Our community's voice
Every student, parent, and rasika brings something special to NKM.
Read their stories of grace, growth, and dedication through Natya Kala Manjari's Anubhava.
We call this Anubhava — the shared journey of our dance family.
Shri. Arun Gopinath
Carnatic Vocalist, Founder of Kaisiki Performing Arts Centre
Heartfelt congratulations to Natya Kala Manjari on completing 20 graceful years of rhythm, tradition, and excellence.
A disciplined institution where Bharatanatyam blooms with true Guru Bhakti. It has been my joy to collaborate with you for the past 8 years.
Special congratulations to Smt. Sanji Piranthapan for leading this beautiful journey with dedication and devotion.
May your salangai continue to echo for many more glorious years.
Shri. Arun Gopinath
Carnatic Vocalist, Founder of Kaisiki Performing Arts Centre
Dr. Thayaparan Selvanayagam
Flutist, Founder of Venugānālayam
I am truly impressed by the incredible work Natya Kala Manjari is doing for the community. The dedication and passion of the guru Smt. Sanji Piranthapan are clearly reflected in every aspect of the institution. It is not just a place to learn dance, but a space where culture, discipline, and values are nurtured with great care.
The guru’s commitment to each student’s growth is exceptional. Their teaching goes beyond technique, instilling a deep appreciation for the art form and its rich tradition. It is evident that a lot of personal attention and sincerity goes into guiding every student.
Natya Kala Manjari is making a meaningful contribution by preserving and promoting Bharatanatyam while creating a strong sense of community. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for authentic, high-quality training under a truly dedicated guru Smt. Sanji Piranthappan
Dr Thayaparan Selvanayagam
Venuganalayam
Ms.Priyah Ratnakumar Veena Artist
Being part of Natya Kala Manjari has truly been one of the greatest blessings in my artistic journey. Through this school, I’ve had the honour of playing alongside and sharing the stage with some of Toronto’s finest artists, & experiences that have shaped me both as a musician and as a person.
I am deeply grateful to the director and founder Smt. Sanji Piranthapan teacher for believing in me, trusting me with these opportunities, and continuously supporting me throughout my journey here. Your encouragement, kindness, and faith in my abilities have meant more to me than words can fully express.
This school is more than just a place of dance and music it is a family filled with passion, dedication, and heart. I will always cherish the memories, lessons, and connections I’ve gained and continue to gain here. Thank you to the entire Natya Kala Manjari school for allowing me to grow, learn, and be part of something so beautiful and enriching.
My heartfelt best wishes to Sanji Teacher and all the students of NKM for continued success and growth. May your passion, dedication, and hard work lead you all to even greater heights in the years to come. Wishing the entire NKM family nothing but the very best for a bright and successful future.
Ms.Priyah Ratnakumar Veena Artist
Kavitha & Anant, proud parent of NKM Student.
It is a great honour and privilege for us to speak about Natya Kala Manjari Academy. Our journey with the academy, as parents, has spanned well over a decade, and it has been a truly enriching and rewarding experience. Both of my daughters have blossomed and excelled in their Bharatanatyam journey under the dedicated guidance of Smt. Sanji Piranthapan.
Her discipline and organizational skills are truly exceptional and set a strong foundation for every student. More than just a guru, she builds a meaningful bond with her students that is both professional and personal. She understands each child’s potential and nurtures them with care, patience, and commitment. Her teaching goes far beyond dance; the values of dedication, perseverance, and confidence that she instills are clearly reflected in the students’ academic and personal growth as well.
Her meticulous time management, especially during events and performances, is highly commendable. Every program is thoughtfully planned and executed with precision. Her orchestra team consistently delivers outstanding live performances, adding depth and authenticity to every presentation. Her dedication and passion truly speak volumes about her perseverance and commitment to the art.
What stands out most is her openness and approachability. Both parents and students feel comfortable sharing feedback, and her progressive and inclusive mindset is deeply appreciated. She continuously strives to improve and adapt, ensuring the best learning environment for her students.
Through her guidance, our children have developed a deep-rooted connection to our culture and traditions, and they take immense pride in being part of this academy. She has a keen eye for recognizing talent and provides ample opportunities for students to perform on both Canadian and international platforms. These experiences not only enhance their stage presence but also build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love for the art form.
We are truly grateful to be a part of the Natya Kala Manjari family.
Kavitha & Anant, proud parent of NKM student.
Karpagam Durairajan, proud parent of NKM Student.
It brings us immense joy to share our experience with Natya Kala Manjari Academy. Our journey began in the summer of 2024, when my daughter and I attended several arangetrams and annual showcases across the York and Durham regions while searching for a Bharatanatyam school closer to home. When we attended NKM’s 2024 Annual Show, it took only the opening performance for us to quietly realize—we had found the place we had been looking for all along.
From the very beginning, we were struck by the discipline of the students, the prompt start of the program, and the overall elegance with which the evening unfolded. The live orchestra brought a richness that elevated every piece. However, the moment that truly stayed with us was “Kalki,” where Smt. Sanji took center stage. It was an intensely moving performance—filled with emotion, strength, and storytelling—that left a lasting impression on both of us.
Since becoming part of the academy, we have seen firsthand the level of care and dedication Sanji brings to her teaching. She creates an environment where students feel both supported and motivated, regardless of their age or level. Her approachable nature makes it easy for students to connect with her, while her high standards encourage them to continuously improve. Young beginners are guided with patience and clarity, while more experienced dancers are inspired to push their boundaries and grow into confident, expressive performers.
What truly sets her apart is the way she recognizes and nurtures each child’s individuality. Her teaching is not one-size-fits-all; instead, she adapts to bring out the best in every student, helping them grow in confidence and self-expression along the way.
Being part of Natya Kala Manjari has been a meaningful experience for our family. Beyond dance, it has given our child a stronger connection to culture, discipline, and artistic expression. We are deeply appreciative of the dedication and passion that continues to shape this wonderful community.
Karpagam Durairajan, proud parent of NKM student.
Inthirai Subramaniam, proud parent of NKM Student.
Over the past 10+ years, it has been inspiring to witness Smt. Sanji Piranthapan and her dance school, Natiya Kala Manjari, grow and flourish. Her passion for Bharatanatyam and dedication to her students are evident in all that she does. She continually challenges herself, creating meaningful opportunities such as the acclaimed production Kalki, which was performed internationally.
An exceptional choreographer, she thoughtfully designs her work to suit each student’s strengths, helping them build strong technique and confidence. She balances discipline in fundamentals with a deep understanding of each student’s learning journey, inspiring them to carry their passion for Bharatanatyam forward.
Inthirai Subramaniam, Grateful parent of NKM student.