About Us

About Us
Nupura School of Music and Dance – Toronto
Nupura School of Music and Dance is a premier institution dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of South Indian classical music and dance. Established in Toronto, Canada, the school offers professional training in Bharathanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, and Carnatic vocal music. Under the visionary leadership of our Principal and Artistic Director, Gayathri Devi Vijayakumar, Nupura continues to inspire and shape the next generation of artists.
Our Founder & Artistic Director
Gayathri Devi Vijayakumar
With over 20 years of experience in South Indian classical music and dance, Gayathri Devi Vijayakumar is a dedicated performer, teacher, and choreographer. She has trained under renowned musicians such as P. Madhusoodhana Menon, Kunjuraman Nair, and continues her vocal studies with Smt. Raji Gopalakrishnan. In dance, she received her training in Bharathanatyam, Mohiniyattam, and Kuchipudi from Kalamandalam Sarojam and Kalamandalam Chandrika, and further refines her Kuchipudi skills under Smt. Vyjayanthi Kashi.
Her contributions to the field have been widely recognized with numerous awards, including:

- Kalathilakam title (awarded three times by the Government of Kerala)
- OIDA Spirit Award (2007, 2008, 2009)
- Woman Hero Award in Performing Arts by Indo-Canadian Arts and Culture Initiative (ICACI)
- Appreciation awards from NSS Canada, Brampton Malayalee Samajam, Mississauga Malayalee Association, and Canadian Malayalee Association.
Gayathri has performed across India, Canada, USA, and Dubai, including prestigious events like the Toronto International Dance Festival (TIDF). She is passionate about innovative teaching methods that blend tradition with creativity, making classical arts accessible to all.

Our Achievements
At Nupura, we take pride in our students' accomplishments and our school's contributions to the cultural landscape of Canada and beyond. Some of our key highlights include:
- Participation in Toronto International Dance Festival (TIDF) and Dancing Damsels International Dance Festival
- Performance invitations from leading cultural organizations across India, North America, and the Middle East
- Community engagement and appreciation awards for promoting Indian classical arts in Canada
- Collaborative projects with cultural organizations like Dancing Damsels Inc.