Learn Bharatanatyam Online with Live Interactive Classes
I bring the tradition of my studio to your home. My online foundation course is designed for anyone, anywhere, focusing on core technique, rhythm, and storytelling through live, small-group sessions.
Hello and welcome to my channel. I offer a wide range of digital content, from online Bharatanatyam tutorials and student showcases to performance videos, making the art form accessible to all.
Namaste and welcome to my world of Bharatanatyam. This video gives you a glimpse into my online foundation course, designed for beginners and enthusiasts anywhere in the world to learn the basics, rhythm, and storytelling of this beautiful art form.
This is the first set of adavus, the Tatta Adavu, which focuses on basic foot stamping. My online course begins here, building a solid rhythmic foundation for every student.
Here we move to the Natta Adavu, introducing leg stretches and more complex footwork. Each lesson in the online Bharatanatyam course builds systematically on the previous one.
This tutorial covers a variation of the Natta Adavu. The follow-along format of my online classes allows students to practice and perfect each step with me.
Learning the Kuditta Metta Adavu, which involves jumping and heel-stamping movements. This lesson helps develop agility and control, essential skills in Bharatanatyam.
This lesson is on the Etta Adavu, a graceful step that involves stretching the body. My online tutorials provide detailed demonstrations for each of these fundamental adavus.
The Theermana Adavu is a concluding sequence of steps. In this online lesson, I break down this rhythmic pattern to help students master complex combinations.
A short tutorial on a Jathi, a rhythmic sequence combining footwork and spoken syllables. These practice videos are available on my YouTube channel for students to learn from.
This is a clip from my online tutorial on Asamyuta Hastas, or single-hand gestures. My virtual lessons are structured to provide clear, step-by-step instruction, making it easy to learn and practice from home.
About Learn Bharatanatyam Online
I do not use pre-recorded videos for my foundation training. Every online batch is held live via Zoom or Google Meet, which allows me to use a 'spotlight' correction method during class. This means I can watch your posture and hand gestures in real-time and provide immediate feedback, ensuring you learn the correct technique right from your first day, just as you would in my physical studio.
Learning a classical art form like Bharatanatyam requires more than just following steps; it requires understanding the 'why' behind the movement. My virtual classes are structured to break down this complexity into manageable, consistent practice.
What we cover in the Foundation Course
We start with the building blocks. The course is built on the systematic learning of Adavus (basic footwork rhythms), which form the skeleton of every dance piece. From there, we move into:
- Hastas (Hand Gestures): We explore both Asamyuta (single hand) and Samyuta (double hand) gestures, which are the vocabulary of Bharatanatyam storytelling.
- Abhinaya (Expression): You will learn to use your eyes, neck, and head to convey emotions, an essential skill for any performer.
- Theory and Context: I teach the history and the cultural significance of the pieces we practice, so you understand the art form beyond the physical performance.
How the virtual classroom works
We operate with small batch sizes to ensure no student gets lost in the crowd. Even through a screen, my focus is on precision. We maintain an interactive environment where students can ask questions, clarify doubts, and even share their progress. To support your self-practice, you will also receive access to a digital library of reference videos. This helps you refine your movements during your own practice hours, ensuring that the progress we make during our 60-minute live sessions is cemented throughout the week.
Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to refresh your basics, these sessions are designed to be rigorous, disciplined, and deeply rewarding.
Sushmitha Suresh
I am Sushmitha Suresh. For me, dance is a conversation between the body and soul, and I pour that same passion into my virtual classes. I am here to guide you through the discipline and joy of Bharatanatyam, helping you find your own rhythm, no matter where you are in the world.
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