Classical Dance

Menaka Raviraj

Menaka Raviraj had her initial training in Bharatanatyam under Leela Narayana in Jaffna . After her Arangetram in 1972 she joined the Ramanathan Academy affiliated to the Arts Faculty of Jaffna University, where she completed a four year diploma in Bharatanatyam in 1980. Having gained her title”Natya Kalaimani” Menaka began teaching students of Vembadi High School for girls in Jaffna . She then joined Jaffna College in 1983 where she trained students until 1990. She was then given the opportunity to gain advance training under Smt Amika Booch, a senior member of Kalashetra. Smt Menaka Raviraj is currently teaching students of SANGEETHA OF THE UK at Lanfranc school, Mitcham Road ,Croydon on every Sunday from 1 PM to 8pm .

Dr Sambavi Raviraj

Sambavi Raviraj is a highly experienced classical dancer and a gifted choreographer, who has been performing and presenting dance shows in London for a number of years. Sambavi began her initial training in Bharatha Natya at the tender age of five under the tutelage of her mother, Smt Menaka Raviraj, who is also a talented classical dancer, choreographer and an exponent of Bharatha Natya.  Sambavi later groomed in Bharatha Natya by eminent masters at the Croydon Academy of Eastern Arts and the Sangeetha of the UK.  Sambavi was awarded a prominent diploma in Bharatha Natya by the reputed OFAAL in 2000 and she is also endorsed with the prestigious title “Natya Kalajyothi”. Sambavi performed her Arangetram in 2002 in the conventional manner and continues to dance and teach Bharatha Natya alongside her mother.

Sambavi has won a number of prestigious prizes in classical dance over the years. She was also privileged to hold the All Rounder Trophy for consecutive years for her glittering performances at the Croydon Music and Dance Festival. Smbavi has graduated from the Kings College London and she is now progressing in her career as a Medical Doctor at the Epsom and St Helier Trust Hospital.
Class time (1pm to 4pm)