Welcome to Natayam-school of dance !

Bharatanatyam Diploma Course Delhi

A Classical Path Built on
Discipline, Depth & Dedication

The Bharatanatyam Diploma Program at Natyam: School of Dance, founded and led by Kalashree Gayatri Deka, is rooted in the time-honoured Guru-Shishya Parampara and is a structured path for students aspiring to become classically trained, certified Bharatanatyam artists. With over 25 years of immersive experience, Gayatri Deka has designed this program to reflect the purity of tradition, artistic rigour, and a performance-centric pedagogy that eliminates last-minute examination stress. Built on the Tanjavur Bani, the program honours tradition while equipping students with the precision and discipline needed for excellence-rooted deeply in the Natyashastra and Abhinaya Darpana.

Unlike other programs where students scramble to prepare weeks before exams, our students are consistently prepared through year-long practice. Every topic taught in class is exactly what is examined, ensuring students approach their diplomas with confidence and mastery.

What Makes Natyam’s Diploma Program Unique

  • Learning rooted in Bharatanatyam’s true meaning: Bhavam (expression), Raagam (music), Taalam (rhythm)
  • Structured 7-year path: From Prathama to Visharad, and optionally Kovid
  • Progressive curriculum: From the technicalities of the basics i.e Adavus to understanding the nuances of abhinaya like Jawali
  • Abhinaya-focused training: Emphasis on Angika, Vachika, Aharya and Satvika Abhinaya as per classical texts
  • No superficial choreographies – each lesson is structured methodically as per classical margam.
  • Final milestone: Arangetram – a full solo recital of 2+ hours, marking the student’s ascent as a professional artist.
  • One-to-one mentorship by Gayatri Deka, who follows the pedagogy she learned from her legendary gurus.
Bharatanatyam

Affiliation & Certification

While Natyam School is not directly affiliated with Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya (IKSVV).

  • Students appear for diploma exams through Ganesa Natyalaya, Qutub Institutional Area – a registered examination centre of IKSVV and home of Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan.
  • Students can also appear for diploma examinations from any IKSVV-authorised centres across India.
  • Diploma certificates are issued directly by IKSVV and are recognised by institutions across India.
  • The evaluation includes internal assessments, practical exams, and written tests.

Duration & Structure of the Program

This is a 7-year structured diploma program, with 6 years being mandatory:

LevelYearsModules
Prathama2Adavus, Alarippu, Hasta Mudras, Taalam
Madhyama2Jatiswaram, Pushpanjali, Shabdam, Thillana, Taalam
Visharad2Varnam, Padams, Keertanam, Bhajan, Jaavali, Taalam
Kovid (Opt.)1Advanced Abhinaya, Research, Choreography

Most students complete up to Visharad 2, followed by their Arangetram.

  • Kovid is optional for those pursuing academic excellence or higher-level research.

For Students in Mid-Journey

For Students in Mid-Journey

  • Students transferring from other universities can continue only if their prior board is accepted by IKSVV (e.g., Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Nalanda University, Madras University).
  • Otherwise, they must restart from Prathama to align with the IKSVV syllabus.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Minimum academic qualification: 5th standard pass
  • Minimum age to enrol: min. 7 years (due to physical and mental maturity required for Bharatanatyam postures)
  • No prior experience needed if starting from Prathama
  • Prior experience is mandatory for lateral entry at higher levels

Curriculum Breakdown (Year-wise)

Practical Training

  • Years 1–2 (Prathama): Adavus (basic steps), Hasta Mudras, Alaripu, Taalam
  • Years 3–4 (Madhyama): Pushpanjali, Jatiswaram, Thillana, Shabdam, Taalam basics
  • Years 5–6 (Visharad): Varnam (core piece), Padam, Keertanam, Jaavali, Bhajan, Taalam
  • Optional (Kovid): Advanced Abhinaya, creative choreography, research-based work

Theory Components

  • Origin: From Sadir Attam to Bharatanatyam
  • History of Bharatanatyam (temple to proscenium)
  • Natyashastra and Abhinaya Darpana principles
  • Classification: Nritta, Nritya, Natya
  • Mudras, Bhedas, Bhava and Rasa
  • Role of music, taalam structure, and instrumentation
  • Aharya (costume), Bhedas, Angika Abhinaya
  • Comparative Indian classical dance forms

Evaluation Methods

  • Internal assessments throughout the year
  • Practical exams conducted by external examiners from IKSVV
  • Written theory exams held at registered centres

Mode of Learning

  • Offline: Classes at Dwarka Sector 7 studio
  • Online: Available globally, with strong teacher-student coordination
  • Fully optimised for working professionals, school/college students, homemakers, and international learners

Gayatri Deka has trained numerous online students since 2020 with excellent outcomes. Every online class is interactive, posture-corrective, and performance-focused.

Minimum Age: Why 7 Years and Above?

Bharatanatyam is a physically demanding art form. Children under 7 often lack the bone strength and mental focus needed for postures like Araimandi. At 7, students are better equipped to:

  • Academic Qualification: Passed Class 5 for Bharatanatyam Diploma
  • Understand classroom decorum
  • Follow instructions mindfully
  • Hold postures without injury risk
  • Lateral Entry: Allowed only for students from recognised boards like Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Nalanda, or Madras University

This approach ensures long-term safety and discipline.

Final Certification & Examination, Grading & Scholarships

  • Diploma Certificate: Issued by Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya (IKSVV), a Government University
  • Doordarshan Grading: Students may apply post Visharad (B, B High, A, A High, Top)
  • Scholarships & Fellowships:
    • CCRT Scholarship (Centre for Cultural Resources & Training)
    • Sahitya Kala Parishad Fellowship
    • ICCR Empanelment
  • Evaluation Process:
    • Practical exam: Live performance evaluated by an external examiner
    • Written exam: 3-hour paper held at a registered centre
    • Results & marksheets issued post-assessment by IKSVV

Career & Academic Opportunities Post Diploma

  • Eligible for BA, MA, and PhD in Bharatanatyam from universities across India
  • Apply for:
    • Doordarshan Grading (B, B High, A, A Top)
    • ICCR Empanelment
    • CCRT & Sahitya Kala Parishad Scholarships
  • Opportunities to become:
    • Independent performer
    • Dance educator
    • Cultural ambassador
    • Choreographer for stage and screen

Fee Structure & Payment Breakdown

  • Natyam School of Dance Fee:
    • Monthly tuition fee (varies by level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advance)

  • Examination Fee:
    • Paid directly to IKSVV at time of registration (varies by year: Prathama–Visharad)

  • Examination Centre Fee:
    • Paid directly to Ganesa Natyalaya (Qutub Institutional Area), a registered centre of IKSVV and the legacy institution of Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan

Why Learn Bharatanatyam at Natyam?



  • Training under Kalashree Gayatri Deka, Doordarshan-graded performer & educator

  • Strong lineage: disciple of Vidushi Anuradha Venkataraman and Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan

  • Integrated offline & online modules

  • Annual productions, lecture-demonstrations & Arangetram planning

  • Emphasis on authentic technique, discipline & holistic learning.

Ready to Begin Your Bharatanatyam Journey?

Join Natyam School of Dance and train under one of India’s most respected Bharatanatyam educators. Whether you’re a beginner or continuing your classical dance journey, our diploma program will guide you towards mastery, stage-readiness, and cultural excellence.

📞 Call/WhatsApp: +91-9205115328
📧 Email: natyam0510@gmail.com | bharatanatyamschoolofdance@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.bharatanatyamschoolofdance.com

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FAQ

Frequently asked question

Yes, it is issued by IKSVV, a UGC-recognized university under the Ministry of Education.

Absolutely. This diploma makes you eligible for higher studies in Performing Arts.

Yes, after Arangetram and successful completion of Visharad level, you can start teaching.

Yes. Online students receive the same attention, assessment, and certification as offline learners.

Yes. Many of our diploma students include working women, college students, and homemakers.