Bala  began to learn dancing from guru Krishnammal. Bala landed in Chennai at guru Nandini Ramani's doorstep, at age 17. Recognising his talent, Nandini paid his first term fees at Kalakshetra where Principal Rajaram bent rules to get the boy in.

In Kalakshetra, veteran artist Krishnaveni, who wholeheartedly supported his dancing, giving him roles in her productions.
Bala joined Mallika Sarabhai's Darpana, Ahmedabad, to teach and perform nattuvangam.

Nine years in Singapore saw Bala conducting 15 arangetrams, with new items composed specifically for the dancer and the occasion. He developed an all rounder's skills when he choreographed five dance dramas.