What to Expect at Shree Academy
- Shree Academy
- Jan 11
- 3 min read
At Shree Academy, our training approach is shaped by classical dance pedagogy and a thoughtful understanding of how people—especially adults—learn over time. We design our programs to build confidence, competence, and enjoyment in a way that is structured, supportive, and sustainable.
Bharatanatyam — Building Skill Before the Stage
Our Bharatanatyam program follows a structured, syllabus-based method designed to build skill incrementally before performance. Students begin with foundational building blocks known as Adavus, which focus on body conditioning, posture, basic stances, rhythmic accuracy, and core movement vocabulary. This stage typically takes one to two years, providing students with the physical and rhythmic language needed to perform with clarity and confidence rather than rushing to the stage. This approach reflects long-standing classical training models that prioritize mastery of fundamentals before presentation.
What this looks like in practice:
Conditioning exercises to build stamina, strength, and posture
Repetition of foundational steps to develop muscle memory
Step-by-step rhythm training before combining movement and expression
Gradual introduction of complexity only when students are ready
Progression follows the traditional Bharatanatyam Maargam and is based on readiness—not a fixed timeline.Students advance through consistent engagement, practice, and demonstrated understanding.
If an arangetram is a goal, that path is guided intentionally by the Director and planned around readiness and commitment—not tenure. We view milestones as meaningful moments within a lifelong learning journey, and we encourage discussing long-term goals with the Director early so the path is clear and thoughtfully supported.
Learning also happens outside the studio. Students are expected to:
Attend class fully engaged
Complete regular home practice
Use provided workbooks to track progress and assignments
Practice with Carnatic music recordings to develop rhythmic familiarity
Parents play an essential role by supporting home practice and aligning with our teaching philosophy. This shared commitment is key to building real skill and confidence.
Adult Indian Folk Dance — Structured Learning for Adults
Our Adult Indian Folk Dance program is designed specifically for adult learners, informed by well-established adult learning principles: adults learn best when instruction is relevant, clearly structured, paced thoughtfully, and respectful of prior experience.
While folk dance does not follow a fixed syllabus like Bharatanatyam, our teaching is highly intentional and structured. Classes begin by building posture, rhythm, coordination, and a core movement vocabulary before moving into complex choreography. This ensures dancers feel capable and confident rather than overwhelmed.
What we focus on in class:
Breaking movements into clear, repeatable building blocks
Layering complexity gradually (tempo, direction, formations)
Repetition to support memory and physical confidence
Adult learners bring different backgrounds—some have danced before, others are completely new. Our approach accommodates both. Choreography is introduced based on the group’s collective readiness, not speed, reflecting best practices in adult education and movement training.
Many adult students describe this class as a weekly reset. Research consistently shows that structured dance supports physical conditioning, stress reduction, and mental well-being, making it a powerful way to unplug from busy lives while learning a new skill. Students gain:
A full-body workout
Mental focus and stress relief
New skills and coordination
Social connection and friendships
Optional opportunities to perform, if and when they feel ready
Many adults also choose to study both folk dance and Bharatanatyam, and our teaching approach supports this crossover by strengthening rhythm, musicality, and body awareness across styles.
A Note for Adult Learners
Learning as an adult takes courage. We ask adult students to show up consistently, stay open minded, and trust the process—even when learning feels challenging or unfamiliar at first. With patience and commitment, frustration softens into confidence, skills begin to build, and what once felt overwhelming becomes deeply rewarding.
A Shared Philosophy Across All Programs
Across Bharatanatyam and Adult Folk Dance, Shree Academy is guided by principles grounded in classical training traditions and modern learning research:
Structure before performance
Clear expectations and accountability
Supportive, respectful instruction
Learning that supports long-term growth and well-being
Our goal is not quick results, but lasting confidence, skill, and joy in learning—so every student feels capable, proud, and supported at every stage of their journey.
Comments