Sri Sakti Sarade Kalaniketan

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A versatile dancer and actress, and dance instructor. Vijaya Bhanu has performed in England, India, and United States of America. She is a three time award winner in dance as a "NATYA MAYURI" in 1975 and 1979 by Dr. Chenna Reddi the Chief Minister of Andra Pradesh, India. In 1986 she received the "VAMSEE VENDANTA JAGANATHA SHARMA" award for Kuchipudi dance by Vamsee Art Theater in Hyderabad, India.

Vijaya Bhanu also was awarded the best supporting actress in film "EDI KATHA KADU" in 1980 by Mr. Dilip Kumar (the super film star of Bombay) and most recently she received the Platinum award for best in 1994 by Crescent presentations. She has performed at UCLA, the Polo Club in Santa Barbara, the Ambassador Hotel for Mr. Jerry Brown, Governor of California 1982. In 1989 from Mr. Tom Bradley Show. Mr. Pete Wilson, Governor of California 1994.

Vijaya Bhanu is the only performer and exponent of several different styles of classical dances in Southern California including BHARATHA NATYAM, KUCHIPUDI, KATHAK and KATHA KALI. She pioneered the concept of bringing dance closer to the community by starting classes in several locations in California.

Her career began at the age of 5 with a dance troupe of five members which has improved and increased in size to 35. The dance troupe still performs in India under the direction of Vijaya Bhanu's sister. Vijaya Bhanu appeared in more than 81 movies. Vijaya Bhanu has trained dance classes with several gurus. Bharatha Natyam with Sri. Viswanathan (Lalita Kala Parishath A.P.A.P) and with Sri Dandayudha Pani Pillai. Kathak (Banarasi style) with Sri Varadaraj. Kuchipudi Bharathanatyam with Sri. M.S. Saiva. Katha Kali with Sri Tangappa, Sri Dharan.

She has her own Manobhava creativity with unique style. Vijaya Bhanu wrote three dance drama lyric and dance concept her own. Vedavati Chaitra, Meerabai (individual drama), Dasavataram, Durga (Trisakto), Trisakto Dbhavam.

She founded a dancing school in Southern California which now has locations in CANOGA PARK, CERRITOS, HEMET, APPLE VALLEY, HATHRAN, S. PASADENA, PALOS VERDES, as well as other cities. The schools has an enrollment of over 300 students. Vijaya Bhanu's School of Dance are very dedicated and take an active part in community programs. In October 1990, she and her students with the support of Little India and the Artesia Chamber of Commerce took part in the Artesia Parade and organized a FLOAT, won 1st place, which depicted the rich heritage and culture that we bring with us.

The best classical dancer in "Kathak & Bharata Natyam"
Platinum Award - 1994

"Pioneer of the Art in Artesia 1989"
L.A. India

"Best dance by Vijaya Bhanu group"
Tribune, Pasadena

Breathtaking performer of Indian dance"
Bob Hope, Palm Springs - 1982

by Deccan Herald in 1975
and
by Chenna Reddi, Chief Minister, A.P. - 1979

Awarded three times "NATYA MAYURI."
the Dnacing Peacock

"Charming versatile dancer" - India West

"A true an asset to the Indian community
and the community-at-large"
Frank Adamo,
Inter-cultural Community Association