About Us

Artistic Director & Founder Smt. Manimegalai Arun

From the age of three, Smt. Manimegalai Arun has been immersed in the world of Bharatanatyam a journey that began with innocent curiosity and blossomed into a lifelong commitment to the classical arts. Raised in an environment where culture, discipline, and devotion were deeply valued, Bharatanatyam became not just a passion but an integral part of her identity.

A Journey Shaped by Legendary Gurus

Manimegalai’s artistic evolution has been profoundly shaped by training under some of the most respected luminaries in the field:

• Guru Smt. Yamini Krishnamurti, a global icon of Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, whose powerful abhinaya and stage presence left a lasting impression on her artistic sensibilities.

• Guru Smt. Sudha Jaganathan, under whom she trained intensively for many years. From Sudha Ji, she imbibed the discipline, precision, and spiritual depth that define the classical Kalakshetra tradition.

• Guru Smt. Jayalakshmi Eshwar, a distinguished exponent of Bharatanatyam and a Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee, whose refined technique and creative approach have recently added new dimensions to Manimegalai’s learning.

Years at Shri Ram Bharatiya Kala Kendra

A significant part of Manimegalai’s training took place at the prestigious Shri Ram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, one of India’s most renowned institutions for the performing arts. Here, she underwent extensive training in nritta, nritya, and natya, strengthening her foundation in the Kalakshetra bani.

During her tenure, she was entrusted not only with advanced learning but also with teaching responsibilities, training younger students under the guidance of her guru, Smt. Sudha Jaganathan. This experience ignited her passion for pedagogy and laid the groundwork for her future as a teacher.

A Performer of Grace and Depth

Manimegalai has graced numerous stages across India, performing in cultural festivals, temple events, and curated classical platforms. Her performances are marked by:

• Graceful lines and geometry of the Kalakshetra style

• Deeply emotive abhinaya

• Precision, devotion, and expressive clarity

Her dedication has earned her recognition and appreciation from esteemed institutions such as the Lalit Kala Akademi and Shri Ram Bharatiya Kala Kendra.

Founding the Mudra School of Bharatanatyam (MSB)

With the blessings of her gurus and unwavering support from her family & Friends ,Manimegalai brought her artistic journey to Glasgow, UK. Driven by a desire to preserve and propagate the classical tradition, she established the Mudra School of Bharatanatyam (MSB) a space where tradition, discipline, and creativity come together.

At MSB, she trains children and adults with equal passion, offering a structured curriculum that blends technique, expression, theory, and cultural understanding. Her teaching style reflects her lineage: patient, disciplined, compassionate, and deeply rooted in authenticity.

A Vision for the Future

Manimegalai envisions MSB as a centre for classical excellence
a place where students not only learn Bharatanatyam but also absorb its philosophy, values, and cultural richness. She continues to perform, teach, choreograph, and inspire, nurturing the next generation of dancers while holding firmly to the classical essence of the Kalakshetra bani.