The Founder : Jeya Raveendran
Jeya Raveendran
Choreographer, Dance Teacher & Founder of JRDA
Jeya Raveendran is a UK-based choreographer, dance teacher and founder of Jeya Raveendran Dance Academy (JRDA), specialising in energetic Indian and Tamil dance, performance and choreography.
About Jeya Raveendran
Jeya Raveendran is a choreographer, dance teacher and the founder of Jeya Raveendran Dance Academy (JRDA), a UK dance academy providing Indian and Tamil dance classes for children, teenagers and adults.
His work is particularly influenced by Tamil cinema, Gaana, Kuthu and South Indian dance, alongside wider Indian dance and contemporary open-style choreography.
Through JRDA, Jeya’s focus extends beyond simply teaching choreography. His aim is to develop confident performers, create opportunities for students to experience the stage and build a dance community where students from different backgrounds can learn and perform together.
Jeya’s Dance Style
Jeya’s choreography combines the energy and character of South Indian dance with contemporary performance and stage choreography.
This combination has helped shape the distinctive performance style taught across JRDA today.
Founder of Jeya Raveendran Dance Academy
Jeya founded Jeya Raveendran Dance Academy with the aim of creating a structured environment where students could learn energetic Indian and Tamil dance while developing confidence, musicality and performance ability.
JRDA has since developed into a multi-location dance academy, with weekly classes across London, the Midlands and surrounding areas.
Students train in age-appropriate classes and have opportunities to develop from beginners into confident dancers and performers.
Developing More Than Dancers
A central part of Jeya’s approach is giving students opportunities to develop beyond learning individual routines.
Confidence
Helping students become comfortable expressing themselves, learning new choreography and performing in front of others.
Performance
Giving students opportunities to develop stage presence and experience performing in front of live audiences.
Community
Creating an environment where students can train, make friends and perform alongside dancers from across the academy.
Choreo One – Supporting the Next Generation
As JRDA has grown, one thing I have become increasingly aware of is what happens to young dancers when they leave school and move on to university.
Many have spent years training, performing and being part of a dance community, but once they begin university there are not always the same opportunities available to continue performing, particularly for freshers and students who are new to university dance.
That is one of the reasons we created Choreo One – a dedicated dance show and platform created for university students, with a particular focus on giving freshers opportunities to dance, choreograph, perform and become part of a wider community.
What makes Choreo One particularly meaningful to me is that it is being driven by people who have grown with JRDA. Long-standing JRDA students and associates who have developed as dancers and performers are now taking responsibility, supporting younger dancers and giving something back to the next generation.
I want that cycle to continue. Students should be able to grow through JRDA, move into university and adulthood, and then use their experience to create opportunities for those coming after them.
For me, dance has never only been about producing the perfect performance. It is also about creating spaces where people feel supported, develop as leaders, build friendships and continue to find joy in performing.”
Indian & Tamil Dance for Everyone
Although Tamil and South Indian music and choreography are an important part of Jeya’s work, JRDA welcomes students from every background.
Students do not need to speak Tamil or have an Indian or Tamil background to join the academy.
The emphasis is on enjoying Indian and Tamil music and dance while developing choreography, rhythm, confidence, teamwork and performance skills.
JRDA Today
Jeya Raveendran Dance Academy now provides weekly dance classes across multiple locations, giving students the opportunity to train locally while remaining part of the wider JRDA community.
Aylesbury ·
Coventry ·
Croydon ·
East Ham ·
Harrow ·
Milton Keynes ·
Redbridge ·
Rugby ·
Sidcup ·
Sutton ·
Watford
Classes include Baby Beginners, Kids and Teens, with Adult classes also available at selected JRDA locations.
JRDA Live
One of the major opportunities available to JRDA students is JRDA Live, the academy’s annual dance show.
The production brings students from different JRDA locations together, allowing them to take choreography developed through the academy and experience performing as part of a larger stage production.
For Jeya, live performance forms an important part of developing confidence, teamwork, discipline and stage presence in young dancers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeya Raveendran
Who is Jeya Raveendran?
Jeya Raveendran is a UK-based choreographer, dance teacher and founder of Jeya Raveendran Dance Academy (JRDA).
What dance styles does Jeya Raveendran specialise in?
Jeya’s work is particularly influenced by Tamil cinema dance, Kuthu, Gaana, South Indian dance, Indian cinema and open-style choreography.
What is JRDA?
JRDA stands for Jeya Raveendran Dance Academy, a UK dance academy providing Indian and Tamil dance classes for children, teenagers and adults across multiple locations.
What is Choreo One?
Choreo One is a dance show and performance platform created for university students, including freshers, giving them opportunities to dance, choreograph, perform and become part of a supportive university dance community.
Do you have to be Tamil to join JRDA?
No. JRDA welcomes students from all backgrounds. Students do not need to speak Tamil or have a Tamil or Indian background to join.
Does JRDA accept beginners?
Yes. Complete beginners are welcome, as well as students who already have dance experience.
Where does JRDA teach?
JRDA runs classes across London, the Midlands and surrounding areas, including Aylesbury, Coventry, Croydon, East Ham, Harrow, Milton Keynes, Redbridge, Rugby, Sidcup, Sutton and Watford.
Discover Jeya Raveendran Dance Academy
Find your nearest JRDA location and experience our Indian and Tamil dance classes. Beginners and students from all backgrounds are welcome.