Tiny Thalams
Class levels

Classes

Tiny Thalams keeps the Bharatanatyam journey clear: patient Foundations for young beginners, Margam for children ready to enter the repertoire, and Pre-Arangetram work for committed senior students preparing for the long arc of performance.

Pravesika

Foundations

5–8 yearsGroup of 660 minutesOnce weekly

Foundations is for children new to Bharatanatyam. The first term focuses on the Aramandi (half-sit) posture, the body's alignment, and the first adavus — the building blocks every Bharatanatyam dancer learns. Children also learn to recognise simple taalams by clapping along.

What they learn this year

  • Aramandi posture and basic body alignment
  • Tatta adavus 1–4 with correct foot rhythm
  • Recognising and clapping Adi Taalam
  • Anjali, Pataka and three further hand mudras
  • Performing a short item at the term recital

Margam (Junior)

Margam

9–13 yearsGroup of 675 minutesOnce weekly

Margam is the structured journey through the traditional Bharatanatyam repertoire. Students who have completed Foundations — or who join with prior training — begin with Alarippu (the invocation) and progress through Jathiswaram and Shabdam over two to three years. Abhinaya (expressional dance) is introduced gently.

What they learn this year

  • Full Alarippu performed solo
  • Jathiswaram in at least one ragam
  • Introduction to abhinaya through a simple Shabdam
  • Reading and reciting jathi syllables
  • Performing in the annual concert with full costume

Senior

Pre-Arangetram

13+ yearsGroup of 490 minutesOnce weekly + monthly intensive

Pre-Arangetram is for committed students working toward their solo debut. The full Margam is taught — Varnam, Padam, Javali, and Thillana — alongside the deeper craft of abhinaya, sahitya interpretation, and stage presence. An Arangetram pathway is offered to students whose readiness — technical, expressive, and personal — has been carefully assessed.

What they learn this year

  • A full Varnam in one ragam
  • Two Padams with detailed abhinaya
  • Thillana with stage choreography
  • Theory: taalam patterns, raga basics, sahitya translation
  • Independent performance preparation

Trial classes begin with a quiet first visit

Meet Sanam, see the pace of the class, and decide whether Tiny Thalams feels right for your child.

Book a trial classView class levels