The Beginning

The reason

The beginning was a small-scale endeavour, an out-of-home training for Bharatanatyam in the esteemed Kalakshetra style.

Over time, the growing recognition and demand for authentic Bharatanatyam in the city led to Spanda opening its first centre in Al Nahda, Dubai.

The Al Nahda centre quickly expanded as a space for continued learning, rehearsals, intimate performances, workshops, and home-grown music and dance productions encompassing Bharatanatyam, Carnatic Music, and Indian arts.

A radical expansion was crucial to extend this to enthusiasts seeking time-honoured Indian art and culture experience across the city. Spanda's fine arts programs are easily accessible for residents of new Dubai at the centre in Al Quoz, considered the cultural headquarters of Dubai.

"In order to understand the dance one must be still. And in order to truly understand stillness one must dance. "

— RUMI

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Melisa Bill, parent

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Carol Wood, ballerina

"In order to understand the dance one must be still. And in order to truly understand stillness one must dance."

— RUMI

Founder and Artistic Director

Puja Unni

Puja Unni is a renowned Bharatanatyam practitioner, dance educator and Artistic Director of Spanda. Born and raised in the UAE, she was introduced to Bharatanatyam at the age of three. She pursued the discipline with vigour and dedication under the tutelage of stalwart teachers till she found a home as the disciple of the esteemed Bharatanatyam dance duo Renjith and Vijna.

As a dance educator, Puja has trained over 100 students and nurtured exceptional Bharatanatyam talent in the region. Her students get a unique and holistic Indian classical dance training that focuses on working with and highlighting individual strengths while aligning the learning with mind, body, and soul.

As an artistic director, Puja Unni adeptly engages her rich experience in Indian classical dance to achieve result-driven objectives in specially designed corporate training programs and conceptualises and directs dance productions.

Brand Manager

Ashwin Kodoth

Ever since pursuing a Masters in Strategic Management, Ashwin Kodoth has been particularly keen on concept sales. With an experience of over 14 years with print, radio, TV and digital media, Ashwin plays a key role in the day to day operations and management of Spanda. He has been constantly working on the branding, ideation and marketing and also discovering new avenues to help enhance the overall experience at Spanda.

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