Our founder, Our story…

Akila Iyer began her training in Bharathanatyam under Guru Dhananjayan’s Bharathakalanjali in Chennai. This early experience gave her a sound foundation in dance as well as the mind to appreciate the beauty of language. When Iyer moved to the United States, she was introduced to Smt. Rekha Balaji, who encouraged her to start her school, Guru Vandana Arts Academy in 2001. Later she tenured with Dr. Vasundhara Doraswamy, who helped her to bloom as a choreographer within the distinct Pandanallur style of Bharathanatyam.

Through Guru Vandana Arts Academy, Iyer brings disciplined and focussed training in Bharatanatyam. Her students have performed in many venues all over the United States. A few memorable performances and competitive wins include the St. Louis Indian Dance Festival (MO), Detroit Bharathiya Temple (MI), The Louisville Yum Center for his HH Dalai Llama (KY), and the Sivan competitions (MI). Iyer is also known for her creative dance drama productions that she produces yearly for the Louisville community.

These contributions span over her almost two decades of teaching, creating, and expressing. Her dedication spawned the establishment of the Non-profit organization, the Guru Vandana Academy which has held an annual Indian classical dance and music festival since 2012 in Louisville KY titled the Geeva Arts Festival. This venture brings many performers from all over the world to our doorstep, placing our community, and city, on the map of the Indian classical artistic world.  Akila works and dreams of making every student feel welcome in the expression of dance. She encourages her academy to grow and create through the ancient practices of dance, through hard work, kindness, and creativity.  

As the years have progressed, Guru Vandana Arts Academy, has also expanded to include music in its curriculum. With beginner lessons under Kum. Shyama Iyer, and advanced lessons under world class artists from Bangalore, India - Smt. Pusthakam Ramaa. The school has also developed a premier “company” which produces online videos as well as several performances throughout the region. Follow us, or subscribe today, to stay up to date on our work!