CHILANKA
BHARATANATYAM DEPARTMENT

Preserving the sacred art of Tamil Nadu's classical dance tradition

Free Trial Class

About Bharatanatyam

The celestial dance of expression and rhythm

Sacred Origins

Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest classical dance forms of India, originating in the temples of Tamil Nadu over 2000 years ago. Originally known as Sadir or Dasi Attam, it was performed by devadasis (temple dancers) as a form of worship and storytelling.

Our Approach

At Chilanka, we follow the all style while incorporating modern pedagogical techniques. Our curriculum is designed to preserve the purity of the art form while making it accessible to contemporary students.

What You'll Learn

Our structured program covers all aspects of Bharatanatyam including adavus (basic steps), abhinaya (expressions), nritya (pure dance), and natya (dramatic elements). Students will master the intricate relationship between movement, rhythm, and emotion.

Bharatanatyam dancer
Traditional Bharatanatyam pose - Aadhya S Ajith

Our Levels

Structured progression for all ages and abilities

Beginners

Foundation building (Ages 5+)

  • Basic adavus (steps) in all 3 speeds
  • Introduction to Tala (rhythm) and Sollukattu
  • Simple hand gestures (Asamyuta Hastas)
  • Basic dance postures and movements
  • Introduction to Abhinaya (facial expressions)
  • Simple dance compositions
Enroll Now

Intermediate

Skill development (2+ years experience)

  • Advanced adavus and korvais
  • Complex rhythm patterns and talas
  • Combined hand gestures (Samyuta Hastas)
  • Introduction to Margam (performance repertoire)
  • Intermediate Abhinaya techniques
  • Learning varnams and padams
Enroll Now

Advanced

Mastery and performance (5+ years experience)

  • Mastery of all adavus and complex korvais
  • Advanced choreography and improvisation
  • Full Margam performance training
  • Advanced Abhinaya and Navarasa
  • Stage performance preparation
  • Opportunities for arangetram
Enroll Now

Bridge Academy Certification

Recognized achievement in classical dance

Upon successful completion of each level, students will receive an official certificate from Bridge Academy, Tamil Nadu, recognized for maintaining excellence in classical arts education. Our certification program follows the traditional guru-shishya parampara while meeting contemporary educational standards.

Learn About Certification

Our Bharatanatyam Gurus

Learn from experienced masters

Guru Priya Sudesh

Guru Priya Sudesh

Senior Bharatanatyam Instructor

With over 15 years of teaching experience, Guru Priya specializes in Abhinaya and traditional Margam repertoire.

Aparna R Krishna

Aparna R Krishna

Rhythm and Nritta Specialist

Kalakshetra alumnus with expertise in complex rhythmic patterns and precise adavu execution.

Dr Ashwathi Sreeju

Dr Ashwathi Sreeju

Yoga for Dancers

Integrates yoga therapy with dance training to enhance flexibility, stamina, and injury prevention.

Begin Your Bharatanatyam Journey

Sign up now for a free one-hour trial class and experience our teaching methodology firsthand. You'll have the opportunity to meet our gurus and choose the instructor who best matches your learning style.

Book Your Free Trial