Classical Indian Dance Classes

Bharathanatyam

Chicago suburb locations:

Naperville, Aurora, Schaumburg, IL

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South Indian

Carnatic Classical Music

Classes in Naperville, Aurora, Schaumburg

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Emotions focused on facial expressions reflecting the mystic union of

Human and Divine

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Large community

of Dance and Music graduates

Bharathanatyam Class Curriculum

Class levels are designed to meet the needs of each student. Academy follows Kalakshetra Bharathanatyam dance style.”


Fundamental study of the basic Bharathanatyam dance techniques

1. Dance Steps (Adavu’s):

Tattadavu ,Natadavu ,Kattadavu ,Natu kattadavu, Paraval Adavu, Mettadavu ,Mandi Adavu , Hegaru Mettadavu

2. Dances:

In every class along with basic steps students will also learn dances (based on their age and level) choreographed on Shlokas and devotional songs.

3. Theory:

Single hand gestures (Asamyuktha Hastha) , Double hand gestures (Samyuktha hastha)

4. Abhinaya (Expressions):

Students will learn different type of facial expressions required for the learnt dances.

  • No prior dance experience necessary. Students of all ages can attend the class
  • Students will finish this level at their own speed, age, learning ability, class attendance and with regular practice


A student who completes the Basic level 1, continue to increase their knowledge in this level

1. Dance Steps (Adavu’s):

Pakkadavu/Tha Thai Tha Ha Adavu, Pani/Jaru Adavu ,Kudith Adavu, Thirmana Adavu/Mukthaya Adavu, Rangakramana, Jathi Adavu, Bramara, Uthplavan and other Adavu’s.

2. Dances:

In every class along with basic steps students will also learn dances (based on their age and level) choreographed on devotional keerthana’s, Kruthi’s and Devaranama’s.

3. Theory:

Head (Shiro beda ), Eyes(Drushti Beda), Neck(Griva beda), Eyebrow’s Bru beda) movements

4. Abhinaya (Expressions):

Students will learn different type of facial expressions required for the learnt dances.

  • Students will finish Basic level 2 at their own speed, age, learning ability, class attendance and with regular practice


A student who completes the Basic level 2, continue to increase their knowledge in this level

1. Marga:

In this level students will start learning Bharathanatyam dance sequel:

1. Alaripu
2. Pushpanjali
3.Kawthwam
4. Jatiswara
5. Tillana

2. Other Dances:

More advanced Keerthans, Kruthis and Devaranama dances and introduction to small creative dance dramas based on Hindu gods and some Indian epic stories as well as social stories

3. Theory:

Theory classes on understanding rhythm (Tala) and tunes (Raga) and classes of learnt dances songs

4. Abhinaya (Expressions):

Introduction to Navarasa Abinaya.

  • Students will finish Junior at their own speed, age, learning ability, class attendance & with regular practice


A student who completes the Junior 1 will continue to increase their knowledge in this level

1. Marga:

In this level students will continue learning Bharathanatyam dance sequel:

1. Shabdam
2. Varnam
3. Padam
4. Alaripu 2 (In other thala)
5. Jathiswara 2 (In other Raga, and Thala)
6. Tillana 2 (In other Raga, and Thala)
7. Different thals’s pattern introduction.

2. Other Dances:

Much more advanced Keerthans, Kruthis and Devaranama dances and dance dramas based on Hindu gods and some Indian epic stories as well as social stories

3. Theory:

Theory classes on understanding rhythm (Tala) and tunes (Raga) and classes of learnt dances songs and other required hand gestures and leg movement theory for the better understanding

4. Abhinaya (Expressions):

Students will learn different type of facial expressions required for the learnt dances and continues to learn Navarasa Abinaya.

  • Students will finish senior at their own speed, age, learning ability, class attendance & with regular practice.


1. Marga:

In this level students will continue learning Bharathanatyam dance advanced sequence and preparing /training for their Ranga Pravesham/Arangetram:

1. Shabdam ( In different theme)
2. Varnams (In different Raga and tala )
3. Padams ( In different theme)
4. Javalis
5. Ashtapadi’s
6. Devaranamas
7. Bhajans

2. Other Advanced Dances:

Introducing students to Dashavatharam, Ramayanam, Srinivasa Klyanam, Devi Mahathme, Shiva stories narration and dances and involving them in dance drams with above themes.

3. Theory:

Nayaki & Nayaka Abinaya , Karna’s , Diffrent Indian classical and folk dance form and Natuvangam lessons.

4. Abhinaya (Expressions):

Navarasa Abinaya in full scale and Nayaki & Nayaka Abinaya

  • In this level we will prepare students for Ranga praveshm/Arangetram/Dance Graduation and performance will be focused and encouraged.=


Other details:
    • Teaching Dance style — Bharathanatyam dance.
    • 1 class per week and 30 min, 45 min, 50 min and 1 hours classes
    • Classes are conducted for adults and kids of age 6 years and above
    • In the class, for 75% of the class duration students will learn Bharathanatyam basic steps, techniques, margam (Sequel dances) and for remaining 25% of the duration students will learn classical song based dances such as dance based on shlokas, ashtakas, bhajans and keerthanam
    • Bharthanatyam dance songs and dance class materials will be providing for practice/future reference whenever it is needed by the students
    • The Bharathanatyam dance theory class will be taken, whenever it is necessary for the better dance practice and performances
    • Students may also take part and learn creative classical dances, classical dance dramas, and classical fusion dance for performances/academy production
    • Private classes will also be given for limited students for a limited period of time
Acharya Performing Arts Academy is a member of the prestigious International Dance Council CID – UNESCO and is also affiliated with SAMPADA, which is a body of University Silicon Andhra which is an affiliation with Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University (PSTU), a NAAC accredited institution.