About us

vision

To be a cultural bridge that brings the vibrant art of Yakshagana to the UAE and beyond, fostering a global community that celebrates and preserves this ancient Indian tradition. We envision a world where Yakshagana’s fusion of storytelling, music, and dance inspires creativity, enriches cultural understanding, and thrives across generations.

mission

Our mission is to preserve, promote, and expand the art of Yakshagana in the UAE by offering free and accessible training, performances, and cultural experiences. Through engaging workshops, live shows, and educational programs, we aim to:

Educate and inspire individuals of all ages and backgrounds about the beauty and depth of Yakshagana, without any financial barriers.
Provide a platform for artists to showcase their talents, deepen their skills, and grow, with no cost to participants.
Foster cross-cultural appreciation by integrating traditional Indian performing arts into the diverse cultural fabric of the UAE, making these cultural experiences available to all.
Cultivate a community that values artistic expression, cultural diversity, and the preservation of intangible heritage, all while ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to be part of this vibrant art form, regardless of their financial situation.

We are committed to making Yakshagana accessible and inclusive for all, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of this ancient art form in a diverse and welcoming environment.

yakshagana abhyasa kendra uae

In an effort to preserve and promote Yakshagana among the next generation, a group of like-minded individuals in Dubai decided to establish a dedicated Yakshagana training center. This led to the formation of the Dubai Yakshagana Abhyasa Kendra under the leadership of Dinesh Shetty Kottingar. The initial classes, which started as informal Yakshagana training in 2011-2012 under Shekhar D. Shetty, officially took shape in 2015-2016 under the name “Dubai Yakshagana Abhyasa Kendra” at the residence of the Shetty brothers, Shekhar and Balakrishna D. Shetty. Later, the center moved to Dinesh Shetty's residence and then to other venues as the number of students increased, including Talent Zone Music & Dance Center, Bilva School, and Geese School in Dubai.

After the pandemic, the center continued online classes, and post-pandemic, it resumed physical classes at the Fortune Classic Residency under the ownership of Praveen Shetty. Despite challenges, the center has remained committed to providing continuous training and promoting the traditional art of Yakshagana.

Key Training Programs and Activities at the Center:

Yakshagana Dance and Acting Classes (Basic & Advanced Levels)
Training in Uttaranga (Post-performance) and Purvaranga (Pre-performance) elements
Special workshops on Yakshagana presentations and performances
Training in major Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata
Bhagavatike (singing) and Chende (drumming) training, with Bhavya Shree Harish Kulkund conducting Bhagavatike and Savinay Nelli Teertha teaching Chende and Maddale
Makeup and Costume Workshops
Annual Taala Maddale (rhythm ensemble) practice
Special classes in Yoga and Yakshagana-related visual arts
Kannada Language classes for non-Kannada-speaking students
Conducting annual exams and issuing certificates
Participation in Yakshagana Competitions and Annual Celebrations
Dubai Yakshotsava (annual Yakshagana festival) and Patla Sambhrama (special cultural events)
Recognizing and honoring notable Yakshagana artists with Yaksha Raksha Awards.

The center’s objective is to provide comprehensive training in Yakshagana, a rich cultural tradition of coastal Karnataka, and share this treasure with the people of Dubai and the UAE. It operates as a non-profit institution, free of charge, to allow anyone interested to learn and promote this art form. It currently boasts around 50 students, including children, and 20 senior members.

The center’s achievements go beyond the UAE, including significant participation in cultural festivals back home in Karnataka, such as the Patla Sambhrama in 2017 and the Yakshagana Sammelana in Udupi, where they presented the play “Panchajanya-Gurudakshina.” The Dubai-based Yakshagana team also performed in Mangalore’s Adyar Garden during the Patla Sambhrama, marking the first-ever performance of a foreign-based Yakshagana team in the home town.

Yaksha Raksha Award Program: In 2021, the center initiated a special award called "Yaksha Raksha Award" to honor senior, retired Yakshagana artists, providing them with financial assistance and recognition. Some of the awardees include:

Chandobrahm Shri Ganesh Kolekadi
Sanjiva Blegegar (famous female artist)
Betakunj Kulal, an artist from the traditional family of Yakshagana
Jinnappa Purush, an artist renowned for his work in stagecraft.

The center also has a special scheme for medical aid for artists in need, including major contributions for treatment costs.

The center's activities have now expanded beyond Yakshagana, with initiatives like:

Sports Events under the name Yakshayodhas Dubai, which has been organizing annual cricket tournaments since 2020.
Bhajan Groups to celebrate traditional Indian music and festivals.
Annual events for Sri Krishna Janmashtami and Guru Pooja, as part of the cultural activities for children.

Ahlaan Modi 2024 Cultural Program: In 2024, the center performed a magnificent Yakshagana show at the Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, to honor Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his UAE visit. The performance, titled "Siri Saurabh," was a grand representation of Yakshagana, showcasing traditional attire, music, and vibrant performances that won widespread acclaim from over 60,000 attendees, including the Prime Minister.

The Dubai Yakshagana Abhyasa Kendra continues to be a beacon of cultural pride for the Indian community in the UAE, spreading the beauty of Yakshagana far and wide.

Founder-Coordinator

Dinesh Shetty Kottinja

Dinesh Shetty, the founder and coordinator of Yakshagana Abhyaasa Kendra UAE, has been a key force in promoting and preserving the traditional art of Yakshagana in the UAE. His dedication and leadership have transformed the Kendra into a vibrant platform for aspiring artists, allowing the art form to flourish in a culturally diverse environment.

Born on July 1, 1971, in Kottinje, Karnataka, Dinesh moved to Dubai in 2000. Despite his professional life, his passion for Yakshagana remained a central part of his identity. Recognizing the lack of platforms for children and youth in Dubai to learn this traditional art form, Dinesh founded Yakshagana Abhyaasa Kendra on June 19, 2015. What began in his home quickly expanded as the community's interest grew. On February 15, 2023, the organization rebranded as Yakshagana Abhyaasa Kendra UAE, marking a new chapter in its evolution.

Under Dinesh’s guidance, the Kendra has achieved significant milestones. The Panchajanya performance in 2016, performed by children and women, was a major success. The Sharaseetu Bandhana performance in 2017 received accolades for its creativity and skill. Dinesh’s leadership in directing performances like Mohini Ekadashi at Patlasambhrama 2018 further cemented the Kendra’s reputation for excellence in Yakshagana.

In addition to his artistic contributions, Dinesh has played a key role in organizing major events like Sadhana Sambhrama 2017 and Patla Sambhrama 2019, which have gained widespread recognition. Dinesh Shetty's dedication to Yakshagana, coupled with his philanthropic efforts, such as organizing medical camps and scholarships, has earned him admiration across the UAE and beyond. His vision continues to inspire the preservation and growth of Yakshagana for future generations.

yaksha guru

shekar D shettigar

Shekhar D. Shettigar is a renowned Yakshagana guru from Kinnigoli, known for his significant contributions to promoting Yakshagana in Dubai and the UAE. With over 14 years in Dubai, Shettigar has built a vibrant Yakshagana community, uniting people from Karnataka and beyond around this traditional art form. He has trained over 60 students, ranging from children to adults, and has been instrumental in developing both male and female Yakshagana troupes.

Shettigar's experience includes performing with well-known groups like Bhagavathi Mela and Shri Kateelu Mela for over four years, earning recognition for his creativity and leadership. His troupe has earned numerous team and individual awards, particularly in Karnataka's coastal regions. His direction has led to successful performances in cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Muscat, and Udupi, gaining praise from audiences and critics alike.

Known for his comprehensive training, Shettigar covers acting, rhythm, stagecraft, makeup, costume design, and Kannada language skills. He selflessly organizes events and classes, ensuring his students master not only Yakshagana but also preserve the Kannada language. His work has earned him prestigious awards, including the Dr. D. R. Bendre Award and Yaksha Mayura Award in 2017.

Inspired by his father and mentors like Kateelu Srinivasa Rao and Kolyuru Ramachandra Rao, Shettigar continues to be a respected figure in the Yakshagana world

natya guru

sharath poojary

Sharath Kudla, a distinguished Yakshagana dance guru and instructor in Dubai, has made significant contributions to the traditional art form. Born on December 3, 1992, Sharath specializes in dance, character portrayal (Pundavesha), and Bhagavatike (narration). He trained under renowned gurus including Shri Deviprasad Kattelu, Shri Lokesh Kattelu, and Shri Shekhar D. Shettigar, with advanced training at the Alvas Dhinkit Yakshagana Study Center.

Sharath debuted on stage at 13 and soon became an active performer, showcasing his skills across India, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Muscat. He has won several accolades, including first-place awards in Madhoosudana Kushe Mangalore Yakshagana competition and Alvas Dhinkit Yakshagana team’s competition, as well as second place in Bhagavatike at a music competition in Mangalore.

Sharath has been honored by organizations like the Kuwaiti Billava Sangha and Muscat Tulu Sangha for his excellence. He continues to promote Yakshagana through classes and performances, spreading its cultural significance across the UAE and beyond.

Contact US

yakshaganaabhyasakendra@gmail.com

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