Our Curriculum
At Natyamandira, we are dedicated to preserving and nurturing the timeless tradition of Bharatanatyam through a structured, holistic, and student-centered approach. Our curriculum emphasizes not just physical mastery, but also emotional expression, cultural depth, and personal growth —nurturing each dancer into a confident and expressive artist.
We follow a progressive training methodology inspired by the syllabus of the Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal (ABGMVM), one of the most respected institutions for classical Indian arts. This allows our students to pursue formal certifications, while also deepening their understanding of both the practical and theoretical foundations of Bharatanatyam.
Natyamandira provides a disciplined yet encouraging space where students learn to embody the art form with authenticity and joy.
Our Level-Wise Curriculum
Level 1
Introduction to Bharatanatyam basics: fundamental adavus in three speeds, posture, angashuddhi, and rhythm. Students also learn Asamyuta hastas, simple padabhedas, and the meaning of Bharatanatyam. A gentle beginning to movement and vocabulary.
Level 2
Students progress to intermediate adavus like Shikhara, Sarikkal, Mandi, and Tatti-Metta. Theory introduces Samyukta hastas, viniyogas, and talas (Tishra, Chatushra) with recitation. Emphasis is placed on clarity of movement and rhythm control.
Level 3
Students present structured compositions like Alarippu and Pushpanjali/Kautukam, with raga and tala identification. Theory expands to definitions (adavu, jati, tirmanam), Indian classical styles, and storytelling through gesture and stance.
Level 4
Expressive and technical refinement begins here. Repertoire includes Jatiswaram, Shabdam, and keertanams. Students sing basic compositions, demonstrate tala recitation, and study abhinaya types (Aangika, Vaachika, Aahaarya, Saatvika), dance lineages, and major gurus.
Level 5
Advanced pieces like Tillana and Keertanams deepen both nritta and abhinaya. Students explore folk dances of India, the Devadasi tradition, and differences between classical, folk, and film dances. They learn tala writing and explore dance storytelling in more depth.
Level 6
Students learn and present the first half of a Varnam, along with Padams and Jatiswarams. Emphasis on expressive storytelling and performance structure. Theory includes Ashta Nayikas, Dashapranas of tala, Abhinaya Darpana insights, and basic nattuvangam.
Level 7
Completes the Varnam, and introduces Jaavali, Bhakti Padam, and full Manch Pradarshan. Theory covers comparative dance styles, deeper bhava concepts, Indian composers and poets, and Rangamancha (stage aesthetics). Students demonstrate nattuvangam and performance readiness.
At Natyamandira, we don’t just teach dance—we shape artists with a strong classical foundation and a lifelong passion for Bharatanatyam. Each level supports your growth with depth, discipline, and joy in learning.
To enroll call us at 636-336-6311 or email natyamandira@gmail.com.
Natyamandira School of Dance 