Most activities take time, but very few shape who you become.
Without the right environment, kids can slowly lose the opportunity to develop a strong sense of identity, miss out on building real confidence and discipline, and spend years in activities that don't create lasting growth. There is a small window in childhood where identity, self-expression, and pride are formed, and once it passes, it becomes much harder to build intentionally.
As adults, many of us carry a similar wish: for the space to explore who we are and to do something more. There is a yearning for structure with meaning, for something that helps us discover parts of our identity we never knew existed. Maybe we did not have that freedom as a child, and always assumed it was too late.
That's where Bharatanatyam becomes something more.
Our Bharatanatyam classes are designed to help students grow into confident, grounded individuals while discovering their identity through culture and learning one of India's most classical and expressive art forms. Through structured training, students develop strength, discipline, and grace while also building a deep connection to storytelling, music, and meaning.
In every class, students are not just learning steps. They are learning how to express themselves, commit to something meaningful, and take pride in who they are. They become part of a supportive community that feels like family while working toward long-term growth and milestones.
This is not just about dance. It is about giving yourself, or your child, something that stays with you for life.
When: Thursday evenings, approximately 4:30–8:30 PM. Specific class times are confirmed based on group placement and will be shared before the first session. Children's classes will generally be earlier in the evening.
Duration: Fall Quarter is from September - November 2026
Format: In-Person at Volaré Studios
Pricing:
Registration Fee: $40 - waived for new students!
Quarterly Fee: Based on Groups detailed below. Fees cover all instruction, practice audio, video and relevant worksheets. Costume and performance costs are optional and shared in advance.
Sign Up: Review the Sharanya Guidelines so you're familiar with our program expectations then fill out the sign-up form below.
Stay Tuned: We will acknowledge your submission by email within 48 hours. Once class groupings and times are finalized, we will follow up with confirmation details, registration paperwork, and payment instructions.
Begin Your Journey: Join first class and begin your Bharatanatyam journey!
Beginner groups start typically at age 7 or 8. New students of any age are placed in the group that best fits them, so your child learns alongside peers at a similar stage and age range.
Students in the beginner levels focus on developing a solid technical foundation through core steps (adavus), coordination, and rhythm. Alongside movement, they are introduced to foundational theory, including basic hand gestures (hastas) and slokas, helping them understand the art beyond just steps.
Classes will be for 45 minutes once a week.
Adult classes welcome dancers at every stage. Whether you are starting Bharatanatyam for the first time, returning after years away, or stepping back in with strong training behind you, there is a place for you here.
If you are new or rusty, know this: what you learned has not disappeared, and it comes back faster than you expect. We rebuild your foundation through adavus, rhythm, and coordination, then move steadily toward full dances, at a pace that challenges you without overwhelming you.
If you trained seriously and are ready to dive back in, you will find real repertoire, abhinaya, and the depth and challenge you remember. A few years away does not undo years of training.
Tell us about your background in the sign-up form and we will place you with the right group, so you are learning alongside dancers at a similar level.
Classes are one hour, once a week. Fall 2026 enrollment is open now!
Class Time: Based on student preference. Contact us to arrange a time that works for you!
Private lessons offer one-on-one training tailored to each student’s goals, level, and learning style. Whether working on technique, repertoire, abhinaya, or preparing for performances, sessions are designed to provide clear direction and meaningful progress.
Private lessons allow for flexible scheduling and individualized attention, making them ideal for students seeking deeper refinement, additional support, or an accelerated learning experience. Private lessons are priced per session based on lesson length and frequency. Rates are discussed during the consultation call — there is no obligation, and the call is free.
Schedule a consultation call below to see if private classes are the right fit for you!
Sharanya has been my life's work since 2011. Over fifteen years, I have taught hundreds of students, from children finding their footing to adults returning to a practice they thought they had left behind. What I care about most is that every student feels genuinely seen in class, not just technically trained. I am so glad to be bringing Sharanya to South Bay, and I look forward to meeting your family.
— Rashi Narain, Founder & Artistic Director
Whenever I go to dance at Sharanya, it feels like I'm transported into a completely different world where I can step away from my daily routine and fully lose myself in the art. Learning under Rashi has helped me understand Bharatanatyam in a much deeper way, not just the steps and expressions, but how to truly feel the dance and express it in my own way.
— Shraddha Rao, adult student · Silver Spring, MD
Mili was truly proud of her growth this year and now has a new dedication to dance. That's because of Rashi not giving up on her, continuing to push while ensuring the experience remains fun and meaningful.
— Sweta, parent of a Sharanya student · Silver Spring, MD
Knowing a type of dance from my religion makes me proud to dance it. Being able to learn with Sharanya means a whole lot to me. Right after I perform, I want to do it again.
— Jaya, Sharanya student · Silver Spring, MD
I didn't fully appreciate the richness of Bharatanatyam as a child, and I often regretted walking away from it. Deciding to return at 30 was my personal commitment to fostering creativity in my adult life. Training at Sharanya has been a revelation. It hasn't just reignited my passion for dance; it has given me the confidence to know that I am capable of growing and picking up new skills at any stage of life.
— Mishal, adult student · Silver Spring, MD