About Taraangini School of Dance

Being a vibrant performer, dedicated student, passionate teacher, skillfull choreographer, Smt. Amirthavalli started “Taraangini School of Dance” with the blessings of her Guru, Kittu sir in the year 2005. In 2016, she moved to Minneapolis and hence began Taraangini’s US chapter.

As it goes with any performing art, learning Bharatanatyam plays a vital role in the physical and mental well-being of the students. It not only contributes to strengthening the aesthetic value but also adds educational morale and intensifies social, spiritual and community values.

Our Goals

  • Teach the core values of Kalakshetra – “Art without vulgarity, Beauty without cruelty, and Education without fear”
  • Develop respect and appreciation to art in the form of music and dance in general and Bharatanatyam in particular
  • Connect with cultural roots
  • Understand the technique of execution and derive positive physical benefits
  • Encourage expression of emotions through dance which in turn helps the dancers in enhancing their emotional skills as they grow in this art form
  • Enrich mental and intellectual clarity through creative choreography
  • Give back to the community through the form of art
  • Develop the dancers’ self-confidence through encouragement given by means of stage performances
  • Imbibe joy through self-expression while spreading positivity in the surroundings

To achieve the goals, there are specific rules which the students are constantly reminded of and expected to adhere to, like physical and mental discipline, maintaining the prescribed dress code, punctuality, regular attendance and practice. These seemingly strict rules prepare students to become good dancers and responsible human beings.

Smt. Amirthavalli (fondly called as Amirtha aunty or Amirtha maami) keeps reminding the students in a firm but compassionate way that regular practice is a must and can be replaced with nothing and there is always further scope for improvement. Dance should not turn into a monotonous routine but should be an act of consistent joyful exuberance.

Curriculum at Taraangini

Theory

This is as important as practical dancing. Theory provides students with an understanding of the art form and helps them relate with each movement and triggers their creativity. Theory is as important as practical dancing.

Performances

Opportunity is provided to students throughout the year, to participate in several shows and showcase their skills. This increases their self-expression and self-confidence.

Arangetram

Arangetram means “ascending the stage.” In the world of Bharatanatyam, it refers to the debut performance of a dancer, marking the completion of their training and the beginning of their career as a professional dancer.

Competitions

Competitions improve an artist’s artistic potential and students are encouraged and motivated to participate in competitions and to meet artists from different dance genres and traditions. This helps them not only gain recognition for their successes but also teaches them resilience and prepares them to cope with failure.

Examinations

Students are encouraged to take up Bharatanatyam Certification exams from renowned Universities, which gives them motivation to learn more about the art form, meet different artists and gives an open and wide outlook while adding depth to their knowledge and understanding.

Over the years, the students of Taraangini have started pursuing their careers in different fields but have continued their practice of dance. The senior students in their zeal to continue their artistic pursuit, connect online with Smt. Amirthavalli and continue their practice sessions as well as help in conducting classes. The students have not only become beautiful dancers but have learnt to appreciate the art and give back to the community through this art form. They have a very special bond with their teacher Smt. Amirthavalli and consider Taraangini to be their second home.

Dance classes in session