Mr Gopinath Warrier and Guru Sushama Gopinath founded NAVARASA Academy of Indian Classical Dance in 1988 in Nerul, Navi Mumbai. They had a modest launching – just two students to begin with. Unlike other institutions, Sushama taught the students herself without assigning it to assistants. Within a short span of time word spread from mouth to mouth about Navarasa, the Guru and the quality dance she imparted to the students. It paid rich dividends to Navarasa.

Little wonder then, more and more students joined Navarasa for learning Bharathanatyam and Mohiniattam from the learned guru! Later, Navarasa was affiliated to BHARATHIYA SANGEETA SAMITI, which conducts annual examinations of the students and issue Diploma Certificates.

Today, Navarasa is one of the leading dance academies in Navi Mumbai with more than 400 students in its roll for learning Bharathanatyam and Mohiniattam at various centres spread across different nodes of Navi Mumbai, viz Nerul, Vashi, CBD Belapur and Kharghar.

Navarasa has more than 50 Bharathanatyam and five Mohiniattam arangetrams (graduation) to its credit. Many of the students who have already done their arangetram are continuing their advanced studies under the able tutelage of Guru Sushama Gopinath.

Navarasa is proud that its students are being invited to perform at various stages all over India. Navarasa has had the unique opportunity to perform at Nerul Sri Ayyappa Temple every year during the temple Mahotsav without any break.