MEET OUR FOUNDERS
Mrs. Keetha Sellathurai and Mrs. Sashikala Sellathurai are the co-founders of Arunodhaya, united by a lifelong passion for preserving and sharing the rich tradition of Bharathanatyam.
Their journey in classical dance began in Kurumbasiddy, Sri Lanka, where they received their foundational training under Sri Thommakutti and Smt. Thayanithi Mohan. After immigrating to Canada in 1986, they continued their studies under Sri Vasu Sinnarasa and later under Smt. Sivasakthy Soundaranathan, a Kalakshetra alumna. Their dedication culminated in their Bharathanatyam Arangetram in Toronto, Canada, in 1992.
Committed to lifelong learning, the sisters travelled to India in 1997 to further their training under Sri C.S. Thomas and Smt. Vasundara Thomas, distinguished teachers and direct disciples of Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale, founder of Kalakshetra.
In 2003, Mrs. Sashikala Sellathurai successfully completed the Bharata Natya Teacher Training Summer Residency offered by Kalabharathi in Montreal, further strengthening Arunodhaya's commitment to excellence in dance education.
Inspired by a shared vision to educate, inspire, and preserve the art of Bharathanatyam, the sisters founded Arunodhaya, creating a welcoming environment where students of all ages can develop technical excellence, artistic expression, discipline, confidence, and a deep appreciation for Indian classical dance.
In 2010, after relocating to the United States, Mrs. Keetha Sellathurai established and continues to lead Arunodhaya in Stamford, Connecticut, while Mrs. Sashikala Sellathurai continued to grow and lead Arunodhaya in Canada.
Today, through their continued leadership, the founders remain dedicated to mentoring students, promoting excellence in Bharathanatyam, and fostering a lifelong appreciation for Indian classical arts through education, performance, and community engagement.
Their journey in classical dance began in Kurumbasiddy, Sri Lanka, where they received their foundational training under Sri Thommakutti and Smt. Thayanithi Mohan. After immigrating to Canada in 1986, they continued their studies under Sri Vasu Sinnarasa and later under Smt. Sivasakthy Soundaranathan, a Kalakshetra alumna. Their dedication culminated in their Bharathanatyam Arangetram in Toronto, Canada, in 1992.
Committed to lifelong learning, the sisters travelled to India in 1997 to further their training under Sri C.S. Thomas and Smt. Vasundara Thomas, distinguished teachers and direct disciples of Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale, founder of Kalakshetra.
In 2003, Mrs. Sashikala Sellathurai successfully completed the Bharata Natya Teacher Training Summer Residency offered by Kalabharathi in Montreal, further strengthening Arunodhaya's commitment to excellence in dance education.
Inspired by a shared vision to educate, inspire, and preserve the art of Bharathanatyam, the sisters founded Arunodhaya, creating a welcoming environment where students of all ages can develop technical excellence, artistic expression, discipline, confidence, and a deep appreciation for Indian classical dance.
In 2010, after relocating to the United States, Mrs. Keetha Sellathurai established and continues to lead Arunodhaya in Stamford, Connecticut, while Mrs. Sashikala Sellathurai continued to grow and lead Arunodhaya in Canada.
Today, through their continued leadership, the founders remain dedicated to mentoring students, promoting excellence in Bharathanatyam, and fostering a lifelong appreciation for Indian classical arts through education, performance, and community engagement.
"Our vision is to inspire future generations through the timeless beauty of Bharathanatyam while preserving our cultural heritage with excellence, integrity, and devotion." - Keetha & Sashikala Sellathurai