Guru, Shanthakumari Selvanayagam, founded Natiyakalamandran in 2000 in Toronto. Guru Shanthakumari Selvanagyam is a Bharathanatya dancer, choreographer, and a teacher.

 

Guru Shanthakumari Selvanayagam is a Diploma Holder from the Temple of Fine Arts, Kalakshetra where she received her training under the esteemed Smt. Rukminidevi Arundale, the visionary founder of the internationally renowned Kalakshetra in Chennai, India. She studied at the prestigious Baratha Choodamani Institute to further hone her Nattuvangam skills under Adiyar K Lakshman. She is also trained in Kuchipudi from the Kuchipudi Fine Arts Academy under Veimpattie Sinnasathiyam. In 1982, Guru Shanthakumari Selvanayagam completed her arangetram under the tutelage of Adiyar K Lakshman and was conferred the title of "Nadanavilasini" by Justice H. W. Thambiah Q. C. on behalf of the Sangeetha Natiya Sangam of Sri Lanka. In Canada, Guru Shanthakumari Selvanayagam served as an examiner for the Academy of Tamil Art and Technology Institute. 

 

As of now, through her school, Natiya Kala Mandram, which has chapters in the Greater Toronto Area (Etobicoke) and in Hamilton, she has established her love, dedication and commitment to this ancient Indian Ballet form to her disciples. To this day, 38 students of Natiyakalamandram have completed their arangetrams. Her guidance has taught her students to extend this discipline and perseverance to all facets of life.