Bharatanatyam Dance Training & Workshops
Upadhye School Of Dance
I teach Bharatanatyam through online classes, in-person workshops in India and abroad, and immersive residential retreats, focusing on daily practice, technique, and honest feedback for all levels.
Pricing Guide
Regular Training Term (Antar Shaala)
Core Training
- Weekly Sessions: 12 live interactive classes per term (1 per week, 60-90 mins each).
- Format: Choice of Offline (Punyah Studios, Bangalore) OR Online (Live Zoom).
- Instruction: Curriculum designed by Parshwanath Upadhye, taught by him or senior faculty.
Digital Resources
- Swadhyaya Access: Unlimited 24/7 access to proprietary video library for steps and theory breakdown.
- Audio Support: Studio-quality music tracks provided at the end of the term.
Facility & Policy
- Studio: Professional acoustic space with sprung floors and mirrors (for offline students).
- Policy: Quarterly advance payment with strict no-refund terms.
Intensive Weekend Workshops
Curriculum
- Duration: 8 to 12 hours of total intensive training over a weekend.
- Focus: Deep dive into specific compositions (Varnam/Keerthana) or technical drills.
- Prerequisite: Intermediate to advanced level (requires 6+ years experience).
Takeaways
- Audio: Studio-quality recording of the composition taught.
- Repertoire: Completion of one full performance-ready dance piece.
Logistics
- Hospitality: Includes light vegetarian lunch or high-tea during sessions.
- Networking: Direct interaction with Punyah Dance Company core team.
Residential Gurukul Retreat
The Immersion
- Daily Rigor: 6+ hours of practice including Yoga, Conditioning, Adavus, and Theory.
- Location: Punyah Abhyasa Shaala in Chikhale, Belgaum (nature setting).
- Focus: Limited connectivity environment ensuring total artistic focus.
Accommodation & Food
- Stay: Simple, shared dormitory-style living to foster community.
- Meals: Full board home-cooked vegetarian meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) included.
Holistic Extras
- Theory: Evening discussions on Natya Shastra and stagecraft.
- Activities: Guided nature treks and outdoor conditioning sessions.
About Bharatanatyam Dance Training & Workshops
My Approach: Art, Learning, Action
Art isn’t just performance for me - it’s what I live. Nritya, Kalike, Karma. I’m all about the grind, the daily practice, not just the applause. The real journey is in showing up, sweating it out, laughing at yourself, and sometimes craving that gulab jamun after a tough session.
How We Train Together
I teach with Adithya PV, sometimes solo. Sessions happen in different ways:
- Online Bharatanatyam classes (Antar Shaala) if you want to learn from anywhere
- In-person workshops across India and abroad. We’ve held sessions in Mumbai, LA, Paris, Zurich, and more
- Residential dance retreat at Punyah Abhyasa Shaala, Chikhale - a modern Gurukula setup for full immersion
- Private or semi-private coaching for deeper, personal attention
What You’ll Get
We go through the basics like Adavus and key techniques. I teach full Margam training for experienced dancers, and unique choreographies - including Bharatanatyam abhinaya techniques and nritta. Some workshops are open to all, some only for those with solid years of practice behind them.
The Real Stuff
You’ll work hard, no sugarcoating. Sessions start on time, so 15-min early is best. Tenacity matters more than talent here. Don’t wait for someone else to call you up. Be the call. Show up. Let’s dance with joy and fire.
Meet your Expert
Parshwanath Upadhye
637 connects in last 3 months
My Story
Namaste, I’m Parshwanath. No shortcuts for me - I waited, doubted, got rejected, then built my own stage. Punyah Theatre in Bangalore? That’s my crazy dream come true, a spot for artists who don’t want to wait for someone else’s approval. I find joy in silly things like tummy jitters before shows or hunting for the perfect tiger photo. My humor’s a bit off, memes everywhere. I believe in making art with joy, fire, and a stubborn heart.
My Work
Bharatanatyam & Collaborations - I perform Bharatanatyam, sometimes mixing it up with Yakshagana or Kathak in productions like 'Tyāg' and 'Samvād'.
Teaching & Antar Shaala - I teach dance at Upadhye School, from online classes to Bharatanatyam residential workshops at Abhyasa Shaala. Expect memes, discipline, and finding your own voice.
Experimental Productions - I love retelling classics - like Mahabharata dance retelling in 'Maya', or new takes in 'NagaMandala' and 'Abha'.
Punyah Theatre & Festivals - We run Punyah Theatre, organize Punyah Dance Festival, Nartaka Festival - a place for all to dance, learn, and just be.
