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Business & Tech

Indian Art, Culture on Display at Tampa Dance Academy

Srishti Dance Academy founder and director Swapna Komarraju brings the arts of India to New Tampa, while bringing kids back to their roots.

Swapna Komarraju bridges a groovy gap between Indian art and culture at Srishti Dance Academy - 10329 Cross Creek Boulevard - in New Tampa. Komarraju introduces a new generation to India’s storied traditions and rich heritage through traditional forms of Indian dance.

Professionally trained with international experience, Komarraju danced her way into the Guinness World Records along with 2,800 other participants – one of many career distinctions as both a performer and teacher.

Her passion has morphed into a one-of-a-kind business attracting students from all over Tampa Bay.

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Srishti classes graduate to regular stage performances, transforming shy kids into confident entertainers. The Srishti experience includes art and music classes, plus yoga and dance for adults. Patch recently chatted with Komarraju about what makes her unique – and educational – dance academy move.

Q: Tell us about your dance background, and your inspiration for opening the academy.

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A: I have been training in the Indian classical dances of Andhra Natyam and Kuchipudi since the age of 3. I have been always passionate about dance, and that led me to also be interested in Bollywood and regional folk dances. I've trained under the legendary gurus Dr. Nataraja Ramakrishna and Padmasri Dr. Sobha Naidu.

Since I moved to the U.S. (in 2005), I wanted to continue my passion, so I started teaching dance to kids within our community. As time went on, I got more serious and started the academy to bring us closer to the Indian culture. We offer training in various dance forms … Kuchipudi, Bollywood, Indian folk and fusion.

Q: Explain the differences between your dance styles and traditional western dance. Are your dances rooted in any religious, spiritual or cultural foundation?

A: Kuchipudi is a classical dance form that originated in the village of Kuchipudi in Southern India. For a long time, the art was presented at temples and for annual festivals of certain temples.

The Kuchipudi dance begins with worship rituals. Kuchipudi is not merely a dance form, but is a combination of dance, gestures, speech and song. It is known for its graceful movements and its strong narrative, dramatic character.

Bollywood dance is the dance form used in the Indian films. It is a mixture of numerous styles. This dance form is usually more fun for beginners, since this dance is usually performed to catchy Bollywood music and is an instant hit with the kids and adults alike.  

Q: Your academy seems geared toward kids. What percentage of your students is teenage or younger?

A: The focus of our academy is mostly on kids, as it's important for them to culturally understand their roots. Dance is an excellent means to get them closer to their heritage. Most of our students are teenage or younger kids.

Except for a couple of classes for adults, pretty much all classes are geared towards them.

Q: Your dance teams give regular performances throughout Tampa Bay. What do your students like most about being on stage?

A: Performances are important for the students' self esteem. And their passion for the art form grows with every opportunity to showcase their talent. They start enjoying music, and dance becomes an integral part of their lives. 

The best part of being on stage for them is the support from the audience for these unique dance forms. Every performance instills pride for what they have learned, and the humility to keep learning more. We won the first prize for junior classical dance/choreography and second prize for folk choreography at the India Festival … 2010 competitions.

Q: You also offer dance and yoga for adults. What can an adult expect from your classes?

A: We offer adult classes in Kuchipudi and Bollywood. The pace of these classes is usually faster and costs less. It's enthralling to see adults interested in learning new dance forms.

The passion of the individuals makes these classes fun and interesting. We have an experienced yoga teacher, Supriya Bellur, offering regular yoga classes for adults.

Q: You also combine art into your program. How does that work?

A: We have a very talented India art teacher, Shyama Rangwala, who is trained in the traditional art of India. She offers classes in drawing, charcoal art, acrylic painting, craft, painting … on stone & wood, calligraphy, fabric painting and heena painting for all ages.

Q: How far do students come to attend your classes? Srishti is very unique.

A: Students come from places like Lakeland, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and Tampa to attend classes. The combination of classes offered by our academy makes it very unique, attracting students from all around.

Q: What is your favorite part about running the academy?

A: The energy and the passion of the students keep me going. Srishti is a dance school established not only to promote Indian art and culture, but also to enhance the human aesthetic values in young and adult through art.

More Information:

Web: www.srishtiacademy.com
Phone Numbers:
Dance - 813-404-1862
Art - 813-843-6784
Yoga - 813-600-7561

The next Srishti event is the India Festival, Nov. 12 at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

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