THE STORY OF US...
Hello! My name is Vyju owner and artistic director of Noopur Nritya Academy. I started this dance school in the Attleboro area 2007. My teaching career, however, started much earlier than that. The first teaching job was at 16 years old at Vijaya Ranga, The Structural School of Fine Arts in Vijayanagar Bangalore, while I continued her learning and performing under my Gurus.
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My love for dance started at the age of 4 under the guidance of Choodamani Rao in the Mysore Style. My very first stage performance at the age of 6 was extremely memorable where I danced an Alaripu, Krishna nee begane baaro in a group and solo piece of Nadarmudi Meliarrukkum also popularly known as a snake dance, to much praise and love. I continued to train and perform extensively throughout Southern India with Choodamani Aunty until I was 10. My training continued under Guru Padma Thangavel where I got plenty of opportunities to perform locally in Bangalore and various places in Southern India. During this time, I passed the Karnataka State Board Exams for Junior and Senior Exams as building blocks to my learning.
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During my college years, my training continued with Guru Vasundara Sampathkumar in the Pandanallur Style during which time I continued to perform locally and focused on growing as a dancer.
At the age of 16, a beautiful opportunity presented itself to me where I got to train young dancers while continuing my own training under Vasundara Aunty. With the extensive performing through my dancing journey there was never any talk of Arangetram, but with the looming event of moving to the USA, my family wanted her to have one last performance that would be just for them, so came the Arangetram in the year 2000.
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The move to the USA didn't dampen my love, instead I landed in the perfect place, Massachusetts which was begining to show signs of becoming a treasure trove for artists.! With the support of my husband, family and friends, slowly but surely I started this dance school which we see today. During these times I did continued to dance with some amazing local dancers and been part of fund raisers for causes that are close to my heart.
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I had the wonderful oppurtunity to be interviewed and published in the online magazine, Boston Voyager, a link to which is below:
http://bostonvoyager.com/interview/meet-vyju-prasad-iyengar-noopur-nritya-academy-attleboro-ma/
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We hope you will come visit us and see what it is all about!
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Meet our
Teachers & Assistants
Noopur Iyengar
Instructor
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Noopur has received training under esteemed instructors Vyju Prasad and Padmini Ravi. Her exceptional skill and grace are complemented by her ability to absorb and apply knowledge in dance. Beginning her journey at the New England Dance Academy at the age of 2.5, she has trained extensively in various styles, including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical Jazz, and Bharatanatyam.
Noopur has performed numerous times and has been recognized for her grace and stamina. She made her debut with her Arangetram in August 2022. Currently a freshman at Quinnipiac University, she teaches dance classes as her schedule permits, sharing her passion and expertise with others.
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Shakti Arun
Instructor
Shakti has been training under Vyju Prasad since she was in kindergarten and has performed numerous times at the studio throughout her journey. In 2020, she began assisting with classes, and by 2022, she was capable of independently leading sessions with younger students. This experience culminated in her debut performance, an Arangetram, in August 2023. For the full video of her performance, please visit our YouTube channel. Now a high school senior, Shakti continues to dedicate her time to the studio, both teaching and learning.
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Surabhi Iyengar
Instructor
Surabhi is currently training under Vyju Prasad, where her skill, flexibility, and grace are matched by her ability to absorb and apply new knowledge. She has been training and performing at the New England Dance Academy since the age of 2.5, with extensive experience in various dance styles, including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical Jazz, and Bharatanatyam.
Surabhi has performed numerous times and has been recognized for her exceptional grace and stamina. As a senior in middle school, she enjoys working with younger students, sharing her passion for dance. Her forte lies in strength and conditioning, further enhancing her performance abilities.
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Sai Vibhisha Lakshmanan
Teaching Assistant
Vibhisha is currently training under Vyju Prasad. Although her dance journey began later than most, starting as a sophomore in middle school, she quickly grasped the fundamentals and demonstrated remarkable progress. Her passions extend beyond dance, encompassing mythology, history, and writing; she is on the verge of publishing her first novel.
As a high school senior with an interest in pursuing a career in health sciences, Vibhisha enjoys contributing to the studio by assisting with classes, sharing her enthusiasm and dedication with younger students.
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Shanti Sasikumar
Teaching Assistant
Shanti is currently training under Vyju Prasad. Initially a shy middle schooler, she has blossomed into a quiet yet strong dancer. Now a freshman in high school, Shanti enjoys assisting with classes for younger students. Her calm demeanor and warm smile create a welcoming atmosphere, putting everyone at ease.
