Sundara Swaminathan, Kala Vandana is recognized as one of the finest performing arts companies in California, teaching students in the Kalakshetra style of Bharatanatyam Kala Vandana produces the high quality theatrical dance productions and professional performances of Indian classical dance -- Bharatanatyam. The long history of Kala Vandana’s theatrical productions include Krishna -- The Enchanter, Shraddhanjali, Return to Tradition, A Child's World, Stories from the Epics of India, Lord of Dance, Tales of Temple Dance, Dasavatharam, Krishna Leela, and Glory of Muruga. In 2009 Kala Vandana celebrated its 20th anniversary with two grand productions, Reflections and Celebrations. These and other Kala Vandana performances have always engrossed the audiences and have received raving reviews from the press. In addition to own productions, Kala Vandana also performs regularly in various ethnic, cultural and international festivals throughout the year. Kala Vandana has performed in the Center for the Arts festival, the United Nations 50th Anniversary Celebrations, Smith Center’s season of the Arts, Festival of India and many other occasions. Kala Vandana performers were the center of attraction in the Asian Arts Museum’s grand fund raiser event “Encounter Asia” in January 2002. It is proud to be a featured company to perform in the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival for seven years. The founder and artistic director of Kala Vandana, Sundara Swaminathan is an alumna of the Kalakshetra College of Fine Arts in Chennai, India. She was trained under the tutelage of the legendary Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale, and eminent teacher at Kalakshetra. Sundara has choreographed and staged all the theatrical dance productions of Kala Vandana since its inception. Sundara Swaminathan’s choreography and performances have delighted the Bay Area press and audiences for many years. She is also a dedicated teacher who brings the best out of every student. Kala Vandana Dance Center is a premier and outstanding dance institute in California, known for its excellence in training young boys and girls in learning this ancient art from India. Kala Vandana trains students in the theory and the performance of Bharatanatyam in traditional Kalakshetra style and maintains superior standards of excellence established by Smt. Through dance education, Kala Vandana offers every student opportunity for personal development, achievement, and enjoyment. Students learn in an excellent learning atmosphere in professional studios. The broader objective of Kala Vandana is to implant a strong cultural identity in its students and preserve the thousands of years old cultural heritage of India through Bharatanatyam. Classes are offered in San Jose.
