About Uma
Dance Academy
Welcome to
Uma Dance Academy
Guru Srimathi Uma Thevi Sivabalan, is the first Malaysian to learn and complete her Arangeatram in Baratha Nrithyam under the renowned Guru, Padma Busban Dr. Padma Subramanyam in Chennai. Born in Ipoh, she happens to be the youngest child of Mr. Mrs. Sugunatheeran – Saravana Komari, a precious wife to Mr. Sivabalan as well as a loving mother of four children.
During her time in India, while she was diligently honed to her skills in Baratha Nrithyam, she was also pursuing her tertiary-level education. Some time after her Arangeatram, she was bestowed upon the Natya Bhavanasia Nrithvam Title by Dr. Kishor of Chennai in 2010. She was entitled the Swara Sanggeetha Natyamani in 2012.
She also was recognized again for her excellence in Baratha Nrithyam, thus being ennobled with Sanggeetha Natya Maamani title in 2013. Her credentials include the Nrithyam Visharad and the Nrithyam Prevesika. Furthermore, she possesses a profound level of knowledge in Indian Classical Music as well as the ancient Sanskrit language. She has even attained her skills in nattuvaanggam from her Guru, Padma Bushan Dr. Padma Subramanyam herself. Suffice to say that she has heaps of titles in her list of Honours and Awards which, under this context, would be too long to mention here.
Over the course of her journey in Baratha Nrithyam, she graced a variety of stages and festivals. In India, they include the Chithambaran Dance Festival. The Konarak Dance Festival, The Sun temple Bhuvaneswas, Dhoordashan, Keral (Palakut, Trivandrum), The Bombay Dance Festival, The Narada Ghana shaba and numerous other International dance Programs sponsored by the Indian Council.
In Malaysia, however, The Paatum Barathamum (2010) The Sanggeetha Natya Samrajayam (2013). And the Natyanjali (2013), were just a few of many occasions in which she had performed. In 1995, she expended her immense passion for Baratha Nrithyam, by establishing the first 2 Baratha Nrithyam Dance Schools in Malaysia, befittingly naming them Nrithyodaya School of Baratha Nrithyam and Uma Thevi Baratha Nrithyam Academy. From that time onwards, she started to pass on her priceless knowledge and wisdom of Baratha Nrithyam over her students and in turn, conducted an impressive number of Salanggai Poojai and Arangeatram for many of her pupils.
In 2021, her dance school/her students participated in a Guiness World Records event and attained the title. Presently, she has over 250 students under her tutelage and conducts her classes.
Vision
Uma Baratha Nrithyam Dance Academy stands as a beacon of cultural preservation and artistic innovation, where tradition and talent converge to create a harmonious symphony of classical arts. Our vision is rooted in the belief that the essence of classical Indian arts, embodied in the intricate rhythms of the mridangam, is not merely a relic of the past but a living, breathing expression of our cultural identity.
Uma Baratha Nrithyam Dance Academy ‘s vision extends beyond the mere preservation of classical arts; it encompasses a vibrant tapestry of cultural heritage interwoven with the aspirations of budding talents. Here, amidst the echo of rhythmic beats and the graceful movements of dance, we aspire to create a sanctuary where tradition is revered, innovation is celebrated, and the journey of artistic growth is nurtured with care and dedication. Join us as we embark on a journey where the past meets the present, and where the timeless melodies of the mridangam find new voices to carry them into the future.
Mission
Uma Baratha Nrithyam Dance Academy, where the timeless art of Bharatanatyam finds its soulful expression.
At Uma Baratha Nrithyam Dance Academy, we are dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Bharatanatyam, an ancient classical dance form originating from the temples of Tamil Nadu, India. Our mission is to impart comprehensive training, nurturing each student’s artistic potential while instilling a deep appreciation for the tradition, aesthetics, and spirituality inherent in Bharatanatyam.
At the heart of our mission is the belief that Bharatanatyam transcends mere movement; it is a transformative journey that enriches the mind, body, and spirit. Through rigorous training in technique, repertoire, rhythm, and expression, we empower our students to not only master the art form but also to embody its grace, dynamism, and emotional depth.
As ambassadors of Bharatanatyam, we strive to create opportunities for our students to showcase their talents and share the beauty of this ancient art with audiences worldwide. Through performances, workshops, and collaborations, we seek to foster cross-cultural exchange and appreciation, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity.
Uma Dance Academy
Guru Srimathi Uma Thevi Sivabalan, is the first Malaysian to learn and complete her Arangeatram in Baratha Nrithyam under the renowned Guru, Padma Busban Dr. Padma Subramanyam in Chennai. Born in Ipoh, she happens to be the youngest child of Mr. Mrs. Sugunatheeran – Saravana Komari, a precious wife to Mr. Sivabalan as well as a loving mother of four children.
During her time in India, while she was diligently honed to her skills in Baratha Nrithyam, she was also pursuing her tertiary-level education. Some time after her Arangeatram, she was bestowed upon the Natya Bhavanasia Nrithvam Title by Dr. Kishor of Chennai in 2010. She was entitled the Swara Sanggeetha Natyamani in 2012.
She also was recognized again for her excellence in Baratha Nrithyam, thus being ennobled with Sanggeetha Natya Maamani title in 2013. Her credentials include the Nrithyam Visharad and the Nrithyam Prevesika. Furthermore, she possesses a profound level of knowledge in Indian Classical Music as well as the ancient Sanskrit language. She has even attained her skills in nattuvaanggam from her Guru, Padma Bushan Dr. Padma Subramanyam herself. Suffice to say that she has heaps of titles in her list of Honours and Awards which, under this context, would be too long to mention here.
Over the course of her journey in Baratha Nrithyam, she graced a variety of stages and festivals. In India, they include the Chithambaran Dance Festival. The Konarak Dance Festival, The Sun temple Bhuvaneswas, Dhoordashan, Keral (Palakut, Trivandrum), The Bombay Dance Festival, The Narada Ghana shaba and numerous other International dance Programs sponsored by the Indian Council.
In Malaysia, however, The Paatum Barathamum (2010) The Sanggeetha Natya Samrajayam (2013). And the Natyanjali (2013), were just a few of many occasions in which she had performed. In 1995, she expended her immense passion for Baratha Nrithyam, by establishing the first 2 Baratha Nrithyam Dance Schools in Malaysia, befittingly naming them Nrithyodaya School of Baratha Nrithyam and Uma Thevi Baratha Nrithyam Academy. From that time onwards, she started to pass on her priceless knowledge and wisdom of Baratha Nrithyam over her students and in turn, conducted an impressive number of Salanggai Poojai and Arangeatram for many of her pupils.
In 2021, her dance school/her students participated in a Guiness World Records event and attained the title. Presently, she has over 250 students under her tutelage and conducts her classes.
