Acharya Kala Vipanchee
Conferred by Vipanchee (Regd.), Chennai, for outstanding and excellent service in the propagation of Indian Classical Dance.
ESTABLISHED SINCE 1997
Where the Body
Becomes a Prayer
Bharatanatyam is the art of carrying history gracefully while creating something entirely your own!
It is not just learnt. It is remembered!
At Sushobanam Academy of Classical Arts, we teach this divine art form - not as a relic, but as something living.
A Dance School based in Chennai where every step carries centuries of tradition, and every student carries it forward in their own voice.
THE HISTORY:
More Than Dance.
A Living Tradition.
Sushobanam Academy of Classical Arts (SACA) was born from one belief: that Bharatanatyam is not just an art form. It is a language you speak — between you, your body, and something much superior.
Our Dance Class carries the sacred lineage of the Vazhuvoor Bani from the legendary Vazhuvoor Ramaiyya Pillai - passed on to Smt. Chitra Visveswaran (Padma Shri Awardee) - then to Dr. Shobana (Padma Bhushan Awardee) - under whom our Artistic Director, Smt. Seethalakshmi Vijay is trained.
We teach Bharatanatyam to children, teens, and adults at all levels - online, offline or hybrid. Whether you are taking your first step or deepening a lifelong practice, SACA is your home.
0+ Years of Teaching
0+ Students Trained
Arangetram Certified
ABOUT OUR ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Seethalakshmi Vijay
A senior disciple of Padma Bhushan Dr. Shobana, Seethalakshmi founded Sushobanam Academy of Classical Arts in 1997 to nurture and promote the timeless tradition of Bharatanatyam.
A Graded Artist of Doordarshan, she is a regular performer at prestigious sabhas and dance festivals across India and has toured nationally and internationally with her Guru, portraying lead roles in acclaimed productions including Maya Ravan, Krishna - The Musical, and Gita Govindam.
Trained in Nattuvangam and the 108 Karanas, and a Chartered Accountant by qualification, she continues to inspire the next generation of dancers through excellence in performance and teaching.
Voices of the Students
What the Art Has Given Them
“
Dance class under the tutelage of Smt. Seethalakshmi Vijay has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my formative years. She was far more than a dance teacher — through every class, she instilled in us a sense of discipline, focus, and a love for classical arts. Her dedication to her students and her craft is unmatched, and the values she nurtured in me have shaped my character well beyond the dance floor. I am forever grateful...
SRILATHA
Dallas (USA)
“
I have been a student of SACA for the past 15 years, and it has been a beautiful journey. Akka's patient guidance and encouragement to explore and think independently have helped me grow a lot as a dancer. I've given solo recitals and have performed across India with the SACA ensemble, and every performance has been a memorable experience with lots of learning and fun.
VANSHIKA
Chennai (India)
“
Hari Om. Smt. Seetha Lakshmi Akka has created a warm and welcoming space for children. My child is blessed to learn the beautiful art of Bharatanatyam here. As a parent, this brings me immense joy.
REKHA R
Parent
Honors & Recognition
Awards & Accolades
A glimpse of the milestones that have graced our journey in the world of classical arts.
Natya Ratna Award
Conferred at the Trinity Arts Festival of India 2025 in recognition of excellence in the classical art of Bharatanatyam.
Padmavati Rastriya Puraskar
Conferred at Sri Jayadev Rastriya Samaroh, Bhubaneswar, by the National Culture Mission for Bharat Natyam.
Adjudged As Best Performer
Honored at the 117th Year Dance Festival — Bharat Nritya Utsav of Sri Parthasarathy Swamy Sabha, Triplicane, Chennai.
Dhivya Desa Nrithya Kala Bhushan
Conferred by Natyarpana School of Fine Arts, Chennai, at the Chennayin Divya Desam — Worshipping Lord Maha Vishnu.
On Stage
Productions & Performances
A curated showcase of our thematic productions and signature performances staged across years.
Devi Neeye Thunai
A complete margam on the Universal Mother and her various avatars.
Swathi Thirunaal
A compilation of selective compositions of Maharaja Swathi Thirunaal.
Sarvam Vishnumayam Jagathu
A thematic margam depicting the various avatars of Lord Vishnu.
Bhooloka Vaikuntam – Aranganin Srirangam
Sthala puranam of the temple of Srirangam – on the reclining Lord Ranganatha. Conferred with AWARD OF APPRECIATION by Shri Parthasarathy Swamy Sabha in 2019. In the words of Sri Y Gee Mahendra – "Classical yet simple" – the simplicity of Seetha's production makes it enjoyable and relatable to art connoisseurs as well as the common man.
Mangai Thee
A dance-drama centered on the life of "Veeramangai" (Brave Woman) Velu Naachiyaar and her loyal women comrades. Premiered in Dec 2023 and also staged at FeTNA 2024 at San Antonio, Texas, USA in July 2024 in collaboration with the local dancers.
Karmaveerar Kamarajar
A Tamil dance-drama depicting the life of Kamarajar, one of Tamil Nadu's most revered politicians, celebrated for his humble existence and lifelong dedication to social reform and transformative change in the state. The production predominantly features folk and semi-classical dance forms, carefully chosen to align with the theme and essence of his story.
Knowledge & Wisdom
From the Archives of the Art
Explore writings on Bharatanatyam — its mythology, its grammar, its soul. Each piece is an invitation to understand what the dancer already knows in her bones.
The Language of the Eyes: Navarasas Explained
In Bharatanatyam, the eyes do not merely look — they speak, weep, rage, and rejoice. Discover the nine emotional states that form the grammar of expression.
Read More →Talam: The Heartbeat Beneath the Dance
Before the first footfall, there is rhythm. The Talam system is an ancient architecture of time — precise, sacred, and alive.
Read More →Natyashastra: The Scripture of All Performing Arts
Written over two millennia ago, the Natyashastra remains the most comprehensive treatise on art ever composed. Here is why it still matters.
Read More →Enter the Full Library →All writings on Bharatanatyam, mythology & the classical arts
Join Us
Take the First Step
Towards the Divine
Every great dancer began with a single decision - to relish this ancient elegance with a modern soul. Join SACA and experience the journey to the divine
📍 CHENNAI, TAMIL NADU
📧 SACACREATIONS@GMAIL.COM
📞 +91 94999 28185
Offline Dance classes in Arumbakkam & Kodambakkam, online classes, and 1-to-1 sessions both online and offline.
Check out our social pages for our performances