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| Srimati Shyamala is a master of the Balasaraswati lineage of Devadasi Sadir.
She started dancing at the age of seven and at the age of fourteen began her
studies with the legendary dance master Srimati T. Balasaraswati. Shyamala
received her 'Diploma of Proficiency' and had her Arangetram (ceremonial first
performance) in 1978. She has been teaching, performing and lecturing
extensively since that time. She has an extraordinary skill for sharing the
sublime depth and beauty of the temple arts of South India. She is the directer
of The Koothambalam School of Traditional Bharata Natyam. |
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| Laurissa Eifler currently serves as the co-director (along with Sofia Diaz)
of the Koothambalam School of Traditional Devadasi Sadir (Bharata Natyam)
located in Boulder, Co. Laurissa began formal ballet training at the age of four
and studied at the San Fransisco Ballet and the Peabody Conservatory. At the age
of 15 she turned her attention towards Hatha Yoga, Devadasi Sadir and Sanskrit
scriptures. For the last 18 years she has studied traditional Devadasi Sadir
with her dance guru, Srimati Shyamala, a master of the Balasaraswati Style. In
2004 Laurissa completed her "Arangetram". This momentous and intensive period of
study and practice culminates in a formal ceremonial performance. It is a
profound rite of passage that deepens the dancer’s devotion and dedication to
her guru, to her lineage and the divine. She has received many awards and grants
and regularly teaches at the University of Colorado. Laurissa has a depth of
devotion and dedication that is reflected in her performances. She offers
lecture-demonstrations and classes on sacred arts and traditions of embodied
prayer, Hatha Yoga and Devadasi Sadir to students and audiences of all levels
and ages. |
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| Sofia Diaz is a gifted teacher of hatha yoga, sacred movement, and feminine
spiritual practice, deriving her style of teaching and body philosophy from the
South Indian temple arts and their accompanying scriptures. Along with 20 years
of intensive study and daily practice of several traditions of yoga, she has
apprenticed with dance and music masters of the Balasaraswati lineage of Bharata
Natyam since 1982. She holds a bachelor's degree in Dance from Mills College in
Oakland, California and a Masters Degree in Religious Studies from The
University of Colorado, Boulder. Sofia lectures on religious culture and the
principles of sacred movement and teaches in the Department of Somatic
Psychology at Naropa University in Boulder; she has published on yoga and sacred
movement in both academic and popular journals; and travels frequently, teaching
women's yoga intensives throughout the United States. |
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| Sonja Radvila has studied Devadasi Sadir at the Chennai, India and Boulder,
Co. Koothambalam Schools for the last seven years and has participated in many
performances. She is a long-time, dedicated practitioner of Ashtanga Yoga. Sonja
has a deep respect for the wisdom and importance of listening to the body while
reaching beyond familiar boundaries. She brings to her dance a deeply committed
sincerity and elegance. Sonja teaches the beginning level classes in Denver, Co.
and surrounding areas. |
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| Romona Mukherjee has been a student at the Koothambalam School of Devadasi
Sadir for 12 years. She completed her Arangetram in 2003 and currently teaches
and performs in New York City. Romona found her dharma as a dancer at a very
early age, her performances reflect her highly disciplined yet gentle presence.
With a cheerful willingness to freely share her deep reverence and gratitude for
the Srimati Balasaraswti Tradition, Romona teaches all levels of students. |