“I was lucky enough to come across Bhavani akkas’s online video tutorials and also learn that she taught classes on Skype! After having moved to a new city that had no Kuchipudi classes available, I was overjoyed to know that I could continue my training. After connecting with Bhavani akka through email I immediately felt comfortable, supported and inspired to take classes with her.
Not only was she able to improve my technique as a dancer but she also helped me gain much more confidence and grasp of Kuchipudi as an art form and practice. Her passion for dance really comes through her teaching and it left me feeling inspired to progress. I felt I was receiving the full offering of a real Kuchipudi class, as her attention to theory and comprehension was as present as her attention to dance form. I have grown so much under her tutelage! I am lucky to have Lakshmi Bhavani as my guru and have such great respect for the work she is doing in offering quality, comprehensive Kuchipudi classes to all ages!”
Isha Ferraz, Hamsa Studio
Ojai, CA
“I was looking to find a Kuchipudi dance teacher for my daughter in Fremont. After searching for a while, I came across Smt. Lakshmi Bhavani Garu's profile. I contacted a few other gurus and then contacted her as well. My initial interaction with her lasted for almost an hour. I could sense the passionate, affectionate and caring personality just over the phone. She also mentioned that she is very particular about the quality of learning over the speed. I think I personally appreciated that, I wanted my daughter to learn dance from someone who is teaching it correctly. More importantly I wanted my daughter to learn dance with passion and not merely to perform for others. Also, while conversing, I mentioned to her that I was always interested, and she suggested that I join the class along with my daughter. I started going, along with my daughter, and fell in love with the style of classes.
She is an amazing teacher with immense love for the art. She is great with kids and adults alike. She will give complete details as to what is needed to learn a particular step and how to practice it. She provides audio clips, videos, steps broken down – all the forms to help us learn. She is a very affectionate person. She teaches each learner at their own pace, and that helps us better. The other thing I love about the classes is that we have developed a very positive and affectionate sisterhood of dancers. Each student in the class gets a very positive and encouraging atmosphere. This helps us want to continue even more. So, as a student and a mom of a student I definitely am grateful to have found her as my Guru. For all lovers of Kuchipudi, who want to learn it passionately and have the time and dedication needed to learn it, Bhavani garu’s class is the place to go.”
Jyotsna, Manufacturing Engineer
Fremont, CA
“To learn dance was a dream since my childhood. I felt dancing was a way to express myself. As a Telugu girl, I was fascinated by Kuchipudi natyam. As I couldn’t find a guru during my growing up years, my dream remained unfulfilled. When I moved to the US, I started searching for adult Kuchipudi classes, but with a number of questions in my mind. I found Lakshmi Bhavani garu’s profile then and spoke to her at length on questions regarding Kuchipudi dance, and fears about learning as an adult. She took time and care to answer all my questions and boost up my confidence as an adult dance student.
I find the classes very useful, passionate, and I very much love the learning atmosphere. All the students help each other. This journey is very special to me. Dance has become a medium now to explore myself and love myself more. It has changed my perspective of life in a better way. Thanks to Bhavani garu for providing such an encouraging environment for adult dancers and teaching Kuchipudi in an authentic and traditional fashion.”
Srinidhi, Teacher
Fremont, CA
“As soon as we moved from India, I was looking for a Kuchipudi dance teacher for my daughter to continue her training. I found some Kuchipudi teachers based on my research, but Smt. Lakshmi Bhavani Garu’s profile was unique. The first time, I spoke to her on the phone for more than half an hour and liked the way she explained her approach towards teaching. On the First day, I took my daughter to class, I felt I was at the right place. It was really a homely place and I felt as if I have known everyone in the class from so many years.
I always wanted to learn classical dance myself. looking at the way Bhavani garu coached my daughter, I also joined the classes and really thank her for accepting me under her tutelage.
Lakshmi Bhavani Garu is a really a nice and dedicated teacher. She really encourages and teaches students with great passion. I strongly recommend Smt. Lakshmi Bhavani Garu for any serious Kuchipudi dance enthusiast.”
Lavanya, Research Scientist
Fremont, CA
“My daughter is blessed to have gotten an opportunity to learn Kuchipudi dance under the able guidance of Smt. Laksmi Bhavani Garu. When I searched for Kuchipudi dance teachers, I found a few teachers and fortunately, she was the first one I talked to over the phone. I was very impressed with the way our conversation went and decided to meet her in person along with my family to see how she ran her classes. We ended up staying at the class for over an hour admiring the teaching style and performances by her students, and it felt like we were at an ashram, and not at all like a commercial dance class.
It has been more than a year my daughter has been learning dance at Kuchipudi Natyam, and during this period in addition to my daughter, I also got many opportunities to participate in educational and personality development sessions Smt. Lakshmi Bhavani conducts periodically. Although, I am personally not a student, all other students & and Ms. Bhavani make me feel that I am part of this family. I am very thankful to them for that. I definitely recommend Smt. Bhavani from the bottom of my heart for all looking to learn Kuchipudi dance. I can honestly say that Smt. Laxmi Bhavani Garu has great passion for teaching Kuchipudi and you will not be disappointed at all.”
Pratima, Test Engineer
Fremont, CA
“I was looking for a guru online after I decided to pursue dance - my passion since childhood. I am a novice dancer, with know exposure to any classical dance form before, and the challenge was to find a good teacher who could correct me at a basic level, as I needed more time and attention. I was a bit concerned if this was possible online as I did not have any experience like many other students, and I was also a working woman.
I am so happy that I found a passionate and dedicated guru in Bhavani Akka. She has been keeping me motivated and correcting every small mistake I do in my steps. I have lost my hesitation towards online classes as she observes every single move of mine. Seeing her passion towards continuous learning, I get inspired to do better day by day.”
Kruthi, Software Professional
Boston, MA
“I was looking for classical dance classes for my 13yr old daughter and heard about Bhavani Akka through one of my friend. I had a long conversation with Akka and realized how unique her classes are and thought Akka is perfect Guru for my daughter. While talking to her, I expressed my love for dance and she encouraged me to join the classes along with my daughter. I am glad i could find a Guru like Akka for both of us. With Akka's encouragement and motivation, i could build self confidence and overcome my inhibitions. Class is very unique and all of us bond together very well. We all learn and teach from each other. It's a highly motivated Dance community overall. Akka looks at each and every detail of dance steps and pushes us towards perfection. Bhavani Akka: Guru with perfection and dedication.”
Bindu Madhavi, Data Engineer
Mountain View, CA
“I was a person with loads of doubt whether to start learning kuchipudi at my age or not. I slowly started browsing for online gurus as it was hard for me to go for regular classes. Then I found Lakshmi Bhavani garu, another gem of a person who came into my life. I was so nervous to even ask her whether she will accept me as her student, but after each class she has given me that freedom, love and knowledge which is priceless.
She is a wonderful person first of all .. she is not just a teacher, she is a sister, mentor and a person very close to my heart.
Now as a teacher she is excellent…a superlative better than that …she still deserves that. Loaded with patience, passion , dedication, and a sea of knowledge. The best part is she knows her students as a person first and so she knows their potential very well, and very sweetly helps them achieve that goal. ‘ Papa’ , ‘ Nana’.. the way she calls me and corrects me.. is simply out of the world experience.. after each class I feel rejuvenated and much younger. She has that power to understand a person so much that we get attached to her beyond that guru-shishya relationship in no time. But at the same time, she will keep you in track with Kuchipudi. It is really a feast to see her performances .. I wish I could describe her performances with in-depth knowledge.. which I will know in no time as she is helping me with that too. She is a guru who will teach you theory part too . That way you will have that much needed passion and be equipped with ample understanding of that art form and keep yourself focused. This is a hard job which most of the gurus don’t bother to but Bhavani garu is different in that way too. So, by the time you reach a level you know to talk about this beautiful art form with proper understanding and knowledge.
I can go on and on as she is very very special to me as a person and a teacher. Her style of teaching is different but that is a very dexterous way. After a few classes you feel you have some strong points which only you have.. a completely different but beautiful feeling.. a unique method with subtle ways by which she observes and helps u reach where you want to reach. Well to me she is an extremely talented artist and a teacher but very much down to earth which is a quality rare to see nowadays.
In a nutshell she is a ‘pearl in the shell’. I strongly wish more and more students, generations should come to know her and learn from her.. she is a treasure .. a real hidden treasure!”
Poornakala, Teacher
Perth, Australia
“I had trained in Kuchipudi during my childhood. However, I ended up taking a long break from the dance form before I decided to resume training again in my mid-twenties. It was with some hesitation that I went about this pursuit given the long break and the fear that it was perhaps a little too late to resume dancing. Bhavani akka was incredibly encouraging and supportive of my decision to begin training again and I am very grateful that she keeps continuing to support my decision to dance. I take classes with her on Skype and it doesn’t really feel all that different from taking classes in person. I love that she is fastidious in her instruction and persists in correcting us, time and again, as need be. Kuchipudi, to akka, is more than just a series of physical movements, though just that is beautiful in itself. Her love for the dance form is reflected time and again in our conversations that are particularly interesting as she brings her perspectives and experience to the table. She works wonderfully with adults and understands their constraints and hesitations. I would strongly recommend her to anyone with a serious interest in the dance form.”
Prakruti
California
“Ever since I was a child I had a passion for learning Kuchipudi dance, yet I never had a teacher who embraced and experienced a passion as strong as Ms. Lakshmi Bhavani. She is the most encouraging and understanding teacher I’ve had. Initially, I was hesitant to take online classes but turned out to be as good as going to the class in person. Currently, I take both online and in person classes in Fremont. She puts so much dedication and commitment to teach me to learn dance correctly. Her feedback includes all the details of each technique I learn, showing me that I should always aim for perfection. She not only shares her knowledge of Kuchipudi dance but also its theory. I feel fortunate to be one of Ms. Bhavani’s disciples, and I look forward to continuing learning the dance under her guidance.”
Vahini, Entrepreneur
San Ramon, CA
“Bhavani is a dedicated and passionate teacher. She will do her best to connect to all her students in a happier environment and knows to get best out of the students of all age groups. Consistent corrections from the teacher helped me to improve my basics steps and posture. I am very grateful to have her as my guru and look forward every week for her class.”
Gautami, Engineer
Fremont, CA
Not only was she able to improve my technique as a dancer but she also helped me gain much more confidence and grasp of Kuchipudi as an art form and practice. Her passion for dance really comes through her teaching and it left me feeling inspired to progress. I felt I was receiving the full offering of a real Kuchipudi class, as her attention to theory and comprehension was as present as her attention to dance form. I have grown so much under her tutelage! I am lucky to have Lakshmi Bhavani as my guru and have such great respect for the work she is doing in offering quality, comprehensive Kuchipudi classes to all ages!”
Isha Ferraz, Hamsa Studio
Ojai, CA
“I was looking to find a Kuchipudi dance teacher for my daughter in Fremont. After searching for a while, I came across Smt. Lakshmi Bhavani Garu's profile. I contacted a few other gurus and then contacted her as well. My initial interaction with her lasted for almost an hour. I could sense the passionate, affectionate and caring personality just over the phone. She also mentioned that she is very particular about the quality of learning over the speed. I think I personally appreciated that, I wanted my daughter to learn dance from someone who is teaching it correctly. More importantly I wanted my daughter to learn dance with passion and not merely to perform for others. Also, while conversing, I mentioned to her that I was always interested, and she suggested that I join the class along with my daughter. I started going, along with my daughter, and fell in love with the style of classes.
She is an amazing teacher with immense love for the art. She is great with kids and adults alike. She will give complete details as to what is needed to learn a particular step and how to practice it. She provides audio clips, videos, steps broken down – all the forms to help us learn. She is a very affectionate person. She teaches each learner at their own pace, and that helps us better. The other thing I love about the classes is that we have developed a very positive and affectionate sisterhood of dancers. Each student in the class gets a very positive and encouraging atmosphere. This helps us want to continue even more. So, as a student and a mom of a student I definitely am grateful to have found her as my Guru. For all lovers of Kuchipudi, who want to learn it passionately and have the time and dedication needed to learn it, Bhavani garu’s class is the place to go.”
Jyotsna, Manufacturing Engineer
Fremont, CA
“To learn dance was a dream since my childhood. I felt dancing was a way to express myself. As a Telugu girl, I was fascinated by Kuchipudi natyam. As I couldn’t find a guru during my growing up years, my dream remained unfulfilled. When I moved to the US, I started searching for adult Kuchipudi classes, but with a number of questions in my mind. I found Lakshmi Bhavani garu’s profile then and spoke to her at length on questions regarding Kuchipudi dance, and fears about learning as an adult. She took time and care to answer all my questions and boost up my confidence as an adult dance student.
I find the classes very useful, passionate, and I very much love the learning atmosphere. All the students help each other. This journey is very special to me. Dance has become a medium now to explore myself and love myself more. It has changed my perspective of life in a better way. Thanks to Bhavani garu for providing such an encouraging environment for adult dancers and teaching Kuchipudi in an authentic and traditional fashion.”
Srinidhi, Teacher
Fremont, CA
“As soon as we moved from India, I was looking for a Kuchipudi dance teacher for my daughter to continue her training. I found some Kuchipudi teachers based on my research, but Smt. Lakshmi Bhavani Garu’s profile was unique. The first time, I spoke to her on the phone for more than half an hour and liked the way she explained her approach towards teaching. On the First day, I took my daughter to class, I felt I was at the right place. It was really a homely place and I felt as if I have known everyone in the class from so many years.
I always wanted to learn classical dance myself. looking at the way Bhavani garu coached my daughter, I also joined the classes and really thank her for accepting me under her tutelage.
Lakshmi Bhavani Garu is a really a nice and dedicated teacher. She really encourages and teaches students with great passion. I strongly recommend Smt. Lakshmi Bhavani Garu for any serious Kuchipudi dance enthusiast.”
Lavanya, Research Scientist
Fremont, CA
“My daughter is blessed to have gotten an opportunity to learn Kuchipudi dance under the able guidance of Smt. Laksmi Bhavani Garu. When I searched for Kuchipudi dance teachers, I found a few teachers and fortunately, she was the first one I talked to over the phone. I was very impressed with the way our conversation went and decided to meet her in person along with my family to see how she ran her classes. We ended up staying at the class for over an hour admiring the teaching style and performances by her students, and it felt like we were at an ashram, and not at all like a commercial dance class.
It has been more than a year my daughter has been learning dance at Kuchipudi Natyam, and during this period in addition to my daughter, I also got many opportunities to participate in educational and personality development sessions Smt. Lakshmi Bhavani conducts periodically. Although, I am personally not a student, all other students & and Ms. Bhavani make me feel that I am part of this family. I am very thankful to them for that. I definitely recommend Smt. Bhavani from the bottom of my heart for all looking to learn Kuchipudi dance. I can honestly say that Smt. Laxmi Bhavani Garu has great passion for teaching Kuchipudi and you will not be disappointed at all.”
Pratima, Test Engineer
Fremont, CA
“I was looking for a guru online after I decided to pursue dance - my passion since childhood. I am a novice dancer, with know exposure to any classical dance form before, and the challenge was to find a good teacher who could correct me at a basic level, as I needed more time and attention. I was a bit concerned if this was possible online as I did not have any experience like many other students, and I was also a working woman.
I am so happy that I found a passionate and dedicated guru in Bhavani Akka. She has been keeping me motivated and correcting every small mistake I do in my steps. I have lost my hesitation towards online classes as she observes every single move of mine. Seeing her passion towards continuous learning, I get inspired to do better day by day.”
Kruthi, Software Professional
Boston, MA
“I was looking for classical dance classes for my 13yr old daughter and heard about Bhavani Akka through one of my friend. I had a long conversation with Akka and realized how unique her classes are and thought Akka is perfect Guru for my daughter. While talking to her, I expressed my love for dance and she encouraged me to join the classes along with my daughter. I am glad i could find a Guru like Akka for both of us. With Akka's encouragement and motivation, i could build self confidence and overcome my inhibitions. Class is very unique and all of us bond together very well. We all learn and teach from each other. It's a highly motivated Dance community overall. Akka looks at each and every detail of dance steps and pushes us towards perfection. Bhavani Akka: Guru with perfection and dedication.”
Bindu Madhavi, Data Engineer
Mountain View, CA
“I was a person with loads of doubt whether to start learning kuchipudi at my age or not. I slowly started browsing for online gurus as it was hard for me to go for regular classes. Then I found Lakshmi Bhavani garu, another gem of a person who came into my life. I was so nervous to even ask her whether she will accept me as her student, but after each class she has given me that freedom, love and knowledge which is priceless.
She is a wonderful person first of all .. she is not just a teacher, she is a sister, mentor and a person very close to my heart.
Now as a teacher she is excellent…a superlative better than that …she still deserves that. Loaded with patience, passion , dedication, and a sea of knowledge. The best part is she knows her students as a person first and so she knows their potential very well, and very sweetly helps them achieve that goal. ‘ Papa’ , ‘ Nana’.. the way she calls me and corrects me.. is simply out of the world experience.. after each class I feel rejuvenated and much younger. She has that power to understand a person so much that we get attached to her beyond that guru-shishya relationship in no time. But at the same time, she will keep you in track with Kuchipudi. It is really a feast to see her performances .. I wish I could describe her performances with in-depth knowledge.. which I will know in no time as she is helping me with that too. She is a guru who will teach you theory part too . That way you will have that much needed passion and be equipped with ample understanding of that art form and keep yourself focused. This is a hard job which most of the gurus don’t bother to but Bhavani garu is different in that way too. So, by the time you reach a level you know to talk about this beautiful art form with proper understanding and knowledge.
I can go on and on as she is very very special to me as a person and a teacher. Her style of teaching is different but that is a very dexterous way. After a few classes you feel you have some strong points which only you have.. a completely different but beautiful feeling.. a unique method with subtle ways by which she observes and helps u reach where you want to reach. Well to me she is an extremely talented artist and a teacher but very much down to earth which is a quality rare to see nowadays.
In a nutshell she is a ‘pearl in the shell’. I strongly wish more and more students, generations should come to know her and learn from her.. she is a treasure .. a real hidden treasure!”
Poornakala, Teacher
Perth, Australia
“I had trained in Kuchipudi during my childhood. However, I ended up taking a long break from the dance form before I decided to resume training again in my mid-twenties. It was with some hesitation that I went about this pursuit given the long break and the fear that it was perhaps a little too late to resume dancing. Bhavani akka was incredibly encouraging and supportive of my decision to begin training again and I am very grateful that she keeps continuing to support my decision to dance. I take classes with her on Skype and it doesn’t really feel all that different from taking classes in person. I love that she is fastidious in her instruction and persists in correcting us, time and again, as need be. Kuchipudi, to akka, is more than just a series of physical movements, though just that is beautiful in itself. Her love for the dance form is reflected time and again in our conversations that are particularly interesting as she brings her perspectives and experience to the table. She works wonderfully with adults and understands their constraints and hesitations. I would strongly recommend her to anyone with a serious interest in the dance form.”
Prakruti
California
“Ever since I was a child I had a passion for learning Kuchipudi dance, yet I never had a teacher who embraced and experienced a passion as strong as Ms. Lakshmi Bhavani. She is the most encouraging and understanding teacher I’ve had. Initially, I was hesitant to take online classes but turned out to be as good as going to the class in person. Currently, I take both online and in person classes in Fremont. She puts so much dedication and commitment to teach me to learn dance correctly. Her feedback includes all the details of each technique I learn, showing me that I should always aim for perfection. She not only shares her knowledge of Kuchipudi dance but also its theory. I feel fortunate to be one of Ms. Bhavani’s disciples, and I look forward to continuing learning the dance under her guidance.”
Vahini, Entrepreneur
San Ramon, CA
“Bhavani is a dedicated and passionate teacher. She will do her best to connect to all her students in a happier environment and knows to get best out of the students of all age groups. Consistent corrections from the teacher helped me to improve my basics steps and posture. I am very grateful to have her as my guru and look forward every week for her class.”
Gautami, Engineer
Fremont, CA