Antara Dance Academy offers students of all ages the opportunity to learn traditional Bharatanatyam lessons in a structured, small-group setup with individual attention. Our beginner students focus on becoming technically sound in both theory and practical basics of Bharatanatyam. Intermediate students advance into a full dance repertoire, training toward their Arangetram (Dance Graduation). Advanced students explore nuanced abhinaya and complex repertoire, preparing them to become well-rounded Bharatanatyam artists. With personalized guidance and a strong emphasis on technique, Antara Dance Academy nurtures every dancer’s journey from foundation to mastery.
Programs Offered
Foundations
Focus on solidifying the basics in adavus, preparatory exercises, building rhythm sense, body alignment and stamina in small group setting with individual attention.
- Beginners kids
- Adult beginners
- Adult private lessons 1-1.
- Online lessons
Intermediate
Focusing on learning sets of Bharatanatyam repertoire while mastering their foundations. Exploring abhinaya(expressions) along with training on sustained dance sequences and preparing for the stage.
Advanced
Focuses on complex nritta, different ranges of nuanced abhinaya and detailed study and mastery on the different aspects of the repertoire and theory. Emphasis on performances, sustained stamina, stage presence and to bloom into a seasoned artist.
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About the Guru
Vaishnavi Manoharan is the founder of Antara Dance Academy and a devoted Bharatanatyam artist and educator with over a decade of teaching experience in the United States. Her journey with Bharatanatyam began even before her formal schooling, under the guidance of Guru Smt. Kausalya Srinivasan, Director of Sunartaka School of Bharatanatyam in Chennai.
Vaishnavi holds both an M.A. and an M.Phil. in Bharatanatyam from Madras University. She is a graded artist certified by Doordarshan Kendra and the recipient of the esteemed ‘Natya Kala Rathna’ award from the Chennai Social and Cultural Academy.
At her institute, Antara Dance Academy, she nurtures students across Texas and New Jersey, cultivating a profound appreciation and understanding of the art form. Her performances have been featured at prestigious venues and festivals such as Chennai’s Music Academy, the International Dance Festivals in Chennai and Mamallapuram, and Chennai’s December Music and Dance Festival.
In 2018, she served as the convention choreographer for the Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America (FETNA) and Metroplex Tamil Sangam. She has also been honored to serve on the panel and preside over events organized by the Saptami Foundation.
Deeply passionate about Bharatanatyam, Vaishnavi remains committed to advancing the art form and preserving its rich heritage.
Antara Dance Academy 