Mrs Suganthy Thayaseelan: The Director

 As an illustrious choreographer and dancer, Mrs Suganthy Thayaseelan commenced her dance education at 'Kokuvil Kalabhavanam' dance school, founded by the late Suppiah Master, under the guidance of his daughter, ‘Kalakerthi’ Srimathy Shanthini Sivanesan. As a dedicated student, she continued her education at the Ramanathan Academy of Fine Arts (University of Jaffna), graduating with Honours for her Diploma in Dance, and subsequently awarded the title of 'Natya Kalaimani'. In 1992, she was posted by the Ministry of Education as a dance teacher in charge of the senior students at Vembadi Girls High School Jaffna, during which she completed her North Ceylon Oriental Music Society's (N.C.O.M.S) Certification in teaching Bharathanatyam with a Distinction, receiving the title 'Kalai Vithakar.' She further developed her skills by training with the late Padmashri Adayar K. Lakshman in India.

 In 1996 she migrated to New Zealand and formed the ‘NZ Kalaabavanam’ with its first arangetram (graduation) in 2000. In 2001, she moved to Sydney where she established the ‘Sydney Kalaabavanam’ which has since developed a reputation for its highly acclaimed performances and exam results in the London ACMS dance exams. 'Sydney Kalaabavanam' had its first arangetram (graduation) in 2006 and has had 5 others since. Suganthy has coached several students and teachers in the Sri Lankan and Indian community to enhance their skills in dance and nattuvangam. Her passion and adherence to perfection has subsequently seen her be presented with numerous titles and awards, with her performances preferred by charities and major literary festivals alike. Very recently, she was awarded the title of ‘Natya Aachaarya’ by the UDEAR world festival organisation for her great service and contributions to the divine art form. She has collaborated with internationally renowned Indian artists, including the late Padma Sri Adayar K. Lakshman, Madurai R Muralitharan and Roja Kannan. Sydney Kalaabavanam has continued to flourish under her nurturing guidance, a recognition of her artistic excellence and passion for this rich art form.