Movement and gestures form one of the earliest forms of communication known to mankind. To move to rhythm, to sway to music is but a primitive response of man. The evolution of dance can thus be traced to the origins of mankind itself. Hence dance transcends the dimensions of space and time. To push the horizon of possibilities, to challenge new limits and to experience heights hitherto unknown, we set out at the Shikara Institute of Fine Arts. We pay our tribute to that energy that procreates, sustains and dissolves only to resurrect again and to Time, the greatest teacher of all.

Imparting Indian art to children, from a tender age is a fundamental process of inculcating aesthetics and values into their fast and modern lifestyles. Mere entertainment aside, the objective of Indian arts is to elevate the performer and viewers alike to a higher plane of awareness and understanding, to experience Aanandha or joy akin to the realization of Brahman - Brahmaananda swaada sahoodara.

Anusha and Narendra Kumar, performers par excellence, are teachers with a positive vision in the new age. What the school teaches is not the goal but the joy in its seeking. Training for Bharatha natyam, hence, begins with intense body warm ups and stretches that prepare the student to rapidly comprehend the complexity of the physical form. The realization that every child is unique and precious leads to an approach that is more individualistic rather than the common denominator of a curriculum. Sessions are intense and relentless but fun filled and inspiring, nevertheless. Shikara, through its teaching methods seeks to redefine the bounds of the Guru–Sishya relationship - a bond of friendship, joy and togetherness. A bond, that lays the foundations for the greater understanding of the art and one that will transcend the mortal shell and experience the Eternal.