Shri Akshay Ayre is a true aficionado of art whose journey is a testament to his unwavering passion and dedication. He has completed bachelor's degree in fine arts, specializing in Applied Art from the prestigious Sir J J Institute of Applied Art. He is a dynamic individual who seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary artistic expressions.
As a freelance Graphic Designer, his creative prowess and meticulous execution have earned him resounding applause from art enthusiasts. Beyond the confines of the digital canvas, his love for the arts extends into the realm of Indian classical dance. He is a senior disciple of renowned Gurus, namely Guru Smt. Tejaswini Lele and Guru Dr. Jayashree Rajagopalan, stalwarts in Bharatanatyam and Bharat Nrityam, respectively. He has received training in Carnatic Vocal & Violin from Guru Shri Shekhar Tanjorkar & in Naradiya Kirtan from Hari Bhakt Parayan Smt. Uma Tendolkar.
His dedication to the classical arts is exemplified by the completion of the Bharatanatyam Visharad, an eight-year diploma course with first rank. Furthermore, he holds a master's degree in Bharatanatyam, a testament to his scholarly approach to the art form. His outstanding achievements were recognized with a gold medal from Bharat College of Fine Arts, Mumbai.
His multifaceted journey in the world of arts reflects not only his technical proficiency as a graphic designer but also his deep-rooted commitment to preserving and advancing the rich cultural heritage of Indian classical dance. Embodying the spirit of artistic devotion, he has not only mastered the intricacies of Bharatanatyam but has also become a revered guide and mentor in the field. With over 13 years of dedicated teaching experience, he has sculpted the artistic journeys of numerous students, guiding them through the transformative Bharatanatyam Visharad course with his adept and nurturing guidance. Under his tutelage, students have not only completed their Visharad & post-graduation in Bharatanatyam but are also on a path to accomplishing this milestone.
The hallmark of his teaching journey is the presentation of authentic Bharatanatyam Arangetram ceremonies by many students who have imbibed the essence of this classical dance form through his artistic teachings. In addition to his role as a teacher, he contributes significantly to the dance community by conducting Teachers’ Training course for those aspiring to pursue a career in Bharatanatyam, thereby imparting his knowledge and passion to the next generation of dance educators.
His creative brilliance extends to his role as a Creative Director, where he has lent his artistic vision to numerous dance productions and events. Memorable performances include the enchanting Nrutya Sankirtan, the grandeur of Suswagatam Ramarajyam, the splendor of Brahma Mahotsav, and the graceful Bharatanatyam Arangetrams, among other noteworthy productions.
Beyond the confines of the classroom and stage, he is a dynamic performer, taking the beauty of Bharatanatyam across the length and breadth of India with his troupe. His commitment to the art form, coupled with a decade of hard work and passion, has earned him a special place in the hearts of his gurus, students, and the broader community of art enthusiasts. His journey is not merely a dance through time; it is a symphony of dedication, artistry, and the enduring love for the cultural legacy he tirelessly champions.
Rooted in the cultural tapestry of Tamil Nadu, Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form with ancient origins, dating back to the Natyashastra, an enduring treatise on theatre authored by the legendary priest Bharata. Originally confined to temple spaces and performed exclusively by women, Bharatanatyam evolved into a powerful medium for expressing Hindu religious stories and devotions. While its presence on public stages became more prominent in the 20th century, the dance is characterized by graceful movements, sculpturesque postures and intricate footwork.
Bharata Nrityam, a dynamic dance form, marks the harmonious convergence of the Marga technique of Natya Sastra and the Desi technique of South India, particularly Bharata Natyam. This unique style was pioneered by Padmabhushan Guru Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, a visionary whose extensive research revived the ancient art of 108 Nritta Karanas from Natya Sastra—a legacy lost for nearly six centuries. Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam ingeniously synthesized these elements into the established framework of Bharata Natyam, crafting a distinctive style that breathes new life into the realm of Indian Classical Dance.
