Success Stories

For over two decades, UVSA has been a pillar of excellence in the fields of Music and Dance, earning its reputation as one of Bangalore’s premier institutions. With an impressive alumni strength of over 1500 students, URise India Foundation has nurtured countless artists, empowering them with the skills, discipline, and confidence to excel in their respective art forms. Our students are encouraged to enroll for music and dance examinations and are also encouraged to apply for Scholarships to further their credentials.

Beyond regular classes, students of URise India Foundation are encouraged to participate in nationwide competitions, where our students have won numerous accolades. We take immense pride in shaping the next generation of musicians and dancers, providing them with world-class training, performance opportunities, and the platform to shine on national and international stages. Our unwavering commitment to preserving and propagating the rich cultural heritage of India continues to inspire, empower, and create success stories that resonate beyond the studio and stage.

This is the extraordinary story of Mao, a passionate young dancer from China who journeyed all the way to India to immerse herself in the nuances of Bharatanatyam. Despite numerous hurdles, Mao defied the odds to complete her Bharatanatyam Arangetram under the expert guidance of her teacher, Anjana Ramesh Sarma. Her success wasn’t just a personal milestone—it became a historic moment for the entire dance community in India. Together, the Guru and Shishya made a bold statement to the world: dance transcends caste, language, and race, and is a beautiful medium to spread peace and unity. Mao’s journey has become a powerful example of how dance can redefine boundaries.

It all began in January 2020, when Mao came to India for a yoga retreat. It was during this retreat that she first saw Anjana’s mesmerizing Bharatanatyam performance. Captivated by its grace and depth, Mao was introduced to a dance form she had never known. She couldn’t have imagined then that exactly two years later, she would be performing her own Arangetram.

Determined to learn, Mao planned to study the basics of Bharatanatyam before returning to China in March 2020. But as fate would have it, the Covid-19 pandemic kept her in India. Rather than seeing this as a setback, Mao saw it as an opportunity. She moved closer to Anjana’s home and, with relentless focus, began to learn the dance form, dedicating herself fully to the craft. During the first two lockdowns, Mao made remarkable progress, and by the time restrictions eased, she had learned an entire margam—a full Bharatanatyam repertoire.

With no turning back, the decision to organize her Arangetram was made. The Arangetram was a resounding success and an unforgettable experience for the audiences. A special moment during the arangetram was when Mao’s 5-year-old daughter, ‘Wang Fanxi’, also a Bharatanatyam student under Anjana’s guidance, performed an Alaripu on stage. The sight of the mother-daughter duo taking the stage for the first time together was truly inspiring, a symbol of their collective dedication and love for the art and Indian culture.

From that moment, Mao’s journey took off and there was no looking back. She was recognized by prestigious institutions like ICCR Bengaluru and ABHAI Chennai, earning opportunities to perform at their renowned events.

Had Mao known English, her journey might have been smoother, but it would not have been as deeply rewarding. In the face of language barriers, both teacher and student communicated through the universal language of dance, setting an inspiring example for the world to witness.