alapadma bharatanatyam dance school

For individuals and families across the Washington region, particularly those in Redmond and the surrounding vibrant communities, Alapadma Bharatanatyam Dance School presents a remarkable opportunity to engage with the profound beauty and rich heritage of Indian classical dance. Alapadma, which symbolically refers to a fully opened lotus hand gesture in dance, truly reflects the school's mission: to unfold the artistic potential within each student. This school is more than just a place to learn dance steps; it is a dedicated center for cultural education and artistic expression, offering an authentic experience in Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam, two esteemed classical Indian dance forms. Whether you are a complete beginner with a curiosity for new cultural experiences, a parent looking to introduce your child to a disciplined art form, or an experienced dancer seeking to refine your technique, Alapadma provides a nurturing and professional environment.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Alapadma Bharatanatyam Dance School, highlighting what makes it an excellent choice for locals in Washington. We will delve into its convenient location, the diverse services it offers, its distinguishing features, and ultimately, why this institution is perfectly suited to enrich the lives of our community members through the timeless art of classical Indian dance.

Alapadma Bharatanatyam Dance School holds its classes at the Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village, located at 4930 6505 176th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052, USA. This strategic location in Redmond offers significant advantages for accessibility across the greater Seattle area's Eastside. Situated within a community center, the school benefits from a well-known and easily reachable venue, making it convenient for students traveling from Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland, Bothell, and other nearby cities. The Redmond Community Center is typically equipped with ample parking, which is a key consideration for parents dropping off children or for adult students commuting to classes.

The choice of the Redmond Community Center as its base further embeds Alapadma within the local community fabric, offering a welcoming and familiar environment. Its centralized position ensures that a broad demographic of individuals interested in Indian classical dance can easily access the high-quality instruction provided. This accessibility is crucial for maintaining consistent attendance and fostering a dedicated learning journey for all who wish to immerse themselves in these intricate dance forms.

Alapadma Bharatanatyam Dance School specializes in providing comprehensive instruction in two traditional Indian classical dance forms: Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam. Their services are structured to cater to students of all ages and experience levels, ensuring a tailored and enriching learning path.

• Bharatanatyam Classes: Core instruction in Bharatanatyam, the oldest form of Indian classical dance. This includes rigorous training in fundamental steps (adavus), intricate hand gestures (mudras), expressive facial movements (abhinaya), and rhythmic footwork.
• Mohiniyattam Classes: Training in Mohiniyattam, another graceful classical dance form from Kerala, known for its fluid body movements and expressive narrative.
• Group Classes: Structured classes offered during the school year, providing a communal learning environment where students can learn and practice together, fostering peer interaction and collective growth.
• Private (1:1) Classes: Personalized one-on-one sessions are available, particularly at the Bellevue location, offering focused attention and customized instruction to accelerate learning or address specific technical needs.
• Beginner to Advanced Levels: Programs are designed to accommodate students from absolute beginners, including young children and adults with no prior dance experience, through to advanced practitioners seeking mastery.
• Performance Opportunities: Students at Alapadma have numerous opportunities to perform at various events and prestigious locations across the greater Seattle area, including the World Rhythm Festival, Northwest Folklife, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Seattle Art Museum, Bothell Hindu Temple, and the Renton Festival. These opportunities are vital for building stage presence and confidence.
• Music Composition for Dance: Led by dancer-musician Anuradha Samrat, the school also engages in composing music for dance pieces, offering a unique and integrated approach to the art form.

Alapadma Bharatanatyam Dance School distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that underscore its commitment to excellence and cultural enrichment. These aspects contribute to its standing as a highly regarded institution for Indian classical dance in the Washington area.

• Experienced Founder and Instructor: The school was founded by dancer Anuradha Samrat (Anu), a lifelong learner with extensive training in Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam since the age of six. Anu brings a deep understanding of both dance forms and music, having also composed music for her choreographies. Her dedication and expertise are central to the school's high standards.
• Accredited Training: Anu is a recipient of the title "Natya Ratna" by the Trinity Arts Foundation, Chennai, in 2014, reflecting her recognized mastery and contribution to the art form. This provides students with confidence in the quality of instruction they receive.
• Comprehensive Classical Dance Curriculum: Alapadma focuses on authentic techniques, teaching Bharatanatyam (Kalakshetra bANi) and Mohiniyattam (Kalamandalam Kalyanikuttiamma bANI). This adherence to specific, renowned traditions ensures students learn the dance forms with historical accuracy and artistic integrity.
• Inclusivity for All Ages: The school welcomes students of all ages, from young children to adults, fostering a diverse learning community. This broad appeal allows anyone with an interest in classical Indian dance to pursue their passion.
• Emphasis on Performance and Exposure: Alapadma provides significant real-world performance opportunities for its students. Their students have danced at prominent local events and venues, giving them invaluable stage experience and the chance to share their art with a wider audience.
• Supportive and Friendly Learning Environment: While maintaining the rigor of classical dance, Alapadma prides itself on providing a supportive and friendly atmosphere that encourages creativity and exploration, making the learning journey enjoyable and fulfilling.
• Integration of Dance and Music: With Anu being a trained dancer and musician, the school uniquely offers an integrated approach where the theoretical and practical aspects of music are woven into the dance instruction, enhancing the students' overall understanding and artistry.

For those in the Washington region interested in learning Bharatanatyam or Mohiniyattam, or simply wishing to inquire more about Alapadma Bharatanatyam Dance School, here is their contact information:

Address: Redmond Community Center at Marymoor village, 4930 6505 176th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052, USA

Phone: (206) 979-4056

Mobile Phone: +1 206-979-4056

Prospective students and their families are encouraged to reach out directly via phone to discuss class schedules, registration details, fee structures, and any specific questions regarding the dance programs. Contacting them will allow you to get the most up-to-date information and understand how Alapadma can best meet your classical Indian dance learning aspirations.

For locals in Washington, especially those residing in Redmond and the surrounding Eastside communities, Alapadma Bharatanatyam Dance School stands as an ideal choice for immersing oneself in the profound art forms of Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam. Its location at the Redmond Community Center ensures convenient access, making it easy for individuals and families to incorporate classical dance training into their busy schedules without extensive travel.

The true suitability of Alapadma for locals, however, lies in its commitment to authentic instruction delivered by an accomplished and dedicated artist like Anuradha Samrat. Students benefit from learning the intricacies of these traditional dance forms with a focus on precision, technique, and aesthetic beauty, all within a supportive and encouraging environment. The school's inclusive approach, welcoming students of all ages and skill levels, ensures that whether you're a child embarking on a new discipline or an adult seeking a fulfilling artistic pursuit, you will find a place to grow and flourish.

Furthermore, the numerous opportunities provided for public performances allow students to gain invaluable stage experience and contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of Washington. This not only builds confidence but also fosters a deeper connection to Indian heritage within the local community. By choosing Alapadma, residents are not just enrolling in dance classes; they are becoming part of a community that celebrates cultural diversity, artistic discipline, and personal growth through the timeless expression of classical Indian dance. It's a truly enriching experience that empowers locals to connect with a global art form right here in their backyard.

alapadma bharatanatyam dance school

Redmond Community center at Marymoor village, 4930 6505 176th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052, USA