Curriculum
Students as young as kindergarten are introduced to the joys of movement, music and imagination as they learn the fundamentals of Bharata Natyam. Older students begin their studies in more advanced classes.
Kalapriya's integrated curriculum for Bharata Natyam begins with tatta adavu and natta adavu, the basic steps of Bharata Natyam; hasta mudras, the hand gestures; and bhavas, the facial expressions.
Rhythmic patterns and story telling movements are gradually introduced to the dancers as they master the dance steps and theatrical expressions associated with this artform. Once the students have learned the fundamentals of the Bharata Natyam techniques, dances from the repertoire are introduced to them in preparation for their arangetram, or solo dance debut. This highly formalized training offers the dancer an opportunity to develop skill, grace, discipline, and a heightened sense of well-being. Utilizing this foundation, the students will be encouraged to develop their own movement vocabulary based on Bharata Natyam tradition.
The dance school's special relationship to the dance company enables the school to enhance the growth of qualified advanced students with opportunities to perform. Fully trained advanced students in the school may be selected to join the Kalapriya Dance Company or have the opportunity to appear in Kalapriya's productions. Annually Kalapriya presents a student showcase, where parents, family members, and friends are invited to attend performances by the students.
Arangetram
An arangetram is the first formal presentation of a student to an audience by the teacher. This solo performance takes place after the student has completed several years of training and uses dances from the repertoire to illustrate the phases of the dancer's growth and mastery. The performance includes a dance that is choreographed by the student for this performance and, as is the tradition in India, a trio of live musicians accompanies the dancer.
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