Sunita Golvala

🪔 About

Sunita Golvala is a distinguished Guru in the realm of Indian classical dance, proficient in both Kathak and Bharatanatyam. Her journey in dance began in India, where she established a dance school in Bombay (now Mumbai) and performed for the esteemed Indian National Theater. In 1965, Golvala relocated to the United Kingdom. After her move, she continued to pursue her passion for dance, finding a mentor in the renowned dancer Ram Gopal, who generously provided her with access to his studio. Her initial performance opportunity in the UK came through Ferno Hall, where she presented a lecture dance for the Royal Ballet School. Golvala commenced her teaching career in Croydon, UK, in 1968, initially at the Lenfrank school before establishing her own independent classes at the Norbury school. Over the years, she has been a dedicated educator, emphasizing the importance of mastering traditional dance techniques before venturing into innovation. Her artistic contributions extend beyond teaching and performing; she has also choreographed dances for various films and television productions. A notable performance in her career includes a ballet titled "Nura" at the Commonwealth Institute in 1969, for which music was sourced from India. She has also presented programs showcasing the progression of Indian dance in the UK, including a "thart program" that featured pure classical Kathak and Bharatanatyam, followed by interpretations of Indian poems and even Indian dance set to Western music like Mahler's Wayfarer cycle. Golvala firmly believes that the discipline inherent in Bharatanatyam aids Kathak dancers, and that the rich tradition of Indian dance, which has endured for over 2,000 years, should be preserved.