Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form with roots stretching back over 2,000 years, encapsulates both artistry and spirituality. With its intricate footwork, expressive hand gestures, and powerful storytelling, it’s no wonder that this dance style has gained traction far beyond its native land. In a vibrant metropolis like New York City, enthusiasts of Bharatanatyam can find a plethora of classes tailored to varying expertise levels and age groups. Are you ready to embark on this mesmerizing journey? Or perhaps you find yourself pondering where to start? Below is a comprehensive list of ten Bharatanatyam classes scattered across the city’s unique neighborhoods, making it easier to discover the dancer within you.
1. Pushkala Ghar
*Address:* 45-36 48th Street, Sunnyside, NY 11104
*Contact:* (718) 392-7000
*Website:* www.pushkalaghar.com
Nestled in the heart of Sunnyside, Pushkala Ghar is an authentic dance school that specializes in Bharatanatyam. Their classes cater to all age groups, offering Beginner to Advanced levels. With highly trained instructors who emphasize technique and spirituality, students often find themselves effortlessly engrossed in the art form.
2. Nritya Shakti Dance Academy
*Address:* 330 West 38th Street, Suite 1003, New York, NY 10018
*Contact:* (212) 678-2012
*Website:* www.nrityashakti.com
Located in Times Square, Nritya Shakti Dance Academy exudes a rich cultural ambiance. Their Bharatanatyam classes are structured to train students in both the classical form and its contemporary interpretations. Each session ensures that students connect with the historical context behind each gesture and motif.
3. Anjali School of Dance
*Address:* 1968 McDonald Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11223
*Contact:* (718) 648-8880
*Website:* www.anjalischoolofdance.com
Bringing the essence of Bharatanatyam to Brooklyn, Anjali School of Dance emphasizes individualized training while fostering a communal learning environment. Instructors share not only the technical aspects of dance but also the importance of storytelling, leaving students more enriched.
4. The Kalashree Institute
*Address:* 509 Ogden Ave, Bronx, NY 10451
*Contact:* (718) 665-7540
*Website:* www.kalashree.org
The Kalashree Institute is a beacon of classical art forms in the Bronx. Their Bharatanatyam classes focus on preserving tradition while fostering creativity. Students here often build lifelong friendships through shared performances, a testament to the school’s highly engaging curriculum.
5. Bharatanatyam NYC
*Address:* 1535 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10035
*Contact:* (212) 828-5380
*Website:* www.bharatanatyamnyc.org
Situated in Harlem, Bharatanatyam NYC stands as a cultural epicenter where students delve into both traditional and innovative dance styles. With a rich array of workshop opportunities, this organization invites dancers of all levels to immerse themselves in the rhythm and grace of Bharatanatyam.
6. Dance Indo-Cader
*Address:* 647 Wyckoff Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385
*Contact:* (201) 675-9716
*Website:* www.danceindocader.com
Located in Ridgewood, Dance Indo-Cader offers a melting pot of Indian dance forms, with Bharatanatyam taking center stage. Lessons here are dynamic and foster an atmosphere of inclusivity, making it an excellent choice for newcomers wanting to dance amidst a supportive community.
7. Shobana’s Dance Academy
*Address:* 1320 Avenue Q, Brooklyn, NY 11229
*Contact:* (718) 743-0442
*Website:* www.shobanasdanceacademy.com
Shobana’s Dance Academy specializes in integrating Bharatanatyam with other classical dance forms to broaden students’ horizons. The training here is rigorous yet rewarding, allowing for performance opportunities that challenge students to bring their craft to a broader audience.
8. Adhira Bhakthi School of Dance
*Address:* 3002 14th St, Astoria, NY 11102
*Contact:* (347) 455-1398
*Website:* www.bhakthidance.com
Astoria is home to the Adhira Bhakthi School of Dance, where Bharatanatyam merges with contemporary aesthetics and choreography. This exciting blend offers students a chance to reinterpret classical movements, keeping the art form fresh and alive.
9. Nritya Narasimha School
*Address:* 1534 W 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11204
*Contact:* (718) 256-6728
*Website:* www.nritanarasimha.com
With a strong emphasis on traditional techniques and rhythms, the Nritya Narasimha School nurtures not just skilled dancers but storytellers. Classes here entrench students in the philosophy behind Bharatanatyam, making every movement purposeful.
10. Natya Bharati Dance Academy
*Address:* 1121 South Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314
*Contact:* (718) 983-8888
*Website:* www.natyabharati.com
Finally, situated on Staten Island, Natya Bharati Dance Academy offers comprehensive Bharatanatyam training to those in the community. Engaging and enriching, their classes often culminate in dazzling festivals where students showcase their newly honed skills.
Embarking on the Bharatanatyam journey offers not just the joy of dance but also a profound connection to cultural heritage and self-expression. With classes scattered throughout the diverse neighborhoods of New York, the challenge lies not in finding a class but in choosing the right one for your aspirations. Will you take the plunge and immerse yourself in this captivating world?
