
Shri Krupa Dance Company (SKDC) is the oldest Indian
classical dance school in the San Francisco Bay Area
and was foundedby the world renowned Bharatanatyam
teacher, dancer and choreographer- extraordinaire -
Guru Vishal Ramani. The journey started in 1977 from
a simple need to satisfy the thirst for Tradition
amongst Indian immigrants. Today it is a thriving
Center of Excellence for Bharatanatyam learning
where the dance is taught within the strict confines
of the style set by the Thanjavur tradition. The
school has produced many of this regions finest
practitioners and exponents of this ancient art
form. Under Guru Vishal's leadership, Shri Krupa has
broken barriers on many fronts with many "Firsts".
One such pioneering step, now a very popular
tradition amongst every school in North America, was
the casting of a Live Ensemble of famous musicians
to accompany an Arangetram performance. With her
passion and commitment towards nurturing and
sustaining every level of this revered dance form,
Guru Vishal has carved a path of continuity for all
SKDC Arangetram graduates, and conducts Post
Arangetram classes regularly every week. Shri Krupa
is also the first School in the Bay Area to present
full length classical Indian dance ballets with live
music to critical acclaim. Continuing this legacy,
Guru Vishal has demonstrated masterful artistic
vision and brilliant choreography. Ancient &
contemporary themes and current world problems are
handled with equal ease, much to the wonderment of
her audiences.
SKDC students have performed and received
accolades the world over, including receiving awards
& acclaim at the very bastion of this dance form –
the annual Chennai Sabhas (cultural events),
International Dance competitions in Barcelona, San
Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, Cleveland's
Thyagaraja Aradhana Festival and full length
performances in US, Canada, Australia and India.
Through the years, SKDC has been very active in the
local Community by raising funds or awareness for
many causes through the power of dedicated dance
performances. |