Hi, I’m Kala teacher
I am Sheekala Manoj, founder of Natyakala Dance Academy, and my journey in Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattom has been shaped by over three decades of devoted study, performance, and teaching. Trained in India from the age of five under esteemed gurus, I bring to my work a deep respect for classical tradition, artistic refinement, and the timeless beauty of Indian dance.
Since beginning my teaching journey in the UK in 2008, I have had the privilege of guiding children, teenagers, and adults in a way that combines discipline with warmth, precision with encouragement, and structure with artistry. My experience includes teaching for the Indian Consulate in Birmingham, leading community dance programmes in Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford, preparing students for Bharatanatyam examinations, and nurturing performers with confidence, grace, and stage presence.
Having performed on more than 200 stages in India and over 50 in the UK, I remain deeply committed to sharing the richness of Indian classical dance with the wider community. I created Natyakala as a, welcoming, and elevated learning space where each student can develop strong technique, expressive depth, and a lasting connection to the art form.
why natyakala?
I founded Natyakala from a deep devotion to Indian classical dance and a desire to share its beauty, discipline, and cultural richness in a way that feels both rigorous and welcoming. My vision has always been to create a refined learning space where students of all ages and backgrounds can be guided with care, shaped by strong classical foundations, and inspired to grow with confidence and grace.
As my students progressed in their journey, it became increasingly important to me that their dedication should not only be nurtured, but also meaningfully celebrated. This led to the creation of the Nrithyanjali Biennial Show, a special platform through which students are given the opportunity to present their hard work, artistry, and growth with poise and pride.
Through Natyakala and Nrithyanjali, my purpose is not simply to teach dance, but to cultivate discipline, stage presence, self-belief, and a lasting connection to the timeless richness of Indian classical tradition.
The Natyakala Experience
Classical Excellence
Students receive thoughtful, high-standard training rooted in technique, discipline, and artistic depth.Personal Guidance
Each student is nurtured with warmth, individual attention, and an encouraging approach that supports growth at every stage.Performance With Purpose
Through Nrithyanjali and other cultural opportunities, students gain the confidence to present their learning with grace, presence, and pride.
what students learn?
Our Learning Approach
At Natyakala Dance Academy, students are guided through the many layers of Bharathanatyam and Mohiniyattam, from strong foundations to expressive storytelling and stage confidence.
Technique and Foundations
Students develop posture, hand gestures, footwork, coordination, and core movement vocabulary through regular practice of adavus and traditional exercises.
Expression and Storytelling
Alongside technique, students learn how facial expression, gesture, and emotion bring meaning to dance, helping them understand character, mood, and story.
Rhythm and Musicality
Classes introduce students to rhythm, timing, and the relationship between movement and music, supporting a deeper connection with Indian classical traditions.
Repertoire and Performance
As students progress, they learn traditional pieces and gain opportunities to build confidence through presentation, practice, and performance.
Culture and Understanding
Learning goes beyond steps. Students are introduced to the stories, values, mythology, and cultural background that give each composition its depth and beauty.
