Frequently Asked Questions

What ages do you teach?

Sharanya offers Bharatanatyam classes for children, teens, and adults. Children typically begin around age 7 or 8, when they are developmentally ready for the structure, coordination, and focus involved in Bharatanatyam training.

Class placement depends on a student’s age, prior experience, readiness, and the groups currently available. 

Do you accept complete beginners?

Yes. We welcome students with no prior Bharatanatyam experience, including both children and adults. Beginners start by learning foundational posture, adavus, rhythm, and basic movement vocabulary before progressing into repertoire.

What if I or my child has learned Bharatanatyam elsewhere?

Students with prior experience do not necessarily need to start from the beginning. We consider previous training, technique, repertoire, and overall readiness when determining the best class placement.

Students joining from another school will also spend some time reviewing foundational adavus and technique so they can become comfortable with Sharanya’s approach to movement and training.

Can we try a class before registering?

Yes. New students are welcome to try a class before committing. Your first class is free so you can experience the teaching style, class environment, and program before deciding whether Sharanya is the right fit.

Do I need to commit for the full year?

Classes are organized in quarters, so students register and pay one quarter at a time rather than committing financially to the entire year.

That said, our classes and curriculum are planned on a yearly basis, with the expectation that students will generally continue throughout the school year. This allows each group to build progressively on technique, repertoire, and concepts from one quarter to the next.

Where are classes held?

Sharanya offers in-person classes in:

• Silver Spring, Maryland

• Santa Clara, California

Online classes and private instruction may also be available depending on the program. Visit our Classes pages for current schedules and offerings.

How are students placed into classes?

Students are grouped based on a combination of experience, technical foundation, repertoire, maturity, and readiness rather than age or number of years of training alone. Because students often progress at different rates, placement is intended to create the learning environment that will best support each dancer’s continued growth.

What does a typical class include?

Classes generally include a combination of:

• Warm-up and conditioning

• Adavu and technique practice

• Review of previously learned material

• New choreography and repertoire

• Rhythm, theory, and understanding of Bharatanatyam

As students advance, greater emphasis is placed on stamina, precision, musicality, abhinaya, and independent ownership of their dancing.

What should students wear to class?

Students should wear comfortable Indian practice attire that allows the teacher to clearly see posture and alignment, such as a kurta with leggings or other fitted practice pants. Hair should be tied back, and students should bring water and arrive ready to dance.

Current students can find more detailed dress, practice, attendance, and classroom expectations on our Sharanya Guidelines page

What if I have to miss a class?

If you need to miss class, please let us know as soon as possible. Students are responsible for reviewing what they missed and catching up before the next class.

When possible, we may offer a make-up opportunity by having the student attend another appropriate class or a Dance Conditioning session. Make-up options depend on the schedule and class fit and are not guaranteed.

Missed classes are not refundable.

Do students have opportunities to perform?

Yes. Sharanya students may have opportunities to participate in studio showcases, community performances, cultural events, festivals, and our annual school program in Maryland.

Studio showcases offer students a more informal setting to share what they have been working on, build confidence performing in front of others, and gain performance experience throughout the year.

Other performance opportunities vary by group and are based on the repertoire students are currently learning, readiness, and the requirements of each event.

Does every student perform in the Annual Show?

For our Maryland program, students work toward participating in Sharanya’s Annual Show each year. Participation depends on consistent preparation, including attendance, practice, class participation, and overall readiness.

Specific performance expectations and requirements are shared with enrolled students throughout the year.

Do you offer arangetram training?

Yes. Arangetram preparation is available for students who have reached the appropriate technical, artistic, and repertoire level.

The timing of an arangetram is determined by the teacher based on the student’s overall readiness, including technique, stamina, musicality, abhinaya, maturity, consistency, and ability to independently perform a full Bharatanatyam repertoire.

Because every student progresses differently, there is no automatic timeline for an arangetram.

How much do classes cost?

Tuition varies depending on the location, class length, and program. Current pricing is listed on the relevant Maryland and California class pages.

How do I enroll?

Start by completing our interest form or contacting us. We will follow up to learn a little more about the student and recommend an appropriate class. New students can then attend a trial class before completing registration.

What are online classes like?

Once your class is confirmed, you will receive the class schedule and links by email. Online classes are held through Google Meet, and we will also send a calendar invitation so you can easily keep track of your class time.

Students may also receive access to Google Classroom, where practice materials such as choreography videos, audio, and other class resources are shared.

Before class, make sure you have enough space to move safely and position your camera so the teacher can clearly see your full body. Joining a few minutes early is helpful so you can make sure your camera, audio, and space are ready before class begins.

All class links and details are sent in advance, so you will know exactly where to go and what to expect before your first session.

What makes Sharanya different?

Sharanya’s goal is not simply to teach students choreography, but to help each dancer develop a strong foundation and gradually make Bharatanatyam their own.

Students are encouraged to understand the technique, music, meaning, and intention behind what they are learning so that, over time, they can bring their own confidence, expression, and artistic voice to their dancing.

Our approach values strong training while also creating space for students to grow into thoughtful, individual dancers who feel personally connected to the art form.