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“The art of Bharatnatyam is not merely for your pleasure, but exhibits cosmic expression for all the worlds. Bharatnatyam has been created due to changes in the world in work, play, profit, peace, laughter, battle, and slaughter. It creates wisdom in the ignorant; learning in the scholars, afford sport to the powerful and endurance to those in sorrow.”
Shaila Sateesh: Guru (Teacher) and Founder of Sai Nrityalaya
Shaila Sateesh: Guru (Teacher) and Founder of Sai Nrityalaya
Shaila Sateesh started her training in Bharatanatyam in Baroda, India, under Guru Madhu, disciple of Guru Srimathi Mrinalini Sarabhai, founder of Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad. After her basic training, she went on to further her training with Guru B. Bhanumati of Nrityakalamandir and Guru Narmada of Bangalore, disciple of Guru K.P. Kittappa Pillai of Tanjore, in the Pandanallur style of Bharatanatyam. She is the Artistic Director of SaiNrityalaya School for Dance.
Shaila Sateesh started her training in Bharatanatyam in Baroda, India, under Guru Madhu, disciple of Guru Srimathi Mrinalini Sarabhai, founder of Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad. After her basic training, she went on to further her training with Guru B. Bhanumati of Nrityakalamandir and Guru Narmada of Bangalore, disciple of Guru K.P. Kittappa Pillai of Tanjore, in the Pandanallur style of Bharatanatyam. She is the Artistic Director of SaiNrityalaya School for Dance.
In addition to teaching Bharatanatyam, she has choreographed and produced folk dances, musical plays and Bharatnatyam dance productions to promote cultural awareness in the Sarasota- Bradenton-Venice communities. She has been active in the Indian community in Virginiaand Florida as a cultural coordinator for over 20 years. She has also served as a judge at the India Fest Dance Competition in Tampa in 2010, 2011 and 2013. She was selected as a Master Artist by the Florida Folklife, a component of The Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources.
In addition to teaching Bharatanatyam, she has choreographed and produced folk dances, musical plays and Bharatnatyam dance productions to promote cultural awareness in the Sarasota- Bradenton-Venice communities. She has been active in the Indian community in Virginiaand Florida as a cultural coordinator for over 20 years. She has also served as a judge at the India Fest Dance Competition in Tampa in 2010, 2011 and 2013. She was selected as a Master Artist by the Florida Folklife, a component of The Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources.
Lessons
Lessons
Lessons can be scheduled as frequently or separated as wished. If the goal is to learn the entire margam (curriculum) or complete an Arangetram in the future, it is recommended you be consistent about attending class!
Lessons can be scheduled as frequently or separated as wished. If the goal is to learn the entire margam (curriculum) or complete an Arangetram in the future, it is recommended you be consistent about attending class!
Classes are typically 1 hour in length, once a week. If a student wishes or as they progress, the classes can be more frequent in the week or of longer length.
Classes are typically 1 hour in length, once a week. If a student wishes or as they progress, the classes can be more frequent in the week or of longer length.
Classes may be grouped if there are multiple students at a similar age/skill, but never above 4-5 students. Classes can be done independently as well.
Classes may be grouped if there are multiple students at a similar age/skill, but never above 4-5 students. Classes can be done independently as well.
We welcome all ages and skill levels, so whether you are seasoned and looking to learn a new dance, or new and wishing to build a foundation, we can accomodate! Please see the Take a Class page.
We welcome all ages and skill levels, so whether you are seasoned and looking to learn a new dance, or new and wishing to build a foundation, we can accomodate! Please see the Take a Class page.
Live Performances
Live Performances
Sai Nrityalaya is available for performances at cultural or celebratory events, depending on availability of dancers and teachers. Please contact if you wish to have us! In addition to traditional Arangetrams, Sai Nrityalaya also puts on a number of performances and theatrical productions, with the most recent being a dance-drama retelling of the Indian Epic: Ramayana, at the Sarasota Opera House in 2025. The company has performed other dance dramas at the Opera House, as well as Riverview High School, the Players Theatre, and a number of cultural festivals.
Sai Nrityalaya is available for performances at cultural or celebratory events, depending on availability of dancers and teachers. Please contact if you wish to have us! In addition to traditional Arangetrams, Sai Nrityalaya also puts on a number of performances and theatrical productions, with the most recent being a dance-drama retelling of the Indian Epic: Ramayana, at the Sarasota Opera House in 2025. The company has performed other dance dramas at the Opera House, as well as Riverview High School, the Players Theatre, and a number of cultural festivals.
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