KalaAwishkar Bharatnatyam Dance School

Welcome to **KalaAwishkar Bharatnatyam Dance School**, a center dedicated to the intricate and beautiful art form of Bharatnatyam, located in San Jose, California. Established in Pune, India, in 2000 and later expanding to San Jose in 2006, KalaAwishkar aims to impart the rich heritage of this classical Indian dance. Under the artistic direction of Guru Shraddha Joglekar, a renowned Bharatnatyam exponent, the school focuses on teaching the Paddukottai and Kalakshetra styles of Bharatnatyam. While dance is at its core, KalaAwishkar also strives to instill a deeper appreciation for Indian arts, culture, and heritage, making it a place where students not only learn to dance but also grow in personality and cultural understanding. It provides a unique opportunity for individuals in the Bay Area to connect with ancient traditions through movement and expression.

KalaAwishkar Bharatnatyam Dance School is primarily located at **5725 Winfield Blvd, San Jose, CA 95123, USA**. This address places the school within the sprawling and diverse community of San Jose, making it accessible to residents across the city and surrounding areas in the South Bay. San Jose, as a major urban center, offers various transportation options, though the accessibility to this specific address might vary depending on individual location and mode of transport. It's generally advisable for prospective students to verify the precise nature of the studio space and its amenities to ensure it meets their expectations and learning needs. While the primary location is in San Jose, KalaAwishkar also conducts classes in other Bay Area locations such as Cupertino (CPAA 6148 Bollinger Rd) and Sunnyvale (EnActe 830 Stewart Dr, Suite 115), extending its reach and accessibility to a broader community of learners interested in Bharatnatyam.

KalaAwishkar Bharatnatyam Dance School offers a structured curriculum designed to teach Bharatnatyam with sincerity and dedication, catering to students of various ages and experience levels. The school's commitment is to impart the best of Bharatnatyam while also enriching students with cultural knowledge. Their services typically include:

• **Bharatnatyam Dance Classes:** Core instruction in the fundamental techniques and advanced aspects of Bharatnatyam, including sthanakas (stances), percussive footwork (adavus), hastas (hand gestures), and abhinaya (expressive dance).
• **Beginner-Friendly Courses:** Programs specifically designed for newcomers to Bharatnatyam, starting with basic techniques, injury prevention, and cultural connections through movement and storytelling.
• **Progressive Level Training:** Structured classes from Level 1A (Dhwani) for beginners, progressing through Level 1B and Level 2 (Swara), to more advanced Level 3 (Sangati) semi-private classes, which delve into dance pieces from the Bharatnatyam repertoire (margam).
• **Adult Dance Classes:** Dedicated classes for adult beginners and advanced learners, offering flexibility with drop-in options and class packages.
• **Focus on Cultural and Heritage Education:** Beyond just dance steps, the curriculum aims to teach students about Indian arts, rich culture, and heritage, helping to build a more complete understanding of the art form.
• **Yoga and Wellness Integration:** The school emphasizes a harmonious blend of dance and Yoga, designing exercises to prevent dance-related injuries and focusing on toning and preparing the body for the demands of Bharatnatyam.
• **Performance Opportunities:** Students, particularly advanced levels, are often provided opportunities to perform at various organizations and events, including the annual 'Adhbhuta: Wonderment through Dance' production, which showcases creative choreography.
• **Makeup Classes:** The academy offers convenient makeup classes, which are beneficial for students who might miss their regularly scheduled lessons.

KalaAwishkar Bharatnatyam Dance School stands out due to several features and highlights that are consistently noted by its long-term students. These aspects contribute to its reputation as a dedicated institution for classical Indian dance:

• **Expert Guidance from Guru Shraddha Joglekar:** Ms. Shraddha is widely praised by her long-term students as a "great guru and friend." She is an acclaimed Bharatnatyam exponent known for her passion, dedication, and ability to constantly encourage and impart the best of Bharatnatyam. She has trained under esteemed Gurus and has a deep understanding of the Paddukottai and Kalakshetra styles.
• **Holistic Student Development:** The school goes beyond technical dance instruction, focusing on grooming "not only the dancer in you but also build personality and teach about Indian arts and our rich culture and heritage." This comprehensive approach is highly valued by students and their families.
• **Long-Term Student Loyalty:** The presence of students who have been attending for almost 10 years highlights the strong, positive relationships built within the school and the consistent quality of instruction.
• **Sincerity and Dedication:** The school is recommended for those "keen to learn Bharatnatyam with utmost sincerity and dedication," indicating a serious and respectful approach to the art form, appealing to earnest learners.
• **Comprehensive Curriculum:** As detailed in their course offerings, the structured progression from basic techniques to complex repertoire ensures a thorough and effective learning pathway for students of all levels.
• **Community Engagement and Performances:** The school provides opportunities for students to showcase their talents, such as the innovative "Adhbhuta: Wonderment through Dance" production, which blends Bharatnatyam with storytelling elements, engaging both dancers and audiences.
• **Focus on Health and Injury Prevention:** The integration of Yoga and specialized exercises to prepare the body for dance is a significant highlight, demonstrating a commitment to the dancers' physical well-being.

For those interested in exploring the classical Indian dance form of Bharatnatyam with KalaAwishkar Dance School, connecting with them is straightforward. Their team is available to provide information on class schedules, enrollment, and any other inquiries you may have regarding their programs. You can reach KalaAwishkar Bharatnatyam Dance School directly by phone at **(408) 656-5019**. For mobile users or those making international calls, the number **+1 408-656-5019** is also available, ensuring convenient communication. If you prefer to visit in person or need to send correspondence, their primary physical address is **5725 Winfield Blvd, San Jose, CA 95123, USA**. It is always advisable to contact the school directly to confirm current class locations and schedules, especially given that they may utilize various teaching spaces across the Bay Area (San Jose, Cupertino, Sunnyvale) and to inquire about their trial class policy and studio facilities to ensure they meet your expectations.

KalaAwishkar Bharatnatyam Dance School presents a compelling option for locals in California, particularly within the San Jose and broader Bay Area, who are deeply interested in learning or resuming their study of Bharatnatyam. The school's longevity, coupled with the profound dedication and expertise of Guru Shraddha Joglekar, provides a sincere and enriching environment for classical Indian dance. While prospective students should be mindful of practical details such as studio facilities and trial class policies, the consistent positive feedback from long-term students underscores the valuable cultural education and personal growth experienced at KalaAwishkar. It is an ideal place for individuals who approach learning Bharatnatyam with "utmost sincerity and dedication," seeking not just dance instruction but a deeper connection to Indian arts and heritage. For those in the California region looking for a dedicated guru and a community that fosters both technical mastery and cultural appreciation in Bharatnatyam, KalaAwishkar offers a committed pathway to artistic fulfillment.

KalaAwishkar Bharatnatyam Dance School

5725 Winfield Blvd, San Jose, CA 95123, USA