Pandanallur tradition · Porur, Chennai

The classical art of Bharatanatyam, taught the traditional way.

Mayura Natyalaya is a Bharatanatyam school in Porur, Chennai. Weekend classes for children from age five, teens and adults are led by twin sisters Smt. Aishwarya and Smt. Soundharya, disciples of Kalaimamani Guru Smt. Charulatha Jayaraman.

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15+ years
of teaching & performance
Sat & Sun
weekend classes in Porur
Age 5+
children, teens & adults
Smt. Aishwarya and Smt. Soundharya in Bharatanatyam costume
Smt. Aishwarya & Smt. Soundharya — founders and teachers
About the school

A school rooted in lineage and discipline.

Mayura Natyalaya is dedicated to imparting the rich tradition of Bharatanatyam in the Pandanallur style — known for its clean lines, geometric precision and depth of expression.

Classes are led by twin sisters Smt. Aishwarya and Smt. Soundharya, who bring over fifteen years of teaching and performance experience. They have taught many students both online and in person, nurturing talent across every age group.

Students come to us for the personal attention, the patient, structured teaching and a genuine love for the art that carries from the first adavu to the stage. Meet the teachers and our lineage.

i.

Nritta

Pure dance

Rhythm and form: adavus, jathis and the geometry of movement that builds strength, stamina and precision.

ii.

Nritya

Expressive dance

Abhinaya and mudras that bring music and poetry to life, and teach the dancer to communicate emotion.

iii.

Natya

Dramatic art

Storytelling through character and rasa, drawing on the epics and devotional literature of the tradition.

Your teachers

Taught with care and patience.

Aishwarya and Soundharya are disciples of Guru Smt. Charulatha Jayaraman and have performed and taught for more than fifteen years. Every student is taught directly by them — with close attention to posture, rhythm and expression.

Teachers & lineage
Smt. Aishwarya in a Bharatanatyam pose
Smt. AishwaryaCo-founder & teacher
Smt. Soundharya in a Bharatanatyam pose
Smt. SoundharyaCo-founder & teacher
In class & on stage

Our first year.

From the first weekend classes in August 2025 to our students’ first performances on stage.

See the full gallery
One year of Bharatanatyam at Mayura Natyalaya
Four young students in Bharatanatyam costume performing on stage in front of a Nataraja backdrop
On stage, February 2026
Every mudra counts
Students in green and pink practice costume holding namaskaram in a Mayura Natyalaya class
Namaskaram in class
Every step in sync

“Learning Bharatanatyam is a joyful and enriching experience that connects you to an ancient tradition.”

Mayura Natyalaya
Guru Kalaimamani Smt. Charulatha Jayaraman in a Bharatanatyam pose
Our lineage

Guru Smt. Charulatha Jayaraman

Kalaimamani awardee · Founder, Shrishti School of Performing Arts

Our teachers are devoted disciples of Guru Kalaimamani Smt. Charulatha Jayaraman, who has carved a niche for herself among the new generation of Bharatanatyam exponents. She is an outstanding, award-winning performer and teacher.

She is the founder and Artistic Director of Shrishti School of Performing Arts in Orange County, California, and a Nattuvangam exponent — an ardent disciple of Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Guru Smt. Indira Rajan, a nattuvanar par excellence.

  • KalaimamaniHonoured by the Government of Tamil Nadu
  • Artistic DirectorShrishti School of Performing Arts, Orange County, CA
  • NattuvangamDisciple of Guru Smt. Indira Rajan
Read more about our lineage charulatha.com
Classes

A class for every age and stage.

Small weekend batches in Porur, grouped by age and experience, plus live online classes. Complete beginners are always welcome.

Ages 5 – 12

Children

A joyful foundation in posture, rhythm and the basic adavus — building focus, coordination and confidence.

Classes for children
Ages 13 – 18

Teens

Deeper technique, jathis and abhinaya, with steady progress through the items of the margam.

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The path of learning

Training follows the traditional progression, so every student builds a strong foundation before moving on to the full repertoire. Read how long it takes to learn Bharatanatyam.

  1. Beginner

    Foundations of the Pandanallur style — stance, adavus and basic rhythm. From age five.

  2. Intermediate

    Advanced adavus, jathis and expressive dance, with the first items of the repertoire.

  3. Advanced & Arangetram

    Full margam preparation and performance readiness for the solo debut. Arangetram preparation.

When
Saturday & Sunday, 9 AM – 6 PM
Format
In person & online
Ask about batch timings
Enquire

Begin your journey.

Tell us a little about the student and we’ll get back to you with batch timings, fees and the next steps.

  • We reply on WhatsApp to the number you share.
  • We help you choose the right batch for your age and experience.
  • You can visit the class in Porur before you join.

Prefer to talk to us directly?

WhatsApp +91 70105 87252

We only use your details to reply to your enquiry.
Journal

Notes on the art.

History, technique and tradition — guides for students, parents and lovers of the dance.

All articles
Students & Parents5 min read

What Is the Right Age to Start Bharatanatyam?

Most children start Bharatanatyam between five and seven, but teens and adults can begin too. Readiness signs, first lessons and questions to ask a teacher.

Students & Parents5 min read

Salangai Pooja: The Ceremony of the Ankle Bells

What salangai pooja is in Bharatanatyam, when it usually happens, what takes place during the ceremony, and how students care for and respect their ankle bells.

Questions

Before you join.

Short answers to what parents and new students ask us most. See all frequently asked questions.

Frequently asked questions

Where are Mayura Natyalaya's Bharatanatyam classes held?

Classes are held at Elite Nest Play School, 10/136, Gandhi Nagar, Porur, Chennai 600116, every Saturday and Sunday between 9 AM and 6 PM. Online classes are also available.

What age can my child start Bharatanatyam?

Children can join the beginners' batch from the age of five. The children's batch covers ages 5 to 12, with separate batches for teens (13 to 18) and adults.

Which style of Bharatanatyam do you teach?

We teach the Pandanallur style, a traditional bani known for its geometric precision, deep araimandi and clean, dignified lines. Our teachers are disciples of Kalaimamani Guru Smt. Charulatha Jayaraman.

Can adults or complete beginners join?

Yes. There are weekend batches for adults and working professionals, and complete beginners are always welcome at every age.

Do you offer online Bharatanatyam classes?

Yes. Smt. Aishwarya and Smt. Soundharya have taught students both online and in person. Message us on WhatsApp to ask about online batches.

How do I enquire about fees and batch timings?

Fill in the enquiry form on this page or message +91 70105 87252 on WhatsApp, and we will reply with batch timings, fees and the next steps.

Visit us

Classes in Porur, Chennai.

Venue
Elite Nest Play School, 10/136, Gandhi Nagar, Porur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600116
Timings
Saturday & Sunday, 9 AM – 6 PM
Contact
Smt. Soundharya
Nearby
Within easy reach of Mugalivakkam, Ramapuram, Valasaravakkam, Iyyappanthangal, Madhanandapuram, Manapakkam and the rest of west Chennai.
Get directions About classes in Porur

Elite Nest Play School
10/136, Gandhi Nagar, Porur, Chennai 600116

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