Our Art School is run by an incredible group of highly talented, dedicated and professional artists.
Here is a brief intro to each of them:
Kathak – taught by Aditi Sen
The beautiful dance form of Kathak is taught by Aditi Sen. She is a prominent dancer of the present generation in the realm of North Indian Classical Dance in India as well as abroad. She has received extensive training from some of the most talented and skillful teachers such as Srimati Maya Sinha (Mishra), Srimati Saswati Sengupta and Guru Susmita Mishra of the Jaipur Gharana (school or style). Most recently, she has been advancing her own skills and knowledge under the tutelage of renowned Kathak maestro Pandit Rajendra Gangani. She has also performed rigorous Riyaz (practice) under the able guidance of great tabla maestro Pandit Kumar Bose. Aditi always gave formal education a priority along with her dedication to this art form, and ultimately achieved a First Class Masters Degree in Indian Classical Dance (Kathak). Aditi is innovative both as a performer and a teacher, and she has inspired many audiences and students from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures.
There are two levels of Kathak classes available. Training focuses on theory, aspects of abhniaya (facial expression and emotion) and nritta (dance / movement technique).
Bharatanatyam – taught by Supritha Aithal
Supritha is an accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer with a deep-rooted passion for the art form, having started her training at the tender age of five. With a PhD in Dance Movement Psychotherapy and an MFA in Bharatanatyam, her academic credentials are impressive, complemented by a wealth of teaching experience across various levels, from beginners to advanced students. She has taught Bharatanatyam at prestigious institutions, including Edge Hill University and in cultural settings both in India and the UK.
Her expertise is recognized internationally, evidenced by her membership in the International Dance Council (CID) under UNESCO and her status as an ‘A’ grade artist with Doordarshan, India’s national TV channel. Supritha has also been honored with numerous awards and scholarships from the Government of Karnataka and India, which reflect her dedication and excellence in Bharatanatyam.
In addition to her teaching and performances across the globe—including the UK, USA, UAE, Greece, and Spain—Supritha is a prolific researcher with over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles and a book on creative arts therapies. Her extensive knowledge, combined with her passion for spreading the joy of Bharatanatyam, makes her an exceptional mentor for aspiring dancers.
Tabla – taught by Kousic Sen
Tabla classes are taught by musical maestro Kousic Sen. He was born into a musical family in Calcutta, showing tremendous talent for Tabla from a very young age. Trained under his father, Late P.L.Sen, then Pt. Biswanath Bose of the Banaras Gharana, and later under Pt. Kumar Bose, Kousic is a vastly experienced tabla artist, and a master of accompanying dance, fusion and classical music. One of the foremost tabla players of his generations, Kousic Sen is a tabla player whose intense and energetic performances add a new dimension to the traditional concert experience. His rhythmic mastery has become known around the globe through his performances with leading musicians in many of the world’s most famous venues.
Kousic joined Milapfest as Artist in Residence in 2014. His role includes teaching at the weekly Arts School, performances in Milapfest concerts around the UK and his role as Percussion Conductor for Samyo and Tarang.
There are three Tabla sessions ranging from beginner to Grade 1. Training occurs in small groups, giving each student an opportunity to receive focused one-to-one training with Kousic Sen during each class. Both practical and theoretical aspects of Tabla are covered in this class.
Hindustani Vocal & Sing-Along – taught by Vijay Rajput
Dr. Vijay Rajput teaches Hindustani Vocal in Art-school. He also performs light classical music like Bhajan, Gazal and Bollywood music. He was born in new Delhi, India, and began his music studies at the tender age of eight. He acquired his initial training and guidance from Pt. M. G. Deshpande, Pt. VinayChander Mudgal and pt. Madhup Mudgal. Subsequently, he had a rare opportunity to learn for many years under the tutelage of world renowned Bharat Ratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi Ji. He has acquired M.A., M.PHIL., PH.D.Degrees in Hindustani Classical music from the University of Delhi.
As a maestro of khayal style of rendition and an artist of international repute, his performances have mesmerized audiences in India and abroad. He has performed in many national and international Sangeet Sammelans festivals and Mahotsave. He got KALA JYOTHI award in 2010 for his excellent contribution in educating and promoting classical music in the North East of England.
Veena – taught by Prashantini Jeyaraman
Prashanthini is a Veena artiste who has undergone training under the tutelage of Sangeetha Vidwan, Smt Sivatharini Sahadevan from the age of eight. With her guru’s support, she has completed a teaching qualification with the Academy of Fine Arts London and has been teaching in London for the past 8 years. She is also a keen Bharathanatyam dancer and completed her Arangetram under the tutelegae of Smt. Uma Chandradeva. Prashanthini has also completed her vocal and violin diploma under the tutelage of Shri Kutralam Nagarajan and Smt Thilagasakthi Aaramuthan respectively. Prashanthini is also an examiner for a number of examination bodies in the UK, including Academy of Fine Arts London (AOFA) and Oriental Fine Arts Academy London (OFAAL).
Carnatic Vocal – taught by Ramya Tangirala
Ramya Tangirala comes from a well-known family of musicians. Ramya is the grandniece of the legendary musician Sangita Kalanidhi Sri G.N.Balasubramaniam. Many of Ramya’s students have performed at various music festivals. Ramya teaches vocals online to students all over UK. In 2015, Ramya’s student won the ‘Yogi Maharaj Trophy’ at the Croydon Music Festival, London.
Ramya is a keen painter – in oil, watercolour and Tanjore Art. She has had her art work exhibited in UK. She also plays the Veena.
There are three Carnatic Vocal sessions for beginner and intermediate students and adults. It is an extremely popular art form learnt in India, particularly in the South. This class introduces students to the concepts of Raga and Tala – the basic fundamental training needed to learn any form of Indian classical music. Students will also learn about different patterns, rhythms and compositions used in Carnatic music.