About Mandala Arts
Founder: Banupriya Ponnarasu
Banupriya Ponnarasu represents the next generation of young Singaporeans who believe in the power of the arts and want to live their passion. Banu finds herself on both sides of a coin; being both an Artist and an Arts Manager. She is a dance graduate of Apsaras Arts and is privileged to be taught and mentored by Singapore’s Indian dance icon: the late Mrs. Neila Sathyalingam.
She was a full-time professional company dancer at Apsaras Arts Dance Company and faculty member at Apsaras Arts Dance Academy. She has performed with the company for several years and toured for its international performances, such as “Angkor - An Untold Story”, “Anjasa - Unravel the wonders of Buddhist monuments”, “Sita’s Magical Forest”, “Alapadma – The Lotus Unfolds”, “Agathi - The plight of refugees” and “Anjaneyam - Hanuman’s Ramayana”. She has also undergone a dance teachers training course at Sahrdaya Foundation in Chennai, India, and is currently pursuing her training at SIFAS.
In fulfilling her ambition to have a holistic career in the arts, Banupriya completed her BA(Hons) in Arts Management at the LASALLE COLLEGE OF THE ARTS - Goldsmiths College, University of London. Her passion for the arts continued in her line of work as a young and upcoming Arts Manager in the industry, where she has worked with several arts companies. She is the Founder/Director of her very own startup: MANDALA ARTS. She is also the Treasurer of an arts advocacy organization, Singapore Drama Educators Association (SDEA).
Banupriya is a dedicated and passionate Teaching Artist and an Arts Manager who devotes her time to training the young in inducting them into the world of the Arts.
Our Founder’s Story
25 years ago, I embarked on a journey that would forever change my perception of dance. Introduced to the ancient art form of Bharatanatyam, I found myself immersed in a world of disciplined beauty, where every movement carried centuries of tradition and meaning.
However, as I delved deeper into my dance education, I couldn't shake the feeling of not quite fitting the mold. While my peers danced with aspirations of stage glory, I struggled to conform to the predetermined image of a successful dancer. Despite my love for the art form, I found myself at odds with the rigid expectations imposed upon me.
Over the years, this struggle only intensified. Yet amidst the turmoil, I discovered a profound truth: true dance lies not in conforming to external standards, but in embracing one's unique passion and authenticity. It was in the love for music, the joy of movement, and the guidance of my teachers that I found my true path.
Driven by this revelation, I embarked on a mission to redefine the dance landscape. And so, Mandala Arts was born—a space where dancers are encouraged to break free from self-judgment and embrace their individuality.
At Mandala Arts, we believe in empowering dancers to create their own paths, to forge their own molds. Here, success is not measured by conformity, but by the depth of passion and the freedom to express oneself authentically. Our community thrives on empathy, empowerment, and equality, nurturing a new era of remarkable dancers who dare to defy expectations and dance to the beat of their own hearts.
Twenty-five years may have passed, but the vision that sparked my journey remains as vibrant as ever. With Mandala Arts, we aim to usher in a new era of dance—one where every dancer is celebrated for their uniqueness, and where the stage becomes a canvas for boundless creativity and self-expression.