Bharatanatyam Beginner Level 1
Wanted to learn Indian classical dance but never had the chance before? Now you can, with our adult beginner course! Perfect for absolute beginners with no prior Bharatanatyam dance experience, or those with childhood/limited prior experience.
8 weeks: 19 October – 7 December 2026*
*NO CLASS 2 Nov (7 sessions over 8 weeks)
Time: Mondays 6pm (1 hour class)
Teacher: Rashan Samsul
Price: $250
5 Spots available
- Get an insight into the dedication and discipline required to learn Bharatanatyam. Our adult beginner level classes give you the opportunity to experience the artform and decide if you are ready to learn and engage with this dance form at a deeper level
- Learn via a non-traditional approach, with a teaching format designed to make Bharatanatyam more relevant & engaging for adults
- Learn the basic mudras (hand gestures) and Bharatanatyam footwork through a simple dance sequence
- Level 1 is designed as an ongoing foundation class. It is the perfect starting point for absolute beginners, while also providing existing students with the opportunity to continue strengthening their technique. Throughout each course, students will revisit core movements and foundational concepts while learning a new, simple dance item. This approach allows for repetition, reinforcement, and gradual progression without repeating the exact same course each term.
- Learn various step sequences (adavus) which are the foundation of Bharatanatyam
- Learn in a supportive and encouraging environment, specific for adults
- Meet a friendly group of like-minded adult beginner students
- Be taught by the best in the industry, a professional Bharatanatyam dancer & teacher
- Get weekly practice videos to support your learning outside of class time
- Have access to a private group chat (via WhatsApp), to encourage communication with other students and your teacher
**Important note regarding progression to upper levels:** Progression to Level 2 is based on your individual readiness rather than the number of courses you have completed. Every student learns at their own pace, with different levels of commitment, confidence, and experience.
Level 1 is designed as an ongoing foundation class. It is the perfect starting point for absolute beginners, while also providing existing students with the opportunity to continue strengthening their technique. Throughout each course, students will revisit core movements and foundational concepts while learning a new, simple dance item. This approach allows for repetition, reinforcement, and gradual progression without repeating the exact same course each term.
When your teacher feels you have developed the technique, understanding, and confidence required for the next stage, they will recommend you for Level 2. Level 2 places a stronger emphasis on dedicated adavu training, technique refinement, and more advanced Bharatanatyam concepts.
Rashan started learning Kandyan dance in Sri Lanka, at the age of 10. He later went on to learn Bharatanatyam, and graduated from the Kalakshetra in Chennai, India. Rashan was the first Muslim Bharatanatyam and Kandyan dancer in Sri Lanka, and his dedication to dance has been unwaivering. Since relocating to Melbourne, Rashan has continued teaching and performing across Melbourne with his company Pravaha Dancing Foundation, while also managing his event planning & decor company, Samsul Creation