Dancing Petals

For families and individuals in the Illinois region with a passion for traditional Indian classical dance, or those eager to explore a rich cultural art form, Dancing Petals in Wheeling stands as a beacon of authentic Kathak education. Led by Gurmeet Kaur Marhas, a highly accomplished and certified Kathak dance aficionado, the academy has been diligently imparting the intricate beauty of Kathak to students of different age groups for years. Dancing Petals is more than just a dance school; it's a vibrant community where the nuanced details of classical Kathak are meticulously taught, fostering a deep appreciation for this ancient art form.

Dancing Petals' core mission is rooted in enriching children's heritage through the wonderful experience of Indian classical dance and music. The academy is a proud member of "The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing" (ISTD), one of the world's leading dance examination boards. This affiliation ensures that Dancing Petals adheres to a structured syllabus, providing a rigorous yet nurturing environment for students to progressively master Kathak technique and repertoire. Gurmeet Didi, as affectionately known by her students, is consistently praised for being a "perfect teacher for classical Kathak," who teaches "the minute details," ensuring a thorough and profound learning experience for every student.

The dedication to quality instruction and cultural preservation is evident in the academy's commitment to showcasing Indian classical dance and music through "so many beautiful performances." These events, featuring colorful and traditional costumes, provide invaluable opportunities for students to apply their learning and share their talent with the wider Illinois community. A parent whose daughter has been a student for "five years and counting" attests to the beauty of these showcases. Whether you are a beginner taking your first steps into Kathak or an experienced dancer seeking to refine your artistry, Dancing Petals offers a welcoming and enriching pathway to explore the elegance and complexity of this captivating dance form, making it a highly recommended institution for anyone in Illinois interested in classical Indian dance.

Dancing Petals is located at 109 Meyerson Way, Wheeling, IL 60090, USA. This address situates the dance academy in Wheeling, a prominent suburb within the Illinois region, making it accessible for students not only from Wheeling but also from neighboring communities like Buffalo Grove and Naperville/Aurora, where they conduct additional classes. The location on Meyerson Way offers good connectivity within the local road network, facilitating convenient travel for families and students. Being in a well-established suburban area means that the studio is typically easy to find, with practical parking solutions available. The ability to offer classes in multiple suburbs, including online options, further enhances Dancing Petals' accessibility, underscoring its commitment to bringing authentic Kathak education within reach for a broad audience across Illinois, accommodating diverse geographic needs.

Dancing Petals is dedicated to imparting traditional Kathak education through a structured and comprehensive curriculum. Their services are designed to cater to various age groups and levels of proficiency, ensuring a fulfilling learning journey for every student in the Illinois community:

• Regular Kathak Classes: Offering ongoing instruction in traditional Kathak dance, conducted both online and at physical locations in Wheeling/Buffalo Grove and Naperville/Aurora. These classes cater to students of different age groups, from young children to adults.
• ISTD Syllabus Adherence: Dancing Petals is a member of "The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing" (ISTD), following their structured syllabus for teaching students and training professionals. This alignment ensures a globally recognized standard of instruction.
• Graded Examinations: Students are prepared for and can appear for ISTD Grade Level Examinations, with a Primary Examination for children up to eight years, six Graded Examinations for progressive perfection in technique, and four Vocational Graded Examinations for those pursuing professional training as dancers or teachers.
• Year-Round Classes: Classes are held year-round with short breaks in summer (July/August) and winter (December/January), providing consistent learning opportunities.
• Examination Preparation: The academy provides dedicated preparation for each grade level exam, acknowledging that it may take one or more calendar years (60-130 total qualification hours) to be ready for the ISTD exams.
• Dance Company/Production Group: Dancing Petals maintains a production group that performs around Chicago. This group's repertoire includes traditional Kathak compositions and neo-classical choreographies that blend classical Indian dance vocabulary with contemporary expression.
• Performance Opportunities: Students participate in numerous beautiful performances showcasing Indian classical dance and music, often with colorful and traditional costumes, providing invaluable stage experience.
• Community Engagement: Dancing Petals actively organizes and participates in Kathak events and programs organized by various entities like SEWA, ASHA for education, Vedic Cultural Society, SeeChicagoDance, City of Chicago Summer Dance, and LUMA8, contributing to the cultural fabric of Illinois.

Dancing Petals distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that underscore its excellence and commitment to the art of Kathak dance in Illinois. These attributes contribute to its reputation as a premier institution for Indian classical dance:

• Highly Qualified and Dedicated Founder/Director: Gurmeet Kaur Marhas is the Founder and Artistic Director, holding a Level 4 Diploma in Kathak from ISTD, London, Sangeet Prabhakar, and a Diploma from Kalashram (Pt. Birju Maharaj's school). Her extensive training and passion are central to the academy's quality.
• Authentic Kathak Tradition: The school emphasizes traditional Kathak education, including intricate footwork, spins, and 'abhinaya' (the art of expression), rooted in its rich history.
• Structured and Progressive Syllabus: As an ISTD member, Dancing Petals follows a globally recognized, structured syllabus, ensuring a clear path for student progression from beginner to professional levels.
• Focus on Minute Details: As highlighted by student reviews, Gurmeet Didi is praised for teaching the "minute details," which is crucial for mastering classical dance forms and distinguishes the quality of instruction.
• Beautiful Performance Opportunities: The academy provides students with numerous opportunities to showcase their talent in performances that highlight the beauty and cultural richness of Indian classical dance and music with traditional costumes.
• Community and Cultural Enrichment: Dancing Petals actively organizes and participates in events that promote Indian classical dance within the broader Illinois community, enriching the local cultural landscape.
• Caters to All Ages and Levels: Whether for young children learning their heritage or adults seeking a new artistic pursuit, the academy offers suitable classes for different age groups and skill levels.
• Online and Multiple Physical Locations: The availability of online classes and physical studios in Wheeling/Buffalo Grove and Naperville/Aurora enhances accessibility for a wider student base across Illinois.

To embark on your journey into the beautiful world of Kathak dance or to learn more about the programs offered by Dancing Petals, you can reach out using the following contact information:

Address: 109 Meyerson Way, Wheeling, IL 60090, USA

Phone: (847) 630-9507 (While the provided info uses this, search results suggest 847-571-8026 for dance-related inquiries. It's advisable to check their website or try both numbers.)

For locals in the Illinois region, particularly those in Wheeling and the surrounding Chicago suburbs, Dancing Petals is an exceptionally suitable and enriching choice for Kathak dance education. Its profound commitment to authentic classical Indian dance, guided by the highly accomplished Gurmeet Kaur Marhas, ensures an unparalleled learning experience. The structured curriculum, aligned with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), provides a clear and progressive pathway for students to master this intricate art form, whether their goal is recreational enjoyment or professional excellence.

The warm and detailed instruction, coupled with abundant performance opportunities that showcase the beauty of Indian classical dance, creates a truly fulfilling journey for students and their families. As evidenced by parents who have seen their children flourish over many years, Dancing Petals excels at nurturing talent while fostering a deep appreciation for cultural heritage. Its accessibility, with classes offered in multiple locations and online, further solidifies its position as an invaluable local resource for anyone in Illinois eager to connect with the timeless elegance and expressive power of Kathak dance.

You can see a glimpse of Kathak dance (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYJzEw1lQ5o).

Dancing Petals

109 Meyerson Way, Wheeling, IL 60090, USA