Course Details

Bharatnatyam Dance

Bestseller ★ 4.9/5 395+ enrolled

Why Choose Online Bharatnatyam Dance Classes?

Live, interactive 1:1 or small-group classes - the guru sees and corrects every movement in real time.

Experienced gurus from the traditional gharanas (for Kathak), schools (Kalakshetra for Bharatanatyam) or contemporary backgrounds.

Three-level structured progression - Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced - mapped to the traditional grading systems.

Theory + practice in every class - history, mythology, taala, raga and the cultural depth of the dance form.

Periodic recitals where parents can attend and see progress.

Choreographed performance pieces aligned to your child's level - from simple Alarippu to a full Margam.

Costume guidance - what to wear, when to invest in salangai (anklets), saree, jewellery.

Flexible scheduling across time zones - USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, UAE, GCC, India.

Free demo class so you can meet the guru and see the teaching style before you commit.

Recorded sessions available for missed group classes - the guru reviews your practice video and gives written feedback.

Overview

Bharatanatyam is a classical Indian dance form that originated in Tamil Nadu. WinQuest delivers it live online 1:1 or in small groups by experienced gurus, structured across three progressive levels - Beginner (foundations and basic adavus), Intermediate (jathis, abhinaya, simple compositions) and Advanced (varnams, padams, full Margam and performance). Aligned to the traditional grading systems followed by Kalakshetra and most Indian state-board dance examinations.

What You'll Learn

Live interactive sessions
1st one-on-one session
Comprehensive curriculum
No long-term commitment
Personalized learning plan

Beginner

Age 6+ 40 hrs

Module 1: Introduction to Bharatanatyam

Brief history, origin and the Sangeet Natak Akademi recognition of the dance form
The 3 elements of Bharatanatyam - Nritta (pure dance), Nritya (expressive) and Natya (dramatic)
Posture (aramandi - half-sit), alignment, body awareness and warm-up exercises

Module 2: Basic Adavus (Steps)

Tatta Adavu - first foot strikes (5 variations)
Natta Adavu - extending and bending leg movements
Mei Adavu - body bending poses
Practice with hand-counting (taala) on Aadi taalam (8-beat cycle)

Module 3: Hand Gestures (Hastas)

Asamyukta Hastas - the 28 single-hand gestures
Samyukta Hastas - the 24 double-hand gestures
Meaning and usage of common hastas (Pataka, Tripataka, Ardhachandra, etc.)

Module 4: Sloka & Theory

Bharatanatyam invocation - the Pushpanjali sloka
Introduction to the 7 main taalas in Carnatic music
Names of the great Bharatanatyam exponents - Rukmini Devi, Balasaraswati, etc.

Module 5: First Performance Piece

Alarippu - the first invocation item performed in pure Nritta
Practice of Alarippu in Tisra (3-beat) jaathi
Stage etiquette - namaskaram before and after dancing

Intermediate

Age 9+ 60 hrs

Module 1: Advanced Adavus

Kudittametta Adavu - jumping and turning steps
Sarukkal Adavu - sliding steps
Mandi Adavu - sitting-on-knee movements
Combining 5-7 adavus into short choreographic phrases

Module 2: Jathis - Rhythmic Phrases

Korvai - rhythmic patterns set to taalam
Tisra (3), Chatusra (4), Khanda (5), Misra (7), Sankeerna (9) jaathis
Composing and reciting a simple jathi

Module 3: Abhinaya - Facial Expressions

The 9 Navarasas - Sringara (love), Hasya (humour), Karuna (compassion), Raudra (anger), Veera (heroism), Bhayanaka (fear), Bibhatsa (disgust), Adbhuta (wonder), Shanta (peace)
Sancharibhava - transient emotions; eye and head movements
Practising one rasa per class with mirror and tutor feedback

Module 4: Intermediate Items

Jathiswaram - pure dance item set to a melodic line
Shabdam - first item combining dance with simple narrative
Practice with live or recorded Carnatic music

Module 5: Theory & Sloka

Carnatic raga and taala basics - common ragas (Bilahari, Kalyani, Kambhoji)
Names of the Trinity of Carnatic music - Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, Syama Sastri
Reading and reciting a Carnatic kriti in transliteration

Advanced

Age 12+ 80 hrs

Module 1: Varnam - The Centerpiece

Anatomy of a varnam - Pallavi, Anupallavi, Charanam, Muktayi Swara, Chittaiswara
A complete varnam in a chosen raga (e.g., Mohamana in Bhairavi)
Balance of pure Nritta sections with abhinaya in the Sahitya passages

Module 2: Padams and Javalis

Padam - slow, abhinaya-rich pieces on Bhakti (devotional love)
Javali - shorter, more sensuous love themes
Sustained abhinaya - holding one emotion for several minutes

Module 3: Tillana & Mangalam

Tillana - a fast-paced rhythmic finale with intricate jathis
Mangalam - the concluding benediction item
Completing a full traditional Margam from Pushpanjali to Mangalam

Module 4: Performance Preparation

Stage make-up - traditional Bharatanatyam look
Costume - the saree drape, jewellery, anklets
Concert structure and pacing for a 60-90 minute performance

Module 5: Solo Arangetram

Choreographing your own short item with the guru
Preparing for the Arangetram debut performance
Continuing studies - teacher training (Nattuvangam) or choreography paths

Requirements

A laptop or desktop with stable internet and a clear webcam
Space to dance - at least 6 ft x 6 ft of uncarpeted floor
Bharatanatyam practice attire and salangai (anklet bells) - recommended from intermediate level
A notebook for sloka, taala and theory notes

Reviews

4.9 / 5 ★ · 395+ students enrolled

Parents consistently rate our mentors for personalised attention, clear concepts and steady progress. Book a free demo to experience a class first-hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started?

Click the Book a Demo button on this page. Tell us your child's age and any previous dance experience; we will schedule a free trial session with a matching guru. For details, contact our coordinator on WhatsApp at +91 93308 11581 or email contact@winquestonline.com.

My child has never danced before. Is that ok?

Absolutely. Our Beginner level assumes no prior experience. The guru will start with posture, warm-up, basic steps and gestures and build up step by step. Most students start without any background and progress beautifully.

What space and equipment do we need at home?

A space of at least 6 ft x 6 ft of uncarpeted floor (wood or tile) is ideal. A laptop or tablet with a clear webcam so the guru can see the full body. Comfortable practice clothes. For intermediate levels, the guru will recommend salangai (anklets) - we will guide you on where to source them.

How does payment work?

We require monthly advance payments for the number of classes scheduled in that calendar month. We accept Zelle, PayPal, UPI (for India), Stripe and major credit / debit cards.

What if my child misses a class?

For 1:1 sessions we reschedule a make-up at a mutually convenient time at no extra cost (with at least 24 hours notice). For group classes we share a timed recording so your child can catch up before the next class.

How long is each class?

Each class session is 60 minutes long for academic dance levels. Frequency is typically twice a week for beginners, three times a week for intermediate and advanced students preparing for performances.

Will my child be able to perform?

Yes. By the end of Beginner level, students perform Alarippu. By Intermediate they can perform Jathiswaram, Shabdam and short Padams. Advanced students prepare a full Margam and can sit for an Arangetram debut. We organise virtual recitals for parents.

Is there a certification at the end?

Yes. We issue a WinQuest completion certificate after each level. Students can also be prepared for the formal certification exams of state boards (Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board, TN State Board Dance Examination, Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya etc.) on request.

Are the gurus qualified?

All our gurus have at least 10 years of performance experience and formal training from a recognised institution (Kalakshetra, Sangeet Natak Akademi, etc. depending on the dance form). Each guru is interviewed by our cultural-arts head before joining.

What are the requirements?

A laptop / desktop with a clear webcam and stable internet, an uncarpeted dance space, comfortable practice attire, a notebook for theory notes, and an open mind. The guru will provide a more detailed checklist before the first class.