Meet sayali pendse | Founder, Kalaasmi Academy

We had the good fortune of connecting with sayali pendse and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi sayali, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Kalaasmi Academy was founded on the idea of providing Bharatnatyam which is an Indian classical dance style and Indian classical music training from academic viewpoint. The focus of Kalaasmi Academy has been and will always be promotion and propagation of Indian arts through music and dance.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form that originated in the temples of Tamil Nadu, India, is a vibrant and intricate art form that has captivated audiences for centuries. Rooted in the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of India, Bharatanatyam is distinguished by its unique blend of rhythmic footwork, intricate hand gestures, expressive facial movements, and graceful postures. Bharatanatyam stands out among various dance forms due to its rich historical and cultural significance. It is deeply rooted in the Natya Shastra, an ancient Indian treatise on the performing arts, and its execution involves a meticulous combination of precise footwork (adavus), intricate hand gestures (mudras), and emotive facial expressions (abhinaya). The dance form is characterized by a unique blend of dynamic and static movements, allowing for both rhythmic precision and expressive storytelling.
The most exciting aspect of Bharatanatyam lies in its ability to seamlessly blend tradition with creativity. Dancers find joy in exploring the intricate nuances of the art form, expressing a range of emotions through their movements. The dynamic footwork and graceful poses, combined with the storytelling element, allow for a holistic and captivating performance that resonates with both the performer and the audience. The rhythmic patterns and complex compositions of Bharatanatyam music, often accompanied by traditional instruments like the mridangam and nattuvangam, contribute to the excitement of the dance.
Progressing in Bharatanatyam requires dedication, discipline, and years of rigorous training under the guidance of an experienced guru (teacher). My learning process involved mastering the basic adavus, understanding the grammar of the dance, and honing the art of abhinaya. I went through years of training before presenting a full-fledged solo performance. However, the journey was not without its challenges.
To overcome the challenges associated with pursuing Bharatanatyam professionally, dancers must cultivate a strong work ethic, resilience, and a passion for the art. Continuous learning and self-improvement are essential, and seeking mentorship from experienced dancers can provide valuable guidance.
We don’t have lot of opportunities to perform this dance style in Phoenix area. I was very sad about that as a performer. But eventually I evolved and started thinking of non-conventional way where I still can get to do performances and can teach my students too. I started planning my own academy’s showcases where everyone can perform. I have learned that if you don’t have opportunity then you have to create one for you.
My teaching style sets me apart from others where students can have fun but they know and practice proper technique too. My students appear for the exams each year where they can get extra credits and get validated by mentors from India. I love to perform with my students. I like to experiment with style where I can add the western touch in the Bharatnatyam style in fusion formats.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Gilbert Heritage district is my all time fav to hangout. have healthy bites at Wildflower and roam around Gilbert heritage district

if you have kids, go to Bearizona– my kid loves to go there.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family- my parents, 3 year old son Shaunak and my husband Nikhil My teachers: Dr. Swati Daithankar and Mrs. Seema Joshi

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