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 new season has started again and there is plenty of dancing going on!
See below what the options are and which level suits you best.
Have you always wanted to dance, but are you an absolute beginner in Bharata Natyam? Then come to the beginners class on Thursday evenings from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Email us ([email protected]) for more information or call 06-41249383 and we will help you further.
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-1 | Group class
Adavus
Day: Thursday
Time: 18.00 – 19.00
Location: Theater de Vaillant, Hobbemastraat 120
Beginners-2 | Group class
Pushpanjali
Day: Thursday
Time: 19.00 – 20.00
Location: Theater de Vaillant, Hobbemastraat 120
Intermediate level | Group class
Jattiswaram
Day: Thursday
Time: 20.00 – 21.00
Location: Theater de Vaillant, Hobbemastraat 120
Advanced level | Group class
Arangetram
Day: Thursday
Time: 21.00 – 22.00
Location: Theater de Vaillant, Hobbemastraat 120
Sign up now
Advanced | Group & Production class
The advanced lessons will start again in Theater Dakota in November 2024. We are currently working together with the Beyond Bharata Natyam Foundation on a beautiful Diwali production.
Day: Saturday
Time: 11.15-12.30
Location: Theater Dakota, Zuidlarenstraat 57
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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.
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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.
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