The timeless way of learning dance, from teacher to student
Established in 1994, the internationally acclaimed training wing of the Abhinava Arts Centre offers a comprehensive education in Classical Dance. Recognized by the ICCR for excellence in preserving the Guru-Shishya Parampara method of training, our institution is a world-class facility where cultural education and traditional knowledge from legendary Gurus and Maestros are passed down with immense care. With students aged 5+ to 60+, the Abhinava Arts Centre conducts routine classes for students of all ages. No matter if you are a dance lover with a passion for learning, or a parent in search of holistic dance education, there is something for EVERYONE here at Abhinava.
Programs Offered
Comprehensive Training
Abhinava Dance School offers comprehensive training in Bharatanatyam and Kathak, rooted in the Natyashastra. Students master technique while learning to become polished performers, developing refined taste in classical music and literature.
The programme emphasises stage presence — dressing appropriately and carrying oneself with grace — alongside practical exposure to costumes, accessories, music, sound and lighting. Learners intern in productions, assist and lead rehearsals, and present work through both intimate in-house showcases and professional stage performances.
South Indian classical
Bharatanrityam
Hailing from the ancient temples of South India, Bharatanrityam encompasses the ancient codified techniques of movement and storytelling that are described in the centuries-old Natya Shastra. The revival of this knowledge is credited to legendary Guru and scholar Padma Vibhushan Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam. Students at Abhinava Centre receive comprehensive education in Bharatanatyam, developing fine skill in the technical and storytelling elements of the Classical South Indian form. Learning at the Abhinava Arts Centre is further enriched by Bharatanrityam instruction. Abhinava Dance Company receives international acclaim for the unique presentation of Bharatanrityam — a 5000 year old movement vocabulary that continues to win hearts in today's age.
North Indian classical
Kathak
With origins across North India, Kathak is a classical dance style characterized by powerful footwork, graceful spins, and expressive dramatic elements that are used in combination to tell a story. At the Abhinava Arts Centre, students are exposed to a diverse and extremely rich Kathak parampara. Not only do Abhinava dancers learn the practical content of different gems within the Kathak tradition, but careful attention is given to a strong theoretical education. Abhinava Dance Company's Kathak repertoire is widely performed across India and internationally, receiving universal commendation for unique and innovative presentations of Kathak that remain true to the form.
The classical text
Natya Shastra Karanas
The Natya Shastra, also known as the Natya Veda, is a 5000-year old classical text on dramaturgy, wherein the classical dance styles of India have their origin. This text is said to have been codified by the sage Bharata, and includes content on all aspects of performance: movement, stage design, practical content, even costuming. Within this text lies a unique movement vocabulary, known as the Karanas, that has been reconstructed and passed down by Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam. At Abhinava Arts Centre, students have the unparalleled opportunity to explore the movement and theoretical content of this ancient text.
Research in the school
Deshi Marga Adavus (DMA)
A novel creation in the space of classical dance by Guru Smt. Nirupama Rajendra, the Deshi Marga Adavus (DMA) represent the bridging of Bharatanatyam's foundational vocabularies with the Margi Karanas of the Natya Shastra. The accompanying terminologies have been given in Sanskrit by Padma Bhushan Shatavadhani Dr. R. Ganesh. This vocabulary represents the excellence in both research and dance performance that are hallmarks of Abhinava Arts Centre.
Abhinava's teaching faculty brings decades of performance, choreography, and pedagogy experience — guided by the Artistic Directors and supported by rehearsal conductors who train the next generation daily.
Rehearsal Conductor
Rohini Prabhath
Faculty
Indu
Rehearsal Conductor
Apoorva Rao
Rehearsal Conductor
Maanvi Ramprasad
Faculty
Medha
Faculty
Pooja
Faculty
Meera
Faculty
Manasa
Faculty
Harshita
Faculty
Sanchita
Faculty
Anumathi
Rehearsal Conductor
Sphurthi Ashok
Get Started
Studios & Schedules
Class Schedules & Timings: Weekly classes across age groups and skill levels. Contact the school office for the current timetable.
Studio A & Studio B — Two world-class dance studios at our Basavanagudi campus, plus the Rajajinagar space for expanded training.
Facilities include rehearsal halls, costume room, and music production studio — everything a serious student needs under one roof.
Write to the school office with your name, age, and preferred form (Bharatanatyam / Kathak / Natyashastra / DMA)
Schedule an orientation visit to our Basavanagudi studios
Begin classes in the appropriate level group
Scholarships & Aid: Abhinava Dance School provides scholarships for aspiring talented students. ICCR scholarships available for foreign students. Write to Learning@abhinavadancecompany.com to apply.
Students participate in annual showcases including Dance Karma (student showcase), Rangapravesha (debut solo), Vijayadashami (guru-shishya celebration), and Milan (new students’ induction programme).
Scholarships available through the T.V. Dwarakanath Scholarship Program and Guru Smt. Sundari Santhanam Scholarship Program — supported by Central Sangeet Natak Akademi, Karnataka Sangeetha Nrithya Academy, Swara Laya, and R.N. Murthy Endowment.
Guru-Shishya
Vijayadashami
Annual celebration honouring the guru-shishya bond — students offer gratitude and begin a new year of learning.
Induction
Milan
New Students’ Induction Programme.
Students
What Students Say
I must say, being at Abhinava Dance Company is an addiction. How immersed we get into the world of Art is magical. I have been learning Kathak here since 4 years now and I feel the difference already. Learning dance at ADC is more than just physical training. It's therapeutic. I consider myself blessed to have been able to closely witness the aura of Nirupama Ma'am and Rajendra Sir. I'm extremely grateful and proud of being an Abhinavite.
Sushmitha Karan
I was a part of this prestigious dance company as a kid for almost a decade and later had to discontinue due to board exams and so on. After 14 long years, I've joined back not only because they consider their students to be a part of everything but also because Nirupama Ma'am and Rajendra Sir have imbibed in each one of us the sense of discipline and passion towards dance and music. Thank you Ma'am and Sir for that. The fact that past and present students rave about this place speaks volumes of Abhinava.
Ananya Sen
Being associated with Abhinava Dance Company has been much more than just learning a classical dance form; it has been a deeply meaningful personal journey. In today's fast-paced world, many people may not fully understand the patience, discipline, dedication, and years of effort that go into learning a classical art form. Through Abhinava, I have learned that classical dance is not just about steps or performances, but about understanding tradition, expression, culture, and the stories behind every movement. The journey has had its challenges, but it has also taught me patience, perseverance, confidence, and a deeper respect for this beautiful art form. I am truly grateful to Abhinava for helping me grow not just as a dancer, but as a person, while keeping the true spirit of classical art alive.
