The Shubham School of Performing Arts , a dream and vision of Smt. Bornalee Sarkar, was started in 2010 with a mission to preserve our classical dance and music traditions, to spread knowledge about our rich heritage amongst our youth and to provide a platform to aspiring artists to learn and pursue the classical arts of our country. Since her inception in February 2010, Shubham has come a long way and has successfully built a community of more than 400 students and art enthusiasts over 15 years now.
The Shubham School of Performing Arts, is the culmination of Smt. Bornalee Sarkar’s dream to preserve and spread India’s rich classical dance traditions. Our mission is to share the beauty and wisdom of our cultural heritage with the youth, providing a platform for young artists to learn, explore, and showcase classical art styles.
We believe that dance and music are inseparable, and that a deep understanding of music and rhythm is essential to mastering dance. That’s why we’ve made the study of music and rhythm an integral part of our curriculum, offering them as subjects of study at Shubham.
Our approach goes beyond technical training, aiming to nurture the spiritual, physical, and emotional growth of our students. We strive to create an environment where students can imbibe the techniques and values of classical dance, fostering inner growth and transformation.
At Shubham, we envision performances that transcend competition, celebrating the beauty of art for its own sake. We’re committed to building a community of healthy artists, fostering a fraternity that’s supportive, inclusive, and driven by a shared love for dance and music.
At Shubham, we believe that dance has the power to transform lives, and our mission is to share this transformative power with the world.
Bornalee Sarkar:
Founder Director, The Shubham, School of Performing Arts
“My feet are on the ground, but my heart is in the dance, and I’m passing it on”
Bornalee Sarkar’s journey in dance began at the tender age of 4, when she started learning movement and folk dances, creative and Rabindrik style under the guidance of Lt. Shri Nikhil Pal. Growing up amidst the rich cultural heritage of Bengal, surrounded by the creations of Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, and the classical dances and the legendary Uday Shankar style of dance, it was only natural that dance would become an integral part of her life. Traveling extensively to different parts of the country performing with Smt. Debrani Chatterjee’s team Banibitan, gave her exposure to different dance styles and nuances of various movements and rhythm techniques.
Her fascination with Odissi began at the age of 10, and she started training under the tutelage of Guru Lt. Shri Bijoy Senapati. She fell in love with the nuances of Odissi and continued to train under Guru Lt.Smt. Poushali Mukherjee.
After completing her graduation in Geography from the prestigious Lady Brabourne College in Kolkata, Bornalee joined Nrityagram as a residential dancer, where she was mentored by the revered Protima Gauri, affectionately known as Gaurima.It was under Gaurima’s guidance that Bornalee’s passion for dance was ignited, and her vision for Shubham was born.
Following Gaurima’s advice, Bornalee went on to train in Kathak under the legendary Lt. Padmavibhushan Smt Kumudini Lakhia. She also received training in Indian contemporary dance under Lt. Smt. Ranjabati Sircar, in addition to working with dancers and dance troupes from around the world. Abhinaya being her forte, Bornalee has been privileged to have received guidance from Padmabhushan Guru Smt Kalanidhi Narayanan.
Bornalee’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that dance is a way of life, and that it should be nurtured with practice, passion, and perseverance. With this vision, she founded Shubham in 2010 with a handful of students in a humble space. Today, Shubham has grown into a thriving community of over 400 students, dancers, and art enthusiasts, a testament to Bornalee’s dedication and passion for dance.
Through Shubham, Bornalee aims to create a space where the arts can thrive, and where students can explore and express themselves freely. Her commitment to dance education and her community has made Shubham a beacon for dance enthusiasts, and a hub for artistic expression in the city.
Bornalee Sarkar is a dancer who’s all about pushing boundaries and exploring new expressions through movement. At Shubham, Bornalee Sarkar fosters a culture of creativity and innovation, giving teachers the freedom to experiment and develop new approaches to dance education. This approach has helped create a dynamic and engaging learning environment, where students and teachers alike can explore and grow.
A philanthropist who is passionate about giving back, Bornalee has been involved with Samiksha Foundation, Caring for Children with Cancer(www.samikshafoundation.org) for over 14 years, supporting education and holistic growth and happiness quotient of children with undergoing treatment for cancer. She’s currently a trustee of the organisation, making a difference in her community.
4/75, 3rd Cross Rd, R.K Colony, Marenahalli, 2nd Phase, J. P. Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560041