What Is the Right Age to Start Bharatanatyam?
Most children start Bharatanatyam between five and seven, but teens and adults can begin too. Readiness signs, first lessons and questions to ask a teacher.
Ages 5 – 12 · Teens 13 – 18
Bharatanatyam classes for children in Porur.
Our children's batch welcomes complete beginners from the age of five, with a separate batch for teens aged 13 to 18. Classes are held every weekend in Porur and follow the traditional Pandanallur-style path, from posture and rhythm to the full repertoire.
What children learn
A strong foundation, built patiently.
Young dancers begin with the basics that every later item depends on: standing and sitting correctly, the half-seated araimandi, keeping time with the beat, and the first families of adavus. Alongside footwork they learn the single-hand mudras and simple expressions.
| Stage | What your child works on |
|---|---|
| Beginner | Namaskaram, stance, basic adavus in three speeds, hastas, counting the tala |
| Intermediate | Advanced adavus, jathis, first items such as Alarippu and Jathiswaram, simple abhinaya |
| Advanced | Shabdam, Varnam, Padams and Thillana, stage presence and stamina |
Children progress at their own pace. There is no rush to perform; a clean foundation now makes every later stage easier and safer. For a realistic picture of the years ahead, read how long it takes to learn Bharatanatyam.
Benefits
More than dance.
Parents often notice changes beyond the dance floor: better posture, more stamina and coordination, longer concentration, and the confidence that comes from performing in front of others. Children also absorb Carnatic music, stories from the epics and a little Tamil and Sanskrit along the way.
Read more about the benefits of learning Bharatanatyam, and what to expect in your child's first class.
Ages 13 – 18
The teen batch.
Teenagers have their own batch, whether they are starting fresh or continuing from childhood classes. The focus moves towards precision in jathis, deeper abhinaya and steady progress through the items of the margam. For committed students this is often the stage where the goal of an arangetram begins to take shape — always at the guru's discretion.
We understand that school examinations matter. Weekend classes make it easier to keep dancing through busy academic years.
For parents
More for students & parents
Guides for parents.
Your First Bharatanatyam Class: What to Expect and What to Bring
What happens in a first Bharatanatyam class, what to wear and bring, basic class etiquette, how parents can help and what the first month usually feels like.
Salangai Pooja: The Ceremony of the Ankle Bells
What salangai pooja is in Bharatanatyam, when it usually happens, what takes place during the ceremony, and how students care for and respect their ankle bells.
Questions
Parents ask us.
Frequently asked questions
What is the right age for a child to start Bharatanatyam?
Most children are ready around the age of five to seven, when they can follow instructions and concentrate for a full class. Our children's batch starts at five.
My child has never danced before. Is that a problem?
Not at all. Most children join as complete beginners and start with stance, basic adavus, hastas and rhythm.
What should my child wear to class?
Comfortable practice clothes such as a practice saree or salwar kameez with a dupatta tied at the waist, hair tied back neatly, and no footwear on the dance floor.
How much should my child practise at home?
Short, regular practice of 15 to 20 minutes on most days helps far more than one long session before class. Your child's teacher will suggest what to focus on.
Is there a separate batch for teenagers?
Yes. Teens aged 13 to 18 have their own batch, which moves on to jathis, abhinaya and the items of the margam at a pace suited to their age.
Enquire
Begin your journey.
Tell us a little about the student and we’ll get back to you with batch timings, fees and the next steps.
Prefer to talk to us directly?
WhatsApp +91 70105 87252
Visit us
Classes in Porur, Chennai.
- Venue
- Elite Nest Play School, 10/136, Gandhi Nagar, Porur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600116
- Timings
- Saturday & Sunday, 9 AM – 6 PM
- Contact
- Smt. Soundharya
- +91 70105 87252
- Nearby
- Within easy reach of Mugalivakkam, Ramapuram, Valasaravakkam, Iyyappanthangal, Madhanandapuram, Manapakkam and the rest of west Chennai.
Elite Nest Play School
10/136, Gandhi Nagar, Porur, Chennai 600116