Aparna Matange

Aparna Matange, Director of Nritya Surabhi School of Dance is one of the most accomplished Bharata Natyam dancer teachers in South Florida. Trained in Bharata Natyam under the expert guidance of distinguished Guru and legendary exponent of Bharat Natyam Dr. Sucheta Chapekar, Aparna is privileged have the honor of being one of her senior disciples.

Aparna's Guru, Dr, Sucheta Chapekar has made a valuable contribution to the Bharata Natyam repertoire, through her research and presentation of Marathi compositions of the Thanjavur Maratha rulers Shahaji and Serfoji Bhosale. Along with the traditional Bharata Natyam repertoire, Aparna is extremely fortunate to have learnt and choreographed these Marathi compositions.

With a performing career of over three decades, Aparna has extensively performed in India, Europe and the United States. She was invited to present Bharata Natyam at many prestigious art institutions including the National Center of Performing Arts in Mumbai, Kalabharati Music and Arts, Mumbai. Her lecture demonstrations at various International Universities and her performances for several cultural organizations across the United States has helped create an awareness of Indian classical dance and have been widely appreciated by the international audiences.

Aparna has gained extensive stage and theatre experience as a child artist for Aviskhar Chandrashala, a theatre institution founded by veteran actress late Mrs. Sulbha Deshpande and late Mr. Arvind Deshpande. She was fortunate to have participated in their dance ballet productions of Apna Haath Jagannath, Panchatantra, Durga Zhali Gauri, and several one-act theatre productions and workshops.

Recognized in the society as an artist with a combination and talent of an accomplished performer, innovative choreographer, dedicated teacher, skillful singer and an outstanding organizer, Aparna was also awarded with a scholarship in dance by the Government of India. She has been bestowed with the title of 'Singar Mani' by the Sur Singar Samsad and has received a special recognition from the University of Mumbai, for receiving a Gold Medal in the inter collegiate dance competitions for 3 consecutive years, thus creating a record.

In 1997, Aparna choreographed a dance drama Malati Madhav, for the India Fine Arts. She was also actively involved in group dance choreography for various productions including Jazz Yatra Rejuvenation, Tamasoma Jyotirgamaya, PanchaNidhi – The Enignma of Five, Anvita (An adaptation of Sleeping Beauty in Indian Classical Dances) & Surya. Aparna is an active member of the Indian community in South Florida where she regularly performs and choreographs group dances for a variety of local cultural and charity organizations including Maharashtra Mandal of South Florida, AIA of South Florida, Spandana, Broward County Library, Jewish Foundation of South Florida. With a Masters in Life Sciences and a career as a Technical Analyst in Geotechnical Engineering Software. Aparna is conducts Bharata Natyam classes for young kids and dance enthusiasts in South Florida.