Classes
We offer group classes, private lessons, production-group classes and help you work towards your arangetram, starting at a beginners, intermediate or advanced level.
You can sign up here or ask for more information at: [email protected]
The dance season is starting again!
Starting from October, we will offer dance classes again at Monsoon.
The classes on thursday evening at de Vaillant are starting on 6 October and the classes on saturday morning at Dakota starts on 8 October.
Do you like Indian dance and have you always been wanting to learn Bharata Natyam?
On thursday evening 6 October (7PM-8PM) we will start w ith a new group for absolute beginners at theater de Vaillant!
Do you want to learn more? Send us a mail [email protected]
Structure of classes
Our classes always start with the Namashkar, a traditional way of greeting and showing respect. In the Bharat Natyam tradition, you greet the gods, your guru and mother nature. After this, we will proceed with a brief warming up also to ground yourself in the room and stretch your body. Then focus is on improving one’s dance techniques (nritta). These techniques consist of different dance steps and arm positions. Classes also include studying bodily knowledge concerning neck movement and the eyes (abhinaya darpana and sangit ratnakara). After discussing this knowledge we will move on to bring it into practice. Another focus of the classes is the singing of ragam (= melody) and understanding rhythms (talam). The latter component much depends on your level.
In the second part of each class, you will be working on a specific dance repertory (combining natya, ‘theatrical performance’ and nritta, rhythmic execution of dance steps). A particular choreography will be rehearsed or you will be working in class towards a performance or demonstration.
Performances
The students are ready to perform if they are motivated and have acquired the necessary skills and techniques. Performances can be arranged for by the students themselves or we can collectively prepare for shows on a large stage. We do feel it’s important that the performance fits the dancer’s ambitions and skills.
Would you like to join our classes, but you’re not interested in performing? No problem! We prioritize positive vibes and respect each individual and what he/she feels best with.
Costs
Trial lesson: No costs involved
Group classes: €25,- per month (this includes one hour of dance class each week)
Private lessons: €30,- per lesson (1 lesson has a duration of 1 hour)
Beginners | Group class
Beginners
Day: Thursday
Time: 19.00 – 20.00
Location: Theater de Vaillant, Hobbemastraat 120
Sign up now
Intermediate level | Group class
Shabdam and Jattiswaram
Day: Thursday
Time: 20.00 – 21.15
Location: Theater de Vaillant, Hobbemastraat 120
Sign up now
Advanced | Group class
Item Ardhanareswaram
Day: Saturday
Time: 10.00 – 11.15
Location: Theater Dakota, Zuidlarenstraat 57
Sign up now
Advanced | Production class
We are working on traditional repertoire in all classes ranging from beginner to advanced, but since September 2020 we set up a specific production class. In this class creating by yourself and experimenting are the core values. We are working from the grammar of the classic Bharata Natyam and we try to give this a new expressiveness, with modern techniques.
Day: Saturday
Time: 11.15-12.30
Location: Theater Dakota, Zuidlarenstraat 57
Sign up now
Private lessons
Are you an advanced dancer in Bharata Natyam and would like to take private lessons at your own pace? We recommend you to take private lessons. It’s also possible to take a combination of private lessons and group classes.
Contact us
Arangetram
You will be taught a standard margam working towards your arangetram: pushpanjali, jattiswaram, shabdam, varnam, natanam, adinar, dasavataram, padam, tillana. The teacher, Jolanda, finds it important that the student understands the principles of rhythm (talam) and the melodic aspects (ragam) of Bharata Natyam. This implies that studnets ready to work towards their arangetram not merely copy dance steps, but are prepared to look for the true essence of Bharata Natyam and delve deep into all its components.
Contact us