Smt. Kalyani Shanmugarajah

🪔 About

Smt. Kalyani Shanmugarajah is a dedicated exponent of Bharatanatyam, who received her comprehensive training at Kalakshetra, a prominent cultural institution for fine arts in India. During her time at Kalakshetra, she was fortunate to receive tutelage from Smt. Sarada Hoffman and direction from the late Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale, actively participating in Kalakshetra dance dramas. After graduating from Kalakshetra in 1974, she embarked on extensive tours and performances in Sri Lanka alongside other Kalakshetra graduates. She also began her teaching career in Sri Lanka, instructing at various institutions. In 1990, Smt. Shanmugarajah moved to Los Angeles, California, and founded the Shiva Jyothi School of Dance in North Hills. In 1996, with the support of Sri Bhagavatalu Seetarama Sarma of India, the school was renamed the Kalapeetham School of Dance. As the Founder and Artistic Director of Kalapeetham, she has dedicated over 50 years to training, molding, and inspiring students, having conducted over 75 Arangetrams. Many of her senior students have become instructors at Kalapeetham and perform professionally both in the U.S. and internationally. Her daughter, Tharini Shanmugarajah, is also an accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer, having received her initial training under Smt. Kalyani Shanmugarajah, and serves as the Co-Artistic Director of Kalapeetham.