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WHO WE ARE
Devaniya is a space that enriches lives without even attempting to do so. And that is because it is a phenomenon that sprouts from an earnest approach towards the teaching and learning process, using kathak as a canvas for creativity and positivity rather than making the technique of kathak it’s sole purpose.
This approach towards the art has brought about a cross cultural, cross generation synergy leading to the germination of a new grain of kathak which we at Devaniya deem fit to term the Dakshin Gharana of Kathak, a stylisation of Kathak with a Dakshini Andaaz ( a southern garnish).
Devaniya thus, is truly one of a kind. From our distinctive style to the methodology of teaching, from the sheer simplicity of our ethos and attitude to our impressive presentations and presence in the bastion of Bharatanatyam, Devaniya is a gift worth giving yourself and your loved ones.
Explore our site for more information, and feel free to reach out with your queries.
Founder and Creative Director
Devaniya, the founder school of Dakshin Gharana of Kathak, is founded & headed by Jigyasa Giri in this bastion of Bharatanatyam. It stands as the first school of Kathak in Chennai and until very recently the ONLY school of Kathak in Chennai. Jigyasa has trained under the tutelage of Late Guru Natyashri Krishna Kumar Dharwar in the Banaras Gharana of Kathak. She has also trained under late Guru Dr. Maya Rao of the Lucknow Gharana.
Research and Production Coordinator
Motivated and balanced - Avani has trained in Kathak for 8 years and has been a student, teacher and core team performer at Devaniya. She has completed her masters degree in International Political Economy from the Nanyang Technology University, Singapore.
Senior dancer, Senior Instructor and Music Coordinator
Swetha is an Assistant professor in the department of food science at M.O.P. Vaishnav College in Chennai. She has been learning at Devaniya since 2009 and has been teaching since 2011. She is married to a percussionist and has a son. She also enjoys singing and mimicking people.
Senior Dancer, Senior Instructor and Choreographer
Shankari has graduated in BA Bharatanatyam at the Music College Chennai, and has also received her Natuvangam certification in Bharatanatyam. A sudden shift of destiny landed her in Devaniya, and in the short span of 6 years, Shankari has done wonders in her learning of Kathak, crossing all barriers of language and style in this diametrically opposite to Bharatanatyam dance form of Kathak and today is one of the most loved and sought after teachers and performers at Devaniya. She also continues teaching bharatanatyam with the same flair and dedication.
Marketing, PR and Senior Student
Priya has been with Devaniya for 5 years. She is a senior student and performer and also handles Marketing and PR for Devaniya. She is an entrepreneur and runs a Sales Consulting firm.
The dance of lightening across a jade sky
The shower of ankle bells in rhythmic synchrony
A thunderbolt of syllables translated into movement
And behold the gallop of speed, grace and strength....
Kathak - the classical dance form of North India which originated in the temples where the dancers would depict stories of Gods and Goddesses, was embellished with fast rhythmic footwork, numerous pirouettes and statuesque poses during the Mughal rule in India. This transformed it into a performance oriented art form of entertainment. The techniques have been nurtured and refined in three recognised styles or gharanas - Lucknow, Benaras and Jaipur.
Devaniya is the pioneer school of Kathak in Chennai, founder school of the Dakshin Gharana of Kathak.
And here are some of our snapshots of our growth and performances.
OPENING HOURS
Come Visit with Prior Appointment
The only criteria to enroll with Devaniya is the will to learn and to be 8 years or above. There is no upper age limit at Devaniya.
Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm
Sat: 10am - 8pm
Sun: Closed
GET IN TOUCH
If you would like more information about Devaniya and the Dakshin Gharana of Kathak, or would like to know about admissions to Devaniya, or procedure to book Devaniya performances, we’d be more than happy to help. Please fill out the form below and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Devaniya, Founder School,
Dakshin Gharana Of Kathak
42, Oliver road,
Mylapore,
Chennai – 600004.
+91 99400 55892