September 1st, 2007 – Every week over 80 students, ranging from four to forty years old, work on perfecting their footwork and learn hand gestures to tell stories of ancient gods and contemporary issues alike. They come together to study and become enriched through movement at the Bhaskar’s Arts Academy. This Fall, starting September 26th, interested students from Sacramento and surrounding areas are invited to enter a 12-week program to learn, dance, and immerse in an art-form that is intricate, rich, and graceful.

Bhaskar’s Arts Academy has been Folsom’s first South Asian arts organization dedicated solely to promoting dance and South Asian arts. In the last four years, the dance school has introduced the local arts scene to dance dramas and many student recitals in various venues, including Folsom and Sacramento.

“The beauty of this form is that it is accessible to students of all ages,” says Meenakshy Bhaskar, principal teacher and artistic director of the academy. “Children learn basic skills like balance, grace, stamina, strength, coordination, musicality, rhythm, and memory. Teenagers and mature dance students can begin exploring internal emotions (through hand and facial gestures), story-telling skills, and bringing physical grace into movement.”

Meenakshy Bhaskar is the founder of Bhaskar's Arts Academy. She has been teaching and performing Bharathanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, and Kathak for the last thirty-five years. Winner of the annual Singapore’s Young Artiste Award in 1996, she is currently based in the Sacramento area. In the last ten years, Meenakshy has toured almost a dozen countries world-wide, performing her original choreographies.

Starting this September, Meenakshy and the academy expands its doors to more students. She will be supported by Subashini Ganesan who has been dancing and performing for over 20 years and student of Shantha Bhaskar (Singapore). The Academy is also expanding its curriculum and dance program by introducing a year-long, three semester program, including an optional 1 month summer immersion session. With group classes in various dance studios throughout the County (Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Sacramento, and Granite Bay) Bhaskar’s Arts Academy will provide more opportunity to budding dancers interested in expanding their movement and cultural horizons.

For more information please email meenakshy.schofield@comcast.net or contact Meenakshy Bhaskar directly at 916-337-4834.