Our Founder

D Sealucksea, also known as Yazhini, who is the founder of Kalalaya International Institute of Dance & Music Trust, is an exceptional personality who has dedicated her life to inspire the soul of art in countless students. She started to learn Bharatham at the age of 2. She earned an Honors Diploma in Dance from Kalakshetra Foundation under scholarship program with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Delhi. She also earned a Bachelor’s in Tamil Literature from Madras University.

After years of hard effort and commitment, her passion for dancing gave birth to the Kalalaya International Institute of dancing and Music trust, which began with only two pupils in Neelankarai in 2006. For the past two decades, her strong commitment has seen Kalalaya emerge and expand into a network of 25+ locations around Chennai, serving over 5000+ students from India as well as the United States, UK, Australia, Dubai, Malaysia, Singapore, Nigeria, and London.

In addition to her position as Kalalaya's Director, she is a Program Producer and TV channel presenter, showing her incredible skill in a variety of mediums. Aside from dancing, she possesses a variety of other abilities that specializes in classical, semi-classical, and folk dancing forms. She is also a singer, an accomplished choreographer, Tamil poet, and fascinating narrator of Hindu epics.

Remarkably, she is a "Panniru Thirumurai" instructor, passing on the wisdom of these holy Tamil songs to the next generation while also instilling important ethical ideals. Despite her brilliance, Yazhini is a humble and down-to-earth individual who is an incredible source of inspiration.

Yazhini's journey is a beacon of inspiration, illustrating how passion, dedication, and hard work can transform dreams into reality. Her leadership and vision continue to guide Kalalaya, nurturing the next generation of artists and ensuring that the rich cultural heritage of dance and music thrives. Her contributions to the arts are immeasurable, and her legacy will continue to inspire countless students and artists for years to come.

Join Kalalaya today and be a part of the legacy created by Yazhini, where art meets passion and tradition blends seamlessly with innovation.

In Addition, we would like to point out that Mrs Sealucksea's grandfather was a renowned Sculptor from Thiruvarur settled in Srilanka.

We are delighted to highlight the remarkable journey and contributions of Shri Sundararaju Devar, an esteemed sculptor originally from Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, who has significantly enriched Sri Lanka’s artistic heritage. After settling in Sri Lanka, Shri Devar became a celebrated member of the Carvers guild, renowned for his exquisite craftsmanship.

His masterpieces, known as Chandravatakal, adorn several prominent sites across Sri Lanka, including:

Anuradhapuram: Known for its intricate and captivating details.
Polonnaruwa: Depicting historical and mythological scenes.
Kadirkamam: Enhancing the spiritual ambiance of this sacred site.

Kandy Dalada Maligawa: Masterpieces that reflect his deep respect for cultural and religious traditions.

Shri Sundararaju Devar's legacy is marked by his exceptional skill and dedication to preserving traditional carving techniques, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural tapestry of Sri Lanka.

Upholding the Legacy of Bharatanatyam
(Kalakshetra Style)

Kalalaya International Institute of Dance & Music Trust takes immense pride in our core program dedicated to the mesmerizing world of Bharatanatyam, specifically focusing on the esteemed Kalakshetra style. This classical Indian dance form traces its origins back to 300 BCE and it has carried its legacy for over 2000 years. Often referred to as the mother of many other dance forms, Bharatanatyam is celebrated for its elaborate footwork, expressive hand gestures (mudras), and captivating storytelling—all harmoniously performed to create a holistic art form. Bharatanatyam is not merely about physical movements; it is a complete mental exercise that demands focus and concentration.

Under the guidance and support of our experienced instructors, you will embark on a transformative journey through the following stages:

Mastering the basics

Foundation is Key: At Kalalaya, we believe that a strong foundation is essential for excelling in any art form. Our program starts with the fundamentals of Bharatanatyam, including:

• Adavus: Basic dance steps that form the core of Bharatanatyam

• Nritta: Pure dance movements that emphasize rhythmic patterns

• Nritya: Expressive dance that conveys emotions and stories

• Natya: Dramatic enactment that integrates dance and drama

Fine-Tuning the Right Way

Refinement through Expertise: While many can teach an art form, only experienced tutors can refine your skills and nurture your growth. Our passionate and skilled instructors help you develop:

• Grace and Elegance: Achieving fluidity and poise in your movements.

• Control: Mastering precision and discipline in dance.

• Emotional Expression: Learning to convey emotions effectively through facial expressions and Abhinaya (the art of theatrical representation).

Strengthening Your Theory

Theoretical Knowledge: Understanding the theoretical aspects of Bharatanatyam enhances your appreciation and immersion in the art. At Kalalaya, we provide comprehensive lessons on:

• Music and Rhythm: The essential components that accompany Bharatanatyam.

• Symbolic Language: The mudras and other symbolic gestures used in storytelling.

• Historical Context: The evolution and cultural significance of Bharatanatyam.

Complete Exploration

Holistic Learning Experience: Our program offers a thorough and enriching learning journey that includes:

• Traditional Compositions Exploring classical pieces that form the backbone of Bharatanatyam.

• Alarippu: Rhythmic exercises that serve as the foundation for more complex dances.

• Varnam: Elaborate dance pieces that showcase a dancer's versatility and skill.

• Thematic Presentations: Performances that integrate various aspects of Bharatanatyam into a cohesive narrative.