Natya

About the NDT School: Our Core Beliefs

Artistry

The NDT School offers ongoing, comprehensive training for beginner through professional levels in Bharata Natyam. In addition to classes, students, ages four and above, take part in annual recitals and performances. Other offerings include an annual summer intensive, invitations to performances, and exposure to world-class artists via Natya presentations. The Natya Company, via collaborations with other exceptional arts organizations such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, offerings its students unparalleled access to some of the best artists and musicians in the world.

Culture

Bharata Natyam, one of the leading classical dance forms of India, has existed for centuries and has been established as a key component of India's cultural identity as a nation. Its artists and their gurus have contributed consistently to its development and evolution, making it a living tradition suitable for contemporary stages. Hema Rajagopalan is considered amongst these leaders of the art form, and students at the NDT School enjoy unprecedented access to a master teacher.

Discipline

The Natyaratna Diploma Course takes 10-12 years to complete and aims to create fully developed dancers who can perform with artistic virtuosity worthy of acclaim. The duration of the program depends on the age the student starts, student ability and level of commitment. This curriculum is accomplished through weekly, one-hour general classes for the first three years. In keeping with training traditions, starting in year four, the amount of study intensifies. In addition to weekly general classes, students in the more advanced years of training are expected to take the two week summer intensive course every year. The coursework includes both theory and practical aspects, in accordance with The Natyashastra.

Depth

Bharata Natyam is a basis for understanding ourselves in our own times. In addition to physical expression and artistry NDT students grow to appreciate the global community through the school curriculum, and its exposure and cultivation to world culture.

Commitment

NDT teaches with a conviction that every student can achieve the level of perfection that makes the dancer a consummate artiste. Repertoire items are taught along with theory and philosophy to enable every student to become a more holistic dancer, aware of the surrounding life. The value this training system, which has been developed and refined over thirty seven years, is evident in the quality of the world class Natya Dance Company, which features numerous professional dancers from the school, in performances worldwide.