Our Guru & Artistic Director
"Abhinaya Kala Jyothi" Smt. Shylaja Ramprasath
Guru, Founder, Director, Senior Dance Instructor, Choreographer
Shrimathi Shylaja Ramprasath is an internationally certified Bharatanatyam instructor, acclaimed performer, choreographer, and the Founding Director of BRT Academy of Dance & Music. Honoured with the title “Abhinaya Kala Jyothi”, she is widely recognized for her exceptional command of abhinaya, clarity of expression, and deep-rooted understanding of classical Bharatanatyam.
She began her dance journey at the age of three under the tutelage of “Natarasankottai” Shri M.A. Krishnan, and completed her Arangetram in 1995. Driven by academic and artistic excellence, she earned a First Class Diploma in Bharatanatyam from the University of Madras, and later became a full-fledged dance expert under the guidance of Shri Chitoor P. Shanmugham in 2004.
A recipient of the Best Dancer Award for five consecutive years at Inter-Collegiate Competitions, her artistry has been nationally recognized by Doordarshan, India’s national broadcasting network, where she performed two major classical dance productions.
After relocating to Winnipeg, Guru Shylaja has made a profound impact on the cultural and artistic landscape. She has guided four “Aradhana” Student groups. Her notable performances and choreographic contributions include portraying “Gargi” in The Game (2012), and choreographing the powerful Krishna Tandav for the 20/20 Manohar Show.
As the Founder, Owner, and Senior Instructor of BRT Academy, her students have consistently achieved excellence, winning Gold Medals and Special Adjudicator’s Choice Awards at several provincial competitions. Under her leadership, BRT Academy has been honoured with both the Business Excellence Award and Fan’s Choice Award for Dance Instruction at the National Level.
With over 20 years of teaching experience, Guru Shylaja has guided:
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20+ students through Salangai Pooja
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3 students through Arangetram
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The successful production of four major dance dramas:
Krishna Leela (2015), Sadhana (2017), SitaRam (2023), and SitaRam – Part 2 (2025)
Shrimathi Shylaja Ramprasath is a certified member of CID (International Dance Council), an official partner of UNESCO, enabling BRT Academy to offer the International Certification of Dance Studies. To date, 14+ students from BRT Academy have earned internationally recognized dance certifications, reflecting the academy’s commitment to global standards and artistic integrity.
Through her guidance, students at BRT are not only trained as dancers, but nurtured as confident performers, disciplined artists, and cultural ambassadors.
Sachini Mapa
Dance Instructor
“Nritya Choodamaani” Sachini Mapa is an international certified dancer and a member of CID/UNESCO. She began her career at the age of 6, initially learning Kathak dance in Calgary before she discovered the art of Bharatanatayam dancing. She began learning Bharatanatayam from her guru at the time, Shilpa John in Calgary where she participated in shows such as Swarga Night 2008 before she moved to Winnipeg in 2012. Once in Winnipeg, she continued her journey at India School of Dance where she stayed for 2 years before she moved to BRT Academy of dance in 2014 and learned under guru “Abhinaya Kala Jyothi” Shylaja Ramprasath. Since she has been a student of BRT, she has been able to participate in BRT productions such as Krishna Leela playing a titular role Arjuna, as well as the production Sadhana, and has performed at events such as Folklarama. She has also achieved platinum, gold and high gold awards from competitions such as Thunderstruck, CNDC and more.
Having done her Arangetram in September 2023, Sachini has since began her career as a dance teacher with BRT Academy. Going forward she plans to build her career as a dance teacher, continue to take part in BRT productions, competitions and more as she learns and continues to expand her passions and help her fellow dancers achieve their goals and dreams!
Manusri V Ramprasath
Junior Dance Instructor
Manusri Vanu Ramprasath is an International Certified Dancer, a teacher and a member of CID/UNESCO. Manusri began learning her passion, Bharathanatyam at the age of 4 years under the guidance of her guru, “Abinaya Kala Jyothi” Shylaja Vanu Ramprasath. She is known for Anga Shudham, a perfect Aramandi, quick learning, and having the talent in exhibiting combinations of both sharp and fluid movements. Her continuation in dance led to her first performance at Folklarama when she was at the age of six. More opportunities lit up allowing her to perform at Sadhana, a show produced by BRT Academy in 2017. Since then, she has been passionately continuing to show case her performing skills in various events including Folklarama, Diwali mela etc.
Manusri successfully completed Salangai Pooja (Intermediate Level Completion) in 2022. Being an advanced level student, she has been actively participating in various dance competitions (solo and group items) and won several awards such as Diamond, High Platinum and Special Judges Choice. In her first dance competition, she won First Place at Move, 2023. One of the most significant achievements is winning Manitoba’s Novice Overalls (Provincial) at Candance competition. As a result, she got selected in performing at Nationals in Ottawa, earning a High Platinum Award. In October 2023, Manusri participated in BRT’s 3rd production, SitaRam playing the role as “Young Sita”. Later, her role as a “Squirrel” in the Manohar Performing Arts Show The Exile was peculiarly adored by the audience and dance artists in the field. Besides the awards and dance pieces, she has been teaching Bharatanatyam to the beginner level students at the BRT Academy since September 2021. Students under her guidance enjoy learning from her. Manusri’s intention is to continue her passion to learn, teach, and become a renowned dance artist.