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Dance is something we often tell ourselves we’ll come back to later, or introduce to our children when the timing feels just right. But the confidence, connection, and sense of identity that can grow through Bharatanatyam take time to build. If it’s something you’ve been thinking about, now may be the right time to begin. Your first class is free, so you can experience Sharanya before deciding to enroll.
Dance is something we often tell ourselves we’ll come back to later, or introduce to our children when the timing feels just right. But the confidence, connection, and sense of identity that can grow through Bharatanatyam take time to build. If it’s something you’ve been thinking about, now may be the right time to begin. Your first class is free, so you can experience Sharanya before deciding to enroll.
The Right Learning Environment Matters
The Right Learning Environment Matters
Starting is only part of the journey. The environment a dancer learns in can shape whether they feel confident asking questions, comfortable making mistakes, and motivated to keep growing.
At Sharanya, children are given a strong foundation along with the individual attention and encouragement they need to develop confidence over time. Adults are welcomed whether they are beginning for the first time or returning after years away, with space to rebuild at a pace that feels manageable and meaningful.
The goal is not simply to learn steps, but to build a relationship with Bharatanatyam that feels personal, sustainable, and worth continuing.
How to Enroll
How to Enroll
About Classes
About Classes
When: Thursday Evenings
Children's Beginner Class: 5:15–6:00 PM
Adult Beginner & Refresher Class: 6:00–7:00 PM
Fall Quarter: September through November 2026. New students can still join during the quarter, with tuition adjusted based on the remaining schedule and class placement. Classes continue into winter and spring for students who choose to continue.
Location: In-person at Volaré Studios Santa Clara, CA
Pricing: Tuition is charged quarterly and varies by class level. Specific pricing is listed with each class offering below.
Included: Instruction along with relevant practice materials such as audio, video, worksheets, and other class resources.
First Class: New students are welcome to try their first class free before deciding whether to enroll.
Getting Started
Getting Started
Let Us Know You're Interested: Fill out the form below and tell us a little about yourself, your dance experience, and your availability. There is no payment or commitment required.
We'll Find the Right Fit: We'll review your information and follow up by email with the class we recommend, along with the schedule, class details, and Sharanya Guidelines.
Come Try a Class: Your first class is free. Experience the class first, and if it feels like the right fit, we'll send you everything you need to complete registration and join.
Fall classes are now underway. If you're interested in joining us, fill out the form below and we'll help you find the right class and arrange your free trial.
Class Offerings
Class Offerings
Children's Beginner Group - Thursdays, 5:15 - 6:00 PM
Children's Beginner Group - Thursdays, 5:15 - 6:00 PM
Children typically begin Bharatanatyam around age 7 or 8, but students are welcome to start later as well. Beginners are placed with peers at a similar age and stage so they can learn and grow together. Classes are kept small, typically 6 to 8 students per group.
Students build a strong technical foundation through adavus, rhythm, coordination, and body awareness. Alongside movement, they learn foundational theory, including hastas and slokas, so they begin to understand the form as well as perform it.
From the beginning, students are encouraged to ask questions, practice with purpose, and understand what they are doing and why, so they can gradually become more confident, thoughtful, and independent dancers.
Classes meet once a week for 45 minutes.
$450 per quarter
$450 per quarter
Tuition for students joining mid-quarter will be adjusted based on the remaining schedule.
Adults Beginner & Refresher - Thursdays, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Adults Beginner & Refresher - Thursdays, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
This class is for adults who are beginning Bharatanatyam for the first time, as well as dancers returning after time away who would benefit from rebuilding their foundation.
No previous dance experience is required. Students learn foundational adavus, rhythm, coordination, body alignment, hastas, and introductory expression in a structured environment designed specifically for adult learners.
Returning dancers are encouraged to start from where they are now, rather than where they feel they “should” be based on past training. This class offers space to rebuild strength, clarity, and confidence before moving into more advanced repertoire when ready.
Students are given practice resources and clear guidance so they can understand what they are working toward and develop an independent practice that works for them, helping Bharatanatyam become a meaningful part of their life now, whether they are discovering it for the first time or finding their way back to it.
Classes meet once a week for one hour.
$550 per quarter
$550 per quarter
Tuition for students joining mid-quarter will be adjusted based on the remaining schedule.
Adults with Experience
Adults with Experience
For adults with a strong Bharatanatyam foundation who are interested in continuing technique, repertoire, abhinaya, musicality, and refinement.
This offering is designed for dancers who have trained extensively in the past, including those who may have learned varnams or completed an arangetram, as well as students who progress beyond the Beginner & Refresher class.
Placement is based on current readiness and experience so that dancers can learn and progress together.
Thursday afternoons, based on interest.
If you are interested, fill out the class interest form and tell us about your training background!
Private Lessons
Private Lessons
Private lessons are available online for students who would benefit from more individualized attention or who are working toward specific dance goals.
Sessions can focus on technique, repertoire, abhinaya, performance preparation, or areas where a student would like additional guidance. Lessons are tailored to each dancer’s experience, goals, and pace, with clear feedback and practice direction between sessions.
Private lessons may be especially helpful for students preparing for a performance, returning to dance with specific goals, or looking to supplement their regular training.
Scheduling is arranged individually.
Pricing begins at $600 per quarter for weekly private lessons
Pricing begins at $600 per quarter for weekly private lessons
Fall classes are already underway, but there’s still time to join. There’s no long-term commitment required, just an easy way to begin and see what it feels like.
Fall classes are already underway, but there’s still time to join. There’s no long-term commitment required, just an easy way to begin and see what it feels like.
The Sharanya Approach
The Sharanya Approach
Sharanya students receive support both in class and between classes, including:
Individual feedback: Corrections and guidance based on each student’s needs.
Practice resources: Video, audio, worksheets, theory materials, and translations or explanations of dance pieces so students understand what they are performing.
Clear practice goals: Students know what to work on between classes and what they are working toward.
Practice logs for younger students: A points-based system encourages consistent practice and helps students build responsibility for their own progress.
Goal & progress check-ins: Individual conversations at least twice a year, with additional check-ins when helpful.
Clear communication: Schedules, class information, expectations, and important updates are shared throughout the year.
Students are encouraged to understand what they are learning, practice with intention, and gradually take greater ownership of their progress.
A Note from Rashi
A Note from Rashi
When I started Sharanya in Maryland fifteen years ago, I wanted to create the kind of learning environment where students could take their training seriously while still feeling comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and discovering what dance means to them. Over the years, I have learned that every dancer needs something a little different. Some students need more structure, others need encouragement to trust themselves, and others are ready to take greater ownership of where they want their dance journey to go. My role is to provide clear guidance, honest feedback, and the tools each student needs to keep growing.
I am excited to grow Sharanya’s presence in the South Bay and welcome children and adults who want to learn Bharatanatyam with intention, curiosity, and confidence, while developing a relationship with the dance that feels genuinely their own. I look forward to meeting you and having you be part of this next chapter.
— Rashi Narain, Founder & Artistic Director
Testimonials
Testimonials
For fifteen years, students and families in Maryland have grown with Sharanya. Here’s what they say about their experience:
For fifteen years, students and families in Maryland have grown with Sharanya. Here’s what they say about their experience:
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
Come Try a Free Class
Come Try a Free Class
Join us in Santa Clara on Thursday, October 15 for a free first class. No payment or commitment—just a chance to try it out. Fill out the form below and we’ll help you find the right class, or email us anytime at info@sharanyadance.org.
Join us in Santa Clara on Thursday, October 15 for a free first class. No payment or commitment—just a chance to try it out. Fill out the form below and we’ll help you find the right class, or email us anytime at info@sharanyadance.org.
Whether you are beginning Bharatanatyam for the first time, returning after years away, or looking for the right learning environment for your child, Sharanya offers a place to grow with clarity, confidence, and intention.
Whether you are beginning Bharatanatyam for the first time, returning after years away, or looking for the right learning environment for your child, Sharanya offers a place to grow with clarity, confidence, and intention.
We are glad you found us. We hope to welcome you to class soon!
We are glad you found us. We hope to welcome you to class soon!
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