The Kesavan Sisters have been regularly appearing in press releases related to the arts in both English and Tamil publications since their performing careers began. Along with teaching at Apsaras Arts, the sisters also taught at various Community Clubs and Centers as instructors under the People’s Association. Their continued involvement in the field and the vast number of laudable events and performances they have put up have contributed to their reputation, and have won them several awards and accolades. The most notable ones include the ‘Artistic Excellence Award’, awarded by Former President S.R. Nathan in 2000, ‘Bharatha Kalaimanigal’ (Gems in the Art of Bharathanatyam), awarded by Vishwakalaa Bharathis Neila Sathyalingam and S. Sathyalingam, the directors of Apsaras Arts, in 2002, and ‘Natya Chudar’ (Fire of Dance) awarded by Bishan CC-IAEC in 2006.
ABOUT OUR
Founders
Srimathi Suganthi Kumaraguru and Srimathi Jeyanthi Balasubramaniam began their learning journey in Bharatanatyam at the age of 6 & 8 respectively, under the guidance of Srimathi Jayalakshmi Raman and Srimathi Neila Sathyalingam from Kalashetra in Singapore.
The sisters performed their arangetram jointly in 1984 under the tutelage of Srimathi Neila Sathyalingam, Founder and Artistic Director of Apsaras Arts, Singapore. They have given numerous dance recitals and performed major roles in dance dramas since then. They were very hardworking and dedicated dancers, who realized that their arangetram was only the beginning to their future in dance.
Their love for dance has brought them to perform locally and in different countries like Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, Australia (Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Perth and Darwin), London, Canada(Vancouver & Toronto), Japan, Turkey, China, South Korea & Europe.
Through years of arduous training, having acquired the talent for presenting their skills in dance, they were reputed Apsaras dancers in Singapore fondly known as “Kesavan Sisters”. In 2002, their very own Guru Srimathi Neila Sathyalingam bestowed the title “Bharata Kalai Mani” on Suganthi and Jeyanthi for their achievements in propagating Bharatanatyam in Singapore. In 2006 Indian Activity Executive Committee of Bishan Community Club bestowed the title “Natya Chudar” on Suganthi & Jeyanthi.
The Kesavan sisters have also given a variety of lecture demonstrations and workshop classes on Bharatanatyam in various primary and secondary schools (MOE) and the Australian International School in Singapore.
They were also invited to be dance examiners at the Temple of Fine Arts both in Singapore and Malaysia (Johor and Kuala Lumpur). They are also qualified Trainers/Dance Instructors under the People’s Association (PA) Singapore.
Since its inception by the ‘Kesavan sisters’, Bharathaa Arts has become synonymous with innovative, creative and exciting dance presentations, performed both locally and abroad. May it be a Bharathanatya Arangetram, outstanding dance dramas, brilliant community themed shows, in-fusion contemporary styles, impressive ‘margams’ ~ dance repertoire, or just mere interactive successful stage performances to its credits.
Its aim, not only to provide an intrinsic value and discipline in Dance Philosophy to its students but to also showcase and expose them to various artistic values from other cultures and awareness they offer, therefore gaining depth and intellect in the dance etiquette, the staging of many productions received high precedence and many accolades, becoming yet another dynamic institution of dance in Singapore.
Under the tutelage of Kesavan Sisters, as of 2011, 15 students have been able to successfully complete their arangetrams (dance debut). The Kesavan Sisters have always shown great love and passion for the Art and are recognised as Proficient Teachers of Bharathanatyam.