Class Structure
Focus Classes - Weekdays
Small groups with focused attention on individual growth in terms of technique and choreography. These are progressive classes.
Community Classes - Sunday
Focus on building stamina and technique perfection as well as building camaraderie across the studio spanning ages and experience levels.
Progress Track
Foundations I
Learning the introductory building blocks of Kuchipudi, including the basic postures, steps and introductory theory.
Foundations II
Builds on Foundations I; learning how the building blocks of Kuchipudi are put together to create phrases of movements, understand and experience different rhythmic patterns and how to travel on stage. This block includes learning three items (performance pieces). Continued study of the theory of dance.
Foundations III
Builds on Foundations II; introduction to Kuchipudi repertoire across different genres such as Kouthvams, Sabdams, Jathiswarams, and Thillanas. Development of nuanced understanding of theory and its application.
Advanced I
Builds on Foundations III: Exploration of the nuances of different genres, and an expansion of repertoire as students develop their abhinaya and technical skill
Advanced II
Builds on Advanced Techniques I: Deep-dives into repertoire for familiar genres (e.g., thillanas, stuthis, sabdams, tarangams) as well as exploration of more advanced genres (e.g., padams and javalis). Students begin to develop their individual voices as performing artists.
Recitals
Performances are an important part of the development process. In addition to their rigorous training, students perform in two recitals: mid-season in December and end-of-year recital in June. These events are a celebration of progress and love for dance, as well as an important part of their training process where they develop stage presence and confidence.
