performing artist/Guru, from her earliest days, she’s showcased an unusual affinity for this art form. As a child, the temple sculptures seemed to come alive in her dance, and the tales of deities were told not through her lips but her limbs.
Guru's Guidance: Nurturing Expertise with Illustrious Mentors

Under the tutelage of illustrious gurus like Kalabhushanam Shrimathy Thiripurasundari Yoganantham, and Padma Shri Adyar K Lakshman, and his disciple Dr. Suryakala Chandrika Jeevananthan she spends countless hours perfecting her adavus (basic steps), mastering the complex rhythms, and understanding the profound emotions behind each mudra (gesture) and bhava (expression) in the style of Kalakshetra.
Mesmerizing Performances: Breathing Life into Timeless Tales

Her performances, even at a young age, were nothing short of mesmerizing. The precision of her footwork, the fluidity of her movements, and the depth of her expressions held audience’s captive. With each recital, she breathed life into age-old stories, making them relevant and relatable to modern viewers.
Global Recognition: A Bharatanatyam Ambassador

As she matured, her dance evolved. It was no longer just about the technique or the stories; it became an exploration of the self, a dialogue between the dancer and the divine, and a meditation that transcended the confines of the stage. She began to be recognized not just nationally but also on global platforms, becoming an ambassador of Bharatanatyam to the world.
Innovative Collaborations: Blending Tradition with Contemporary

However, her accomplishments were not limited to her personal performances. Recognizing the changing dynamics of the world and the need to adapt while preserving the core of Bharatanatyam, she began collaborating with artists from other dance forms. These collaborations brought forth productions that were groundbreaking, merging the traditional with the contemporary, and showcasing the universality of dance as a form of expression.
Educator and Mentor: Preserving Bharatanatyam's Essence

She also took it upon herself to educate and mentor the next generation. Through workshops, lectures, and establishing her dance academy, she endeavored to ensure that the purity and essence of Bharatanatyam were passed on, even as it evolved to resonate with the changing times.
Legacy of Accomplishment: Beyond Accolades and Recognition

When one speaks of Bharatanatyam and its leading lights, her name shines brightly. But beyond the accolades, awards, and recognition lies her true accomplishment – the indomitable spirit of a dancer who became one with her art. Her journey serves as an inspiration, a testament to what passion, dedication, and a deep-rooted love for one's heritage can achieve. In her dance, one can see the past, present, and a glimpse of the future, all converging in a symphony of grace and rhythm.
Shaping Future: Dance School as a Calling

However, the real essence of her journey unfolded when she decided to bestow her knowledge upon the eager minds yearning to delve into the world of Bharatanatyam. Setting up a dance school was not merely a decision; it was a calling. It is in the eyes of every student she taught, who looked at the world of Bharatanatyam with reverence, respect, and love. In the panorama of Bharatanatyam's illustrious history, her journey stands as a shining beacon.
Passing on the Torch: Empowering the Next Generation

Throughout her life, she exemplified that true accomplishment in the realm of dance is not just in learning and practicing but in passing on the torch to the next generation with the same fervor and passion.