Learn Indian Culture and Tradition Through
Bharathanatyam
Welcome to Navaranjitha
Navaranjitha Performing Arts Center (NRPAC), where we take pride in being an institute dedicated to teaching Indian classical dance, specifically Bharathanatyam, in a traditional and authentic manner. Our goal at NRPAC is to provide a nurturing environment where children can not only learn dance but also have a delightful experience alongside their academic pursuits.
Our primary objective is to impart the rich Indian culture and tradition through the art of Bharathanatyam. This beautiful dance form holds within it the essence of our heritage, and we are passionate about passing on this cultural legacy to the next generation.
At NRPAC, we focus on the Pandanallur style of Bharathanatyam, which places significant emphasis on geometric postures and movements. This style showcases the intricacies of precise footwork, graceful expressions, and the portrayal of emotions through well-defined poses.
We believe that by learning Bharathanatyam, students not only develop artistic skills but also gain discipline, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for their cultural roots. Our experienced instructors, led by our esteemed Guru, are committed to nurturing the talents of our students and guiding them toward becoming skilled and expressive dancers.
Join us at Navaranjitha Performing Arts Center, and let's embark on a beautiful journey of dance, art, and cultural exploration together. We look forward to sharing the joy of Bharathanatyam with you and your family.
Dance Lessons at Our Academy
Dive into the captivating world of Bharatanatyam with our tiered dance classes structured to cater to various skill levels: Beginner, Junior, Senior, and Advanced. Here’s what you can expect at each stage:
Beginner & Junior Levels:
Fundamental Exercises and Stretching: Build a strong foundation with exercises specifically designed for Bharatanatyam.
Pranam (Namaskaram): Learn the traditional salutations that form the prelude to Bharatanatyam performances.
Aduvus (Steps): Grasp the essential steps and movements that are the building blocks of Bharatanatyam dances.
Rhythm and Coordination: Develop a keen sense of rhythm (Talam) and learn how to harmonize your movements with it.
Gestures: Immerse yourself in the language of dance through the study of hand signs and movements.
Abhinaya (Expression): Begin your journey into the art of conveying emotions and narratives through dance.
Introductory Theory: Acquaint yourself with the theoretical aspects that underpin this ancient art form.
Beyond Bharatanatyam, we also offer classes in semi-classical and folk dance styles. These classes, which are available on a demand basis, are perfect for community events and festivals, providing you with a platform to showcase the vibrant traditions and cultures embodied in these dance forms.
“Excellent dance school! Rashmi is a wonderful teacher and very talented. She is very patient with her students”- Hina Azar
Benefits of Bharathanatyam
Embarking on a Bharatanatyam journey is not just an exploration of dance but a wholesome approach to wellness and personal development. This ancient art form is an excellent avenue for individuals of all ages to maintain physical fitness while fostering various beneficial skills and qualities. Here are some remarkable benefits that you can reap from learning Bharatanatyam:
Physical Fitness and Well-being:
Holistic Fitness: A delightful way to keep in shape, suitable for individuals of all age groups.
Improved Body Posture: Harness the grace of Bharatanatyam to cultivate self-control and an upright body posture.
Gross Motor Skills Development: Fine-tune your motor skills and move with fluidity and precision.
Spatial Awareness:
Body and Space Coordination: Gain a nuanced understanding of the interplay between your body and the surrounding space.
Complex Sequences Coordination: Master the art of coordinating rhythmically and spatially intricate sequences, building strength through various dance techniques.
Personal Growth and Social Skills:
Collaborative Learning: Learn the values of listening, responding, and respecting others' opinions while working harmoniously in a group.
Creative and Cognitive Skills: Develop abilities in recognizing, recalling, and classifying dance routines, fostering a keen sense of identification and differentiation.
Trust Building: Forge stronger bonds and build trust among peers as you dance, learn, and grow together.
Why NRPAC?
Group and Private Classes
Exam Preparation
Certification
Arangetram/ Rangapravesha
Dance Performances in Cultural Events
Annual School Day Recital
Dance Make-up Lessons
Nattuvangam Lessons
“Great dance teacher with a lot of patience and discipline. You are a true inspiration for all the upcoming dancers Rashmi” - Vasanta Darmapuri
Bharathanatyam Training Path & Exam Levels (Optional)
Our optional exams preparation for the exams conducted by Samved Conservatory of Indian Classical Music & Dance, North America (SCICMD). Students can avail the opportunity to take exams and get certified from the Samved exam board.
Basic / Prarambhik : Level 1
Elementary / Praveshika Pratham : Level 2
Intermediate / Praveshika Purna :Level 3
Pre-Diploma / Madhyama Pratham : Level 4
Diploma / Madhyam Purna : Level 5
Bachelors Part 1 / Visharad Pratham : Level 6
Bachelors Part 2 / Visharad Purna : Level 7
“Rashmi is dedicated and passionate about dance. My daughter has been learning from her for the past 6.5 years and I could not have been happier.” - Subashini Vedala
About Guru Smt. Rashmi Sudheendra
Vidushi Rashmi Sudheendra is an exponent of Pandanallur style of Bharathanatyam. Rashmi hails from Mysore, Karnataka. She grew up with a family and friends who practiced and promoted Indian Fine Arts. Rashmi found her interest in Bharathanatyam at a very young age. Rashmi learnt Bharathanatyam from her illustrious Guru Dr. Vasundara Doraswamy for more than 12 years in Mysore. She secured first place in her Bharathanatyam Vidwath program and has completed her senior examination in Karnatic vocal music. Rashmi has participated in many dance-dramas of her illustrious guru and has won several accolades from the press and the public. Rashmi has a Bachelor Degree in Commerce from University of Mysore and a Master in Information Systems from University of Phoenix.
After moving to United States in 2000, Rashmi taught in many dance schools, choreographed Bharathanatyam, semi-classical and Bollywood-style dances across the tristate area for schools, non-profit organizations, and in public and community events. In 2009, time permitting between her 3 children and her passion for dance, she started teaching few children at home. In 2013, Rashmi registered her dance school - Navaranjitha Performing Arts Center (NRPAC) to dedicate more time to teach young children and adults. NRPAC focuses mainly in Bharathanatyam-Pandanallur Style classes, and prepare kids for tests and certifications in Bharathanatyam. Today, Rashmi teaches more than 100 students and conduct dance classes in many locations, Franklin Park, Hillsborough, & Plainsboro-West Windor area and Monroe Township in New Jersey.
Our Locations
Franklin Park :
Bharat Sevashram Sangha of North America
3490 NJ-27, Kendall Park, NJ 08824
Hillsborough:
G&J Studios
5 Jill Ct ste 15 bldg 14, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844
East Windsor Location :
Studio at NEW JERSEY TAEKWONDO & KICKBOXING
859 US-130 N STORE #4, Hightstown, NJ 08520
Thank you for visiting our page.
We are looking forward to meet you this year and we are certain that Bharathanatyam will bring many health benefits to you and your children.