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about us

Chandrabhanu Bharatalaya Academy is Melbourne’s oldest and most respected Indian classical dance instruction centre. Located in Richmond with easy access by train and tram the school offers in-depth instruction in Bharata Natyam and Odissi.
Classes are run for children and adults in Richmond, Glen Iris, South Morang and Point Cook based on levels of proficiency. All classes run two times a week, for one and a half hours each.

dr chandrabhanu oam

Dr Chandrabhanu is Director of the Chandrabhanu Bharatalaya Academy, which he established in 1973.  His illustrious career as a professional dance artist spans over 40 years of creative and pioneering work.  He is an equally inspiring and visionary guru to his hundreds of dance disciples, and the academy has become a highly dynamic cultural and community centre.  He was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2006 for his services to the arts.

AMBIKA DOCHERTY

Ambika Docherty is the Deputy Director of the Chandrabhanu Bharatalaya Dance Academy. Besides being an accomplished exponent of both Bharatnatayam and Odissi, she teaches the junior classes and oversees all production design and costumes for all perfomances and productions.

krushna chandra ray

Krushna Chandra Ray is from Orissa, India and holds a Masters Degree in Odissi Classical and Hindustani Classical music from Chandigarh University. 

 

He is an All India Radio and Television artist,
performer and composer and  is considered to be one of the best vocalists in Orissa.

Geoffrey goldie

1921 - 2007

During his time with the Bharatam Dance Company Geoffrey created stunningly bold and vibrant sets and costumes never before seen, matching the depth and intensity of Chandrabhanu’s extraordinary artistic vision. Chandrabhanu and Geoffrey enjoyed their most artistically productive years during this creative partnership, sharing the muses of Asian history, culture, arts, philosophy and spirituality. Under their remarkable artistic direction, the Bharatam Dance Company and the Bharatalaya Academy reached new successes and established their place among the finest institutions in Australian performing arts.

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For class enquiries:
We teach from studios in Richmond, Hawthorn, Glen Iris, South Morang and Taylors Hill. 

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