Nicholyn Dayanand

🪔 About

Nicholyn Dayanand is a professional Indian classical dancer specializing in Bharatanatyam, originally from Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. She began her dance journey at the age of seven, receiving initial training in South Africa under Shrimati Kantharuby Moonsamy and her daughter, Yshrene Moodley of the Dance Academy. In 2007, after matriculating, Dayanand was awarded a scholarship by the Indian Consulate in Durban, which enabled her to pursue advanced studies in Bharatanatyam in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. She underwent four years of rigorous training at the prestigious Rukmini Devi Kalakshetra College of Fine Arts (also known as Rukmani College of Fine Arts Kalakshetra), where she earned a diploma in Bharatanatyam. During her time in Chennai, she trained under esteemed gurus Sri Mohan and Sri Rakesh, and for her final two years, under Shirmathi Nandini Nagaraj. Upon her return to Pietermaritzburg in May 2013, Dayanand celebrated her graduation with an arangetram held at the Heather Hall in Northdale, an event attended by her teacher, Shirmathi Nandini Nagaraj, who traveled from India. Following her return, she established her own dance school in Pietermaritzburg and Port Shepstone, South Africa. Through her school, she imparts knowledge of Bharatanatyam dance, music, history, Vedic heritage, and dance theory, also offering folk dance as an additional subject. Classes are conducted at the Port Shepstone Secondary School. Awards & Honours: Scholarship (2007).