Learn Bharatanatyam online, even if you've never danced before
Ten short practice days take you from how to stand like a dancer to your first adavu. Each day is 10 to 20 minutes, taught step by step by Navatman teachers, so you can learn at home without falling behind a class.
From Navatman, New York City’s school for Indian classical dance and music, teaching adults for 20+ years. Cancel anytime.
You've wanted to learn for years. Classes keep getting in the way.
- Beginner classes are full of kids, or meet at times you can't make.
- You worry you're too old, too stiff, or too late to start.
- Videos online jump straight into choreography and skip the foundations.
- You want to learn it properly, without hurting your knees or back.
This course was built for adults starting from zero: clear explanations of why each position works, body prep before every new step, and nothing you have to keep up with.
How it works
Start your free trial
Pick Library or Studio. You get the whole course instantly.
Do one day at a time
Each practice day is 10 to 20 minutes. Repeat any day as often as you like.
Finish with your first adavu
By Day 8 you're dancing Thattadavu 1, and the next course is ready when you are.
What you'll learn in 10 practice days
40 short lessons from the Absolute Beginner Bharatanatyam Course:
| Start here | What you need, what to be conscious of, how long learning takes |
| Day 1 | Spinal stretches, correct posture, the namaskaram (salutation) and why we do it |
| Day 2 | The three stances: samapada, aramandi and muzhumandi |
| Day 3 | Your first mudras (hand gestures), practiced with repetition |
| Day 4 | Mandala position and strength: holding to failure |
| Day 5 | First movement: prernkanam |
| Day 6 | Stamping with sound and strength, even in an apartment, plus ankle work |
| Day 7 | Your first combinations |
| Day 8 | Rhythm (taalam) and your first adavu: Thattadavu 1 |
| Day 9 | Care for your body: stretches and a short sloka |
| Day 10 | Put it all together in a follow-along practice |
Who this is for
- Adults with no dance background
- Former dancers coming back after years away
- Parents who want to learn alongside their kids
- Anyone who can't make a weekly in-person class
What students say
It's never too late“I was uncertain whether it is too late to learn a dance form or will I ever be able to perform on stage. But, you assured me it's never too late, and that learning art and dance is possible at any age.”
— Harshada
It's rare to find something like this“I've tried many different studios and Navatman is just unparalleled. The staff are attentive and rigorous in their teaching method. It's rare to find a dance school run in such thoughtful ways.”
— Sanjana
Choose how you learn
Every monthly plan starts with a free 14-day trial. Cancel anytime.
Library
Self-paced. Every recorded step-by-step course in bharatanatyam, kathak, vocal and body conditioning.
Try Library freeStudio
Everything in Library, plus weekly live classes on Zoom, feedback from Navatman teachers, and full item courses.
Try Studio freeStudio Annual
Everything in Studio for a year, about $37.50 a month (45% less than monthly Studio).
Choose AnnualQuestions
Am I too old to start Bharatanatyam?
No. Our online and NYC students start in their 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond. The course builds strength and alignment gradually so your body can keep up.
What do I need to start?
A clear patch of floor about the size of a yoga mat, comfortable clothes you can move in, and a laptop, tablet or phone. No ankle bells, costume or prior training needed.
How long does the course take?
Ten practice days of 10 to 20 minutes each. Most people take two to three weeks, repeating days as needed.
What comes after the course?
Learn the basic body positions, then the adavus group by group: Thattadavus, Nattadavus and on through all ten groups, all in the library.
Do I need a credit card for the free trial?
Yes, checkout asks for a card so your plan can continue after 14 days. You won't be charged during the trial, and you can cancel anytime from your account.
Your first lesson is ten minutes away
Start the free trial today and do Day 1 tonight.