The 10 Best Bharatanatyam Classes in New York for Exceptional Dance Education

By James D Bartlett | Updated on

Bharatanatyam is a popular Indian classical dance form. The Sangeet Natak Akademi has recognized eight Indian classical dance forms. Bharatanatyam is one of them. This particular dance form originated from an ancient text named Natya Shastra. The text has a broad description of all aspects of dance and theater. Bharatanatyam represents South Indian spiritual ideas and religious themes.

Bharatanatyam has different types of traditions in technique and style. The dance tradition may vary from guru to guru and school to school. But Bharatanatyam has some consistent styles such as bent legs, fixed upper torso, knees flexed with footwork, gestures of hands, face muscles and eyes, etc. This article is going to introduce you to the 10 best Bharatanatyam dance institutions in New York.

10 Best Bharatanatyam Dance Classes in New York

Here is a list of the 10 best Bharatanatyam Dance Classes in New York :

01. Ajna Dance Company

Ajna Dance Company is a well-known Bharatanatyam dance academy in New York. They make Indian classical dance classes interesting. They offer dance classes to more than 200 schools in the tri-state area. Their performance is excellent. This dance academy started its journey in 2012.

Their main goal is to make Indian classical dance classes accessible to all the Indian immigrants living in the tri-state area. They maintain an artistic blend of Indian classical dance and Bollywood dance styles. They incorporate language, geography, and social studies into their lesson plans.
Phone: +1 646 389 3031
Address: 18 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012

02. Natyamudra School of Dance

Natyamudra School of Dance is a well-known Indian dance academy in New York. The school provides several services including dance instruction, performances, workshops, and costume rentals.

They teach Bharatanatyam- Kalakshetra style, Folk, Mohiniyattam, and Semi-Classical Dances. The dance academy tries to teach the students all the rules to be successful Bharatanatyam dancers.
Phone: +1 914 843 9785
Address: 13 N Perkins Ave, Elmsford, NY 10523

03. Global Mudra Performing Arts

Global Mudra Performing Arts is a prestigious Bharatanatyam dance school in New York. They teach Bharatanatyam in the Tanjavurbani style. The experienced tutors focus on Hastas (gestures), Adavus (basic stance & steps), and Abhinaya (expressions).

This dance school helps the students get a broad perspective of language, history, music, literature, and visual arts. The school has different sections for children and adults. The children section is comprised of two sub-sections: basic beginners and advanced beginners.
Phone: +1 207 730 2698
Address: 27 New Valley Rd, New City, NY 10956

04. Navatman

Navatman is a reputed Indian classical dance academy in New York. The institute teaches Bharatanatyam and Kathak dances. You can book Navatman for dance festivals, stage performances, cultural events, gallery performances, and weddings/private events.

Sahasra Sambamoorthi is the artistic director and principal dancer in this institute. The institution offers live classes too. They host events and engage with the community through outreach programs and educational initiatives. Navatman has a reputation for excellence and has become a catalyst for preserving and promoting Indian classical dance and music in the city.
Phone: 914 768 2660
Address: 38 W 32nd St Ste 300, New York

05. Malini Srinivasan

The Dance Institute of Malini Srinivasan offers both in-person and virtual classes. Malini is a teacher, dancer, and choreographer. Her classes are best suited for both kids and adults. She offers Yoga and Bharatanatyam dance classes.

Malini emphasizes maintaining your foundations and conditioning your body. Along with dance performance, she teaches theories regarding classical dance forms. Besides, she focuses on characters and content as well as the understanding of poetry.

06. Nartan Rang Dance Academy

Nartan Rang Dance Academy is a reputed dance school in New York. The institution is good for kids. They work to promote Indian cultural heritage through dance. You can send your kids to this dance academy to prepare them for any upcoming weddings.

Swati Vaishnav is the founder of this renowned dance academy. Led by experienced instructors, the academy caters to all skill levels and provides a nurturing environment for students. The comprehensive curriculum covers various aspects of Bharatanatyam, and students have opportunities to showcase their skills through performances.
Phone: +51 62 367879
Address: 300 Hillside Drive South, New Hyde Park, NY

07. Nritya Creations Academy of Dance

Nritya Creations Academy of Dance is a multidisciplinary dance institute in the tri-state area. This award-winning dance academy teaches a variety of dances including Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Bollywood, Semi-classical, Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, and Fusion Choreography.

Meena Basu Nag founded this institute in 1994. Since then the dance academy has been raising the passion for learning and performing classical dances to students. They also provide special classes for weddings, parties, and other events. This institute has won several prestigious awards from 2007 to 2014.
Phone: +1 732 598 7079
Address: 37 Gill Ln, Iselin, NJ 08830

08. Nrityalina Center for Performing Arts

Nrityalina Center is another prominent Bharatanatyam dance institute in the tri-state area. They have a personalized method of teaching and a nurturing environment. The institute has achieved the highest level of success. They love to nurture the skills students love.

They have passionate teachers and a group of talented students. They focus on building your confidence and sharpening the talent inside you. The lessons they offer are Bharatanatyam, Guitar, Ukulele, Keyboard, Tabla, Violin, Hindustani Vocal, Rabindra Sangeet, Bollyzumm, Bollyfunk, Kathak and Classical Bollywood.
Phone: +1 201 204 6980
Address: 3000 John F. Kennedy Blvd Suite 315 a, Jersey City, NJ 07306

09. Aalokam

Aalokam is another Indian dance institute that provides Bharatanatyam dance lessons in New York. This dance school is working for the South Asian Diaspora in New York. They ensure an exclusive learning environment.

Besides, they focus on rhythm, expression, and awareness of the body. They give lessons for beginners. Their dance classes include Carnatic and Hindustani Music. Aalokam offers virtual classes only.

10. UrbanPro

UrbanPro is an online platform for learning Bharatanatyam dance. This website includes some prominent dance teachers including Manjima D., Swati R., Aamir Khan, Mithra Magesh, Season Unnikrishnan, Sudhi T., Aritri K., Susmita S., Sanghamitra Podder and Tamilselvi. All these teachers have around 20 years of experience.

You can visit the UrbanPro website and book classes from any of the tutors. The average tutoring rate in New York is $7 per hour. There is no commitment for any free trial classes. But they ensure fulfillment of the course.

Final Words

These are some top Bharatanatyam dance academies available in New York. These dance schools have been working for the Indian community to connect them to their very cultural roots. Indian parents living in New York have a keen interest in sending their kids to Bharatanatyam dance schools.

These institutions not only provide dance lessons but they teach language and social sciences. You can contact any of the above-mentioned dance schools to get a complete Bharatanatyam dance course.