The Guru, Shanthakumari Selvanayagam, is a Bharathanatya dancer, Choreographer, and a Teacher. She is a Diploma holder from the esteemed Temple of fine Arts Kalakshetra. In addition, she went to the well-known Adyar K. Lakshman to exceed at the Baratha Choodmanai Institute. She is also suitably trained in Kuchipudi Art of Economics. 

 

 In the years 1983 and 1984, she spent her time teaching at the Manipay Hindu Ladies College. In 1985, she founded her first Institute, "Natiyakalalayam" in Annanagar, Chennai India. As of now, through her school "Natiyakalamandram" which has chapters in Toronto and in Hamilton, she has established her love, dedication, and commitment to this ancient Indian dance form to her disciples. To this day, many students of Natiyakalamandram have completed their arangetrams. Her guidance has taught her students to extend this discipline and perseverance to all  facets of life. ​