about us
TAPAS Academy is a distinguished Bharathanatyam institution rooted in the Kalakshetra bani, founded by Acharya Smt. Mahalakshmi Ashwin in Chennai. With a strong pedagogical foundation, the academy has expanded internationally, with branches in Canada and Australia. TAPAS Australia, based in Castle Hill and Baulkham Hills, is led by Swapna R Shankar with the support and blessings of her Guru, Smt. Mahalakshmi.
From an eight-year-old dancing in Chennai to a Bharatanatyam artiste, teacher, and entrepreneur in Sydney — Swapna’s journey is one of devotion, creativity, and lifelong learning. 🌸 Trained in the Kalakshetra tradition initially under Guru Smt. Pushpa Kumaresan and later guided by Guru Smt. Mahalakshmi Ashwin (Paramaguru Smt. Krishnaveni Lakshmanan, Kalakshetra), Swapna founded TAPAS Academy Australia where bhakti, joy and structured learning are at the heart of every class.
A certified yoga teacher, she weaves yoga practices into her training to help students build the strength and flexibility essential for Bharathanatyam.
Off stage, Swapna is a Senior Project Manager with 15+ years in tech and design, and in 2024 she launched her tech startup, Rudram Labs.
A proud mum of two and a fur baby, she continues to nurture artistry and joy in every student at TAPAS Academy Australia, striving to pass on the treasured Guru–Shishya lineage.
In person classes are held in The Hills Shire, predominantly in Castle Hill and Baulkham Hills.
Contact Swapna for more info on 0433154450.