We offer Performing Arts classes for children enrolled in the Bala Vihar program.

Please click on the appropriate tab below to get more information about the teachers and the curriculum. If you have any questions or need more information, please get in touch with us.

Performing Art Class Timing

Sunday – 11:00 AM – 11:50 AM

In person

The minimum grade level for children to enroll in performing art class is KG.

Please note the offering of performing art class may be adjusted subject to enrollment and availability of qualified volunteer teachers.

Beginners

The early stages of training involve learning the basic steps, called adavus, and movements of the dance. These elements are the building blocks for subsequent, more advanced, sequences of dance. The exercises condition the body for the unique postures of Bharatanatyam. They also develop the student’s sense of rhythm. At this stage, students also learn the names of hand gestures called hastas, which are an important feature of Bharatanatyam. They comprise the descriptive language of the dance. Students also learn about the history of Bharatanatyam, the musical instruments used, and other related topics.

Intermediate

At the intermediate stage, students learn more advanced steps and complicated patterns of movement. They also learn the names of facial expressions, which are a distinctive feature of Bharatanatyam.
The students begin learning some basic dance compositions. The choreography is simple, and there isn’t much expressive content. Examples of these items are the alarippu and jatiswaram.

Advanced

These students learn the remaining dance compositions that make up the repertoire of a full Bharatanatyam recital. Although they may only learn a single instance of some types of items, the repertoire covers all the features of the dance. It includes rhythmic dance, emotional expression, and variety. The items they practice include the shabdam, varnam, padam, kirtanam, ashtapadi, javali, tillana, and shlokam.

Teacher Details

Priya Krishnan was trained under the able guidance of her guru Smt. Padmini Ramachanrdan of Natyapriya, Bangalore, India. Her many accomplishments include the awarded title of Natya Saraswthi by the Bharatha Academy of Fine Arts, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. As a young dancer she has represented India at the Festival of India in Russia. In addition she has performed in numerous other events in India, USA and Canada including performances on Doordarshan, Bangalore and in GV Iyer’s national television serial “Krishna”. Priya currently teaches dance and has been doing so for over 12 years and consistently brings her unique individuality in all her choreography.

If you are not a registered family, please register. There’s programs & activities for everyone in the family, to gain the wisdom of Vedanta and the practical means for spiritual growth and happiness!