Class Info

General : ~10 students in one session. $20/ class for each student.
Private : one on one. $40/ class.

Beginner Level : First 2 years
The beginner training involves basic dance workouts, dance stances, Adavus (basic steps) and their variations, Korvai (Garland / combinations of Adavus), Shlokas. 

Theory : Hastas (hand movements) and viniyogas (usage) with reference to the Natyashastra and Abhinayadarpana 

 

Intermediate Level : Years 2-4 

Review of previous year lessons, Basic Dance Sequences; Pushpanjali, Alarippu, Kavuthuvam, Jathiswaram introduction to Abhinaya. History of Bharatanatyam.

Advanced Level : Years 4-6 years
Review of previous lessons. Advanced dance sequences: Shabdam, Padam, Varnam, Keertanam and Tillana.

Theory : The three folds of dance; Nritta, Nritya and Natya. Navarasas; 9 modes of emotions. History of Bharatanatyam, Introduction to other classical dance forms of India.

It is an age old convention of more than 2000 years as recorded in silapathikaram, an ancient Tamil classic, that an Arangetram should be held after a minimum of 7 years of rigorous training at the guru's feet. By the conclusion of year 6, the student will ideally be ready to prepare for Arangetram. Arangetram is not a part of curriculum. It shall be structured and decided by the instructor in consultation with the student and their parents.

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Why Varnam?
 

Varnam is the most complicated piece of Bharatanatyam Margam comprising either of Nritta or Nritya. Main mood of Varnam may be either Sringara or Bhakti(devotion expressed through love to God, called Bhakti-Sringara). The name "varnam" (meaning "letter") was likely given to this form of song due to the prevalence of swara letters in this type of composition.