Chennaiyil Thiruvaiyaru Kalalaya
Programs
A Path for Every Dancer
The Training Path
From First Step to
the Stage
At Chennaiyil Thiruvaiyaru Kalalaya, we believe that Bharatanatyam is not just a dance — it is a lifelong conversation between the body, the mind, and the spirit. Our structured programs welcome every learner, from children as young as four years old to adults beginning their journey at any age.
Each program is designed with care, rooted in authentic Kalakshetra-tradition technique, and delivered by Guru Thamarai Selvi with patience, rigour, and deep artistic vision. Whether your child is taking their first tentative steps or you are preparing for your arangetram, there is a place for you here.
Joyful beginnings — our youngest dancers explore rhythm and movement
Ages 4–7
Children's Programகுழந்தைகள்
Our Children's Program is where the journey begins. Designed for young learners aged 4 to 7, this foundational course introduces Bharatanatyam through play, story, and song — cultivating rhythm, coordination, and a deep love for classical art. We meet every child exactly where they are.
- Fundamental rhythmic awareness and tala (beat) recognition
- Basic adavus — the foundational movement units of Bharatanatyam
- Posture, balance, and stage confidence through gentle performance
- Cultural values, Sanskrit slokas, and the stories behind classical themes
- Hand gestures (mudras) introduced through simple, playful exercises
Ages 8–12
Pre-Teens Program
The pre-teen years are a remarkable window for artistic growth. Students aged 8 to 12 build purposefully on their foundational adavus, developing greater technical precision, musicality, and the first threads of expressive storytelling — abhinaya. This is where dance becomes art.
- Consolidated adavu sequences with greater rhythmic complexity
- Introduction to abhinaya — expressive facial and hand storytelling
- Alarippu and Jathiswaram repertoire pieces
- Participation in annual recitals and school cultural festivals
- Carnatic music appreciation and tala theory
Pre-teen students exploring abhinaya and expressive technique
Teenage dancers deepening their technique and artistic expression
Ages 13–17
Teens Program
Our Teens Program is where serious artistry takes shape. Students aged 13 to 17 refine technique with exacting attention to detail, expand their full margam repertoire, and develop the emotional depth required for powerful performance. Many students in this program begin preparation for their solo arangetram debut.
- Advanced adavu combinations and nritta (pure dance) sequences
- Full margam: Varnam, Padam, Javali, Tillana and more
- Deep abhinaya work — rasa theory and expressive storytelling
- Arangetram preparation for eligible students
- Competition and festival performance opportunities
- Access to Abhinaya Intensive workshops
Ages 18 & Above
For Adults — It's Never Too Lateபெரியவர்கள்
Bharatanatyam has no age limit. Our adult programs are designed for learners at every stage — from those who have never danced before, to seasoned students seeking to refine a complete margam. Begin wherever you are. We will meet you there.
Level One
Beginner
Designed for complete beginners with no prior dance experience. You will discover the grammar of Bharatanatyam — its postures, rhythms, and foundational adavus — in a supportive, non-intimidating environment.
- Aramandi, basic postures, and body conditioning
- Foundational adavus from scratch
- Introduction to Carnatic music theory and tala
- Alarippu — the traditional opening piece
Level Two
Intermediate
For students who have completed foundational training and are ready to expand their artistic vocabulary. You will learn varied repertoire pieces, deepen your abhinaya, and begin developing a personal artistic voice.
- Varied repertoire: Jathiswaram, Shabdam, Padam
- Abhinaya deepening — navarasas and character studies
- Complex adavu combinations and korvais
- Stage participation in recitals and cultural events
Level Three
Advanced / Margam
The apex of adult training. Students in this program work toward a complete margam and may be considered for arangetram. This level demands deep commitment and is designed for competition-level performance and concert appearances.
- Full margam preparation: Varnam, Padam, Javali, Tillana
- Arangetram readiness assessment and preparation
- Competition-level coaching and festival performance
- Abhinaya Intensive workshop access
Placement into Intermediate or Advanced levels requires a brief assessment. All adult students are warmly welcomed regardless of background — we will determine the right starting point together.
Special Offering
Abhinaya Intensive
Offered periodically throughout the year, the Abhinaya Intensive is a deep-dive workshop into the art of expressive storytelling in Bharatanatyam. Open to students across all levels, these sessions focus exclusively on rasa, bhava, and the nuance of character embodiment.
Guru Thamarai Selvi leads each Abhinaya Intensive personally, often drawing on her own performance experience to illuminate the emotional architecture of classical compositions. These workshops are amongst the most transformative experiences students cite from their time at Chennaiyil Thiruvaiyaru Kalalaya.
Enquire About WorkshopsOne-on-One
Private Sessionsதனிப்பட்ட பயிற்சி
For students who desire personalised, undivided attention — private sessions with Guru Thamarai Selvi offer a uniquely tailored training experience. Whether you are preparing for an arangetram, a competition, a special performance, or simply prefer learning in an intimate setting, private sessions allow the curriculum to be shaped entirely around you.
Private lessons are available on flexible timings, including mornings, evenings, and weekends, and can be scheduled according to your individual pace and goals. This is the ideal path for students returning after a break, adult learners with busy schedules, or those with specific artistic ambitions.
Personalised Curriculum
Tailored entirely to your level, pace, and artistic goals
Flexible Scheduling
Morning, evening, or weekend — we work around your life
Expert Guidance
Direct teaching from Guru Thamarai Selvi herself
Beyond the Classroom
Performance Opportunities
Dance lives on the stage. All enrolled students are given opportunities to perform — building stage confidence, artistic presence, and a sense of shared community.
Annual Recitals
Every student performs in our annual school recital — a professionally produced event celebrating the year's learning and growth.
Cultural Festivals
Students participate in Chennai's rich calendar of cultural festivals, sabha performances, and temple celebrations throughout the year.
Competitions
Eligible students are coached and entered for regional and national dance competitions, with a strong track record of awards and recognition.
The Journey
How Long Does It Take?
Bharatanatyam is a lifelong art. Here is a realistic, honest guide to the milestones along the path.
Basic techniques, foundational adavus, and the first repertoire pieces. You will feel the grammar of Bharatanatyam in your body.
Foundation
First steps, first adavus, first stage appearance
Proficiency
Varied repertoire, stage confidence, expressive depth
Growing proficiency across repertoire. Abhinaya deepens, adavus become fluid, and the dancer's individual voice begins to emerge.
Full margam mastery, arangetram readiness, and the possibility of competition and concert performance at the highest level.
Advanced / Arangetram
Full margam, solo debut, and beyond
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
We welcome children from the age of 4. At this age, lessons are playful, gentle, and focused on rhythm, coordination, and love of movement rather than rigorous technique. Children who start young develop a beautiful, natural ease with the art form. That said, it is never too late — we warmly welcome beginners of all ages.
Absolutely not. No prior experience of any kind is required to join any of our programs. Whether your child has never set foot on a stage or you are an adult enrolling for the very first time, our curriculum is designed to welcome true beginners with warmth and patience. All you need to bring is curiosity and commitment.
Bharatanatyam is a rich, layered art form that reveals new dimensions the longer you practice. As a realistic guide: most students acquire basic technique within 6 to 12 months of consistent training. Genuine proficiency — a confident command of repertoire and expressive ability — typically develops over 3 to 5 years. Students pursuing advanced training or an arangetram generally require 5 to 7 or more years of dedicated practice. The journey is deeply rewarding at every stage.
Yes — performance is an integral part of training at Chennaiyil Thiruvaiyaru Kalalaya. All enrolled students participate in our annual recital, which is a professionally organised event showcasing the year's learning. Students are also selected for appearances at cultural festivals, temple events, and public celebrations across Chennai. Eligible students are additionally coached and entered for regional and national dance competitions, where our students have a strong record of recognition and awards.
We offer flexible batch timings to accommodate students' school and work schedules. Available slots include morning batches, evening batches, and weekend batches on Saturdays and Sundays. Exact timings for each program and age group are shared upon inquiry. Please contact us to find the batch that suits your schedule best, or enquire about private session timings if you need maximum flexibility.
New students may wear comfortable, stretchable clothing for their first few sessions. Once enrolled, students are required to wear a traditional practice costume — a salwar or churidar in a designated colour. Full costume details, including ankle bells (ghungroo), are shared at the time of admission. All costume and accessory guidance is provided by the school.