Navatman, INC. Introduce
For New Yorkers seeking an immersive and authentic experience in Indian classical arts, Navatman, INC. stands as a distinguished and deeply cherished institution. Located in the heart of Manhattan, Navatman is far more than just a school; it's a dynamic performing arts organization dedicated to empowering individuals through the rich traditions of Indian classical dance and music. Whether you're a complete novice curious about the intricacies of Bharatanatyam or Kathak, a seasoned dancer looking to reconnect with the art form, or simply someone eager to explore the beauty of Carnatic or Hindustani vocal music, Navatman offers a welcoming and rigorous environment for all.
What truly sets Navatman apart, as consistently echoed by its dedicated students and community members, is its unparalleled approach to teaching and its commitment to preserving the authenticity of these ancient art forms while making them accessible in a contemporary urban setting. Instructors are praised for their attentiveness, rigorous teaching methods, and deep cultural knowledge, ensuring that students not only learn the physical movements or vocal techniques but also understand the historical and theoretical context behind them. This holistic education is a rare find and provides a profoundly enriching experience for anyone wanting to delve into Indian classical arts.
Navatman's mission extends beyond the classroom. The organization is renowned for its critically acclaimed productions and its vibrant dance company and music ensemble. A major highlight in the New York cultural calendar is their annual "Drive East" festival, a week-long celebration that brings together some of the best Indian classical music and dance practitioners from around the world. This dedication to both education and performance creates a comprehensive ecosystem for the arts, enriching the cultural landscape of New York City and offering unparalleled opportunities for learning and appreciation.
In a city as diverse and culturally rich as New York, Navatman provides a unique space for individuals of all backgrounds to connect with Indian heritage, explore new forms of expression, and become part of a supportive and passionate artistic community. It's a place where you can truly dance with intention, learn without injury, and embark on a journey of self-discovery through the profound beauty of Indian classical arts.
Navatman, INC. is centrally located in Manhattan, making it incredibly convenient for anyone in the New York metropolitan area to access. The studio's address is 38 W 32nd St #300, New York, NY 10001, USA. This prime location places it within Midtown, a bustling and easily navigable part of the city, surrounded by various transportation hubs and amenities.
Given its Manhattan address, Navatman is exceptionally well-served by New York City's extensive public transportation network. Numerous subway lines are within a short walking distance, including the 1, 2, 3, A, C, E, N, Q, R, W, and B, D, F, M trains. This means that whether you're coming from the Upper East Side, Downtown Brooklyn, or even parts of New Jersey via PATH, reaching the studio is straightforward and efficient. Penn Station, a major transit hub for LIRR, NJ Transit, and Amtrak, is also just a few blocks away, further enhancing its accessibility for those commuting from further afield.
The surrounding area of 32nd Street is vibrant and offers plenty of options for pre- or post-class activities, from diverse restaurants to shops. While street parking in Manhattan can be challenging, there are numerous parking garages in the vicinity for those who prefer to drive, although public transit remains the most recommended mode of transportation for New Yorkers.
The convenient and central location of Navatman, INC. ensures that students and audience members can easily integrate their engagement with Indian classical arts into their busy New York lifestyles, making it a highly accessible cultural destination.
- Indian Classical Dance Classes: Comprehensive instruction in Bharatanatyam and Kathak for all levels, from complete beginners to advanced and professional dancers. Classes focus on technique, rhythm, expression (abhinaya), and injury prevention.
- Indian Classical Music Classes: Offerings include Hindustani Vocal and Carnatic Vocal, providing structured learning in the rich traditions of Indian classical singing.
- Kids' Programs: Engaging classes designed for children (ages 4 and up) to introduce them to the fundamentals of Indian classical dance and music through creative movement, storytelling, and musical games.
- Adult Classes: Cater to students of all ages and experience levels, emphasizing that it's "never too late" to begin or return to these art forms. Specific classes are available for beginners, those with some prior experience (e.g., remembering adavus), and advanced repertoire.
- Online Classes: Live Zoom classes and self-paced "learn at home" programs provide flexibility for students who cannot attend in-person, ensuring accessibility regardless of location.
- Personalized Instruction: A highly personalized approach to teaching, with small class sizes (averaging 5-10 students) and individualized instruction tailored to each student's unique needs and progression rather than a rigid linear level system.
- Performance Opportunities: Students have opportunities to perform and showcase their skills, fostering a deeper connection to the art form and the community.
- Workshops and Intensives: Special workshops and intensive programs, including summer intensives, offer focused training with renowned artists to accelerate learning and skill development.
- Annual "Drive East" Festival: A highly acclaimed, week-long festival featuring world-class Indian classical music and dance artists, providing unparalleled exposure to the performing arts.
- Navatman Dance Company and Music Ensemble: Professional performance divisions that create and present boundary-pushing productions, making Indian classical arts more accessible to broader audiences.
- Video Resources and Online Library: Access to curated video content for self-study and practice, including curriculum breakdowns, films, shows, and choreographies.
- Unparalleled Teaching Quality: Students consistently praise the instructors for being "attentive and rigorous," "excellent communicators, educators, and leaders," who possess a deep understanding of cultural knowledge.
- Holistic Learning Experience: Navatman goes beyond mere steps and notes, contextualizing the history and traditional teaching methods of Bharatanatyam and other forms, fostering a holistic understanding of the art.
- Injury Prevention and Body Awareness: A significant highlight is the focus on "dancing without injury" and "learning about my body's strengths and weaknesses," making it a safe and sustainable learning environment for dancers of all ages and past experiences.
- Inclusive Community: The studio is celebrated for its welcoming atmosphere, where anyone, regardless of age or background, can join and find a supportive "dance community in NYC." Many students emphasize the special sense of belonging they find.
- Renowned Performance Platform: Navatman's acclaimed "Drive East" festival brings "some of the best practitioners around the world to perform," offering students and the public access to high-caliber Indian classical arts performances.
- Tailored Progression: Rather than a rigid level system, class placement and progression are based on individual needs and abilities, allowing students to develop at their own pace with personalized guidance.
- Flexibility in Learning: Offers both in-person and online classes, along with self-paced options, accommodating diverse schedules and learning preferences.
- Cultural Immersion: Provides a gateway to Indian culture for both Indian and non-Indian individuals, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
- Strong Leadership: Praised for being a dance school "run in such thoughtful ways," indicating strong leadership and a clear vision for preserving and promoting Indian classical arts.
Address: 38 W 32nd St #300, New York, NY 10001, USA
Note: Navatman, INC. primarily uses email for communication. They state, "We do not have a phone :) please email us."
For New Yorkers seeking a profound and authentic engagement with Indian classical dance and music, Navatman, INC. stands as an exemplary local resource. Its central Manhattan location makes it highly accessible via numerous subway lines, ensuring that individuals from all boroughs can easily partake in its offerings. This convenience is a significant factor for busy city dwellers looking to integrate cultural enrichment into their lives.
What truly resonates with locals, however, is Navatman's unique blend of rigorous, high-quality instruction and its remarkably supportive and inclusive community. As highlighted by students, the instructors are not only highly skilled but also deeply caring, focusing on individual progress, injury prevention, and a holistic understanding of the art forms. This approach allows students of all ages and levels – from those returning to dance after decades to complete beginners – to learn with intention and confidence, transforming their experience into more than just a class, but a journey of personal evolution.
Beyond its educational programs, Navatman enriches the New York cultural scene through its critically acclaimed performances and the renowned "Drive East" festival. This provides locals with unparalleled opportunities to witness world-class artists, deepening their appreciation for Indian classical arts right in their own city. Being part of Navatman means joining a vibrant community that values tradition, artistry, and mutual support, making it an ideal choice for New Yorkers looking for a meaningful and engaging artistic outlet that also offers a robust workout and a connection to a rich cultural heritage. It's a testament to how traditional arts can thrive and flourish in a modern, diverse metropolis like New York.
Navatman, INC. Photos










Navatman, INC. Location
Navatman, INC.
38 W 32nd St #300, New York, NY 10001, USA
Navatman, INC. Reviews
I've been a student at Navatman for almost 3 years now. I was a seasoned dance many decades ago. But coming back to the art form has truly been a whole new experience for me. Dancing with intention. Dancing without injury and learning about my body's strengths and weaknesses has made this a different type of learning experience all over again. Navatman is a great place to come at any age with any level of experience. Sahi is an excellent communicator, educator, leader and is full of cultural knowledge. You don't have to be Indian to learn Indian Dancing. You just have to want to learn and show up, also a good workout.
Mar 18, 2023 · Amanda Bachan-Ramharackfinding a dance community in NYC is a very special thing! i've tried many different studios and Navatman is just unparalleled. the staff are attentive and rigorous in their teaching method, and the performances—especially their renowned Drive East festival—bring some of the best practitioners around the world to perform. it's rare to find a dance school run in such thoughtful ways, and i'm grateful to find a place that contextualizes the history of bharatanatyam, while also preserving the traditional ways it's been taught over the years.
Aug 16, 2022 · sunny iyerNavatman is the best and largest community for Bharatnatyam dance (and other Indian classical art forms) that I have found in Manhattan, and the teachers are so talented. Navatman caters to students that are new to Bharatnatyam, all the way to professionals. Sahi is such a talented dancer and teacher. She really emphasizes techniques that are sustainable and prevent long term injury, while maintaining the intricacies of the art form. This alone sets Navatman apart from other dance schools. I'm thankful to be a part of this community every day, and encourage anyone interested in the Indian classical arts to join Navatman.
Dec 22, 2021 · Anisha RajavelAn amazing place to grow as an artist. Loved learning from all the teachers here.
Feb 05, 2025 · Shwetha NarayananThe 30 min consultation with Sahi was very helpful. She listened to my concerns and issues and suggested a path of Bharathanatyam course which is not only possible but also helped me gain some of my lost confidence.
Mar 06, 2024 · Rituparna Ghosh
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