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 25 years of teaching experience, Guru Shylaja has guided:
20+ students through Salangai Pooja
3 students through Arangetram
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.
Manusri V Ramprasath
Senior 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 completed her Salangai Pooja (Intermediate Level) in 2022 and is currently an advanced Bharatanatyam student. She actively participates in solo and group dance competitions, earning top recognitions including Diamond, High Platinum, and Special Judges’ Choice. She won First Place at Move 2023 in her debut competition and achieved Manitoba’s Novice Overalls at Candance, which led to her selection for Nationals in Ottawa, where she received a High Platinum Award.
She has performed in major productions, including BRT’s SitaRam (2023) as “Young Sita,” and impressed audiences as a “Squirrel” in Manohar Performing Arts’ The Exile. In SitaRam Part 2, she took on the lead role of “Lakshmana,” delivering an outstanding performance that received memorable praise from the audience.
In addition to performing, Manusri has been teaching Bharatanatyam at BRT Academy since September 2021, with about five years of teaching experience. Her students enjoy learning from her dedication and passion.
She continues to pursue excellence in dance, with the goal of becoming a renowned artist.
Ragavi Noel
Dance Instructor
‘Kala Ranjani’ Delphina Ragavi Noel is an internationally certified dancer and a member of CID/UNESCO. She began her dance journey at the age of three with ballet at Exhale Dance Studio, where she trained for two years. At four, Ragavi also started learning Bharatanatyam at BRT Academy of Dance and Music. At BRT, her first teacher, Abirami Karthigesu, introduced her to the foundational elements of this classical art form and helped take her first steps into the world of Bharatanatyam. Since then, She’s advanced through various levels under the guidance of Guru Abinaya Kalajyothi Srimathi Shylaja Ramprasath, who has played a significant role in deepening her understanding of the many dimensions of
Bharatanatyam. Ragavi also had the opportunity to perform in all of BRT’s productions, Krishna Leela, Sadhana, and Sita Ram as young Lakshmana, Sita Ram part 2 as a main dancer and Sugriva, as well as with Manohar Performing Arts in The Exile and Eagle and Lotus.
She loves learning new pieces, and especially enjoys fast paced jathis, becoming
more and more passionate about Bharathanatyam.
Ragavi also performed at various cultural events and local festivals, including Folklorama at the Tamil and India Pavilions, Tamil Heritage Month and Diwali Mela. And also had the honor of performing at the Legislative Building for India’s Independence Day celebration in 2019.
In 2021, at the age of eleven, Ragavi completed her Salangai Poosai. And in July of 2025 she completed her Arangetram. Now she plans to continue her passion for dance through teaching at BRT, competitions and also through opportunities that showcase her unique dance form.
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!