The Approach to Classes
Beeja runs regular bharatantyam, folk & bollywood classes for children and adults. We are starting Kathak classes. These classes are inclusive and fun. The classes reflect Beeja’s creative director, Anusha Subramanyam’s, interdisciplinary and contemplative approach to dance.
Beeja classes in Croydon are run in collaboration with Krishna Avanti School. Beeja also has class in Coulsdon and Finchley.
Beeja bring some of the best tutors to teach the forms while supporting and developing local talent. The classes are supported by a fantastic team of volunteers who help in co ordinating and organising these classes.
Beeja students are actively encouraged to participate in a range of performance opportunities from theatre spaces to outdoor and cultural festivals that take place through out the year for all the dance forms.
About the Styles
Bharatanatyam
The practise of bharatanatyam evolved in a spiritual, social environment in the temples of Southern India. A classical dance style, it is characterised by its precise geometry and grounded body position. A perfect blend of the abstract movement (nritta) and the story telling narrative (nritya) – eloquent hand gestures, intricate foot work and emotive expression mirror the music in the south Indian classical carnatic style.
Bharatanatyam’s origins can be traced to the Tamil literary texts of the Sangam age (500 BC onwards). It was reenergised and restructured in late 18th century and again in early 20 century from near extinction.
Rukmini Devi, one of the leading figures in the revival of bharatanatyam established Kalakshetra in Chennai, India. The institute was set up to teach and research the dance form and music. Anusha, Beeja’s director, is an alumnus of this prestigious college.
Bharatantyam, now, is one of the major international classical forms.
Kathak
Kathak, a mesmerising dance style that originated in North India. Known for its intricate footwork, graceful spins, and storytelling through expressive movements, Kathak is a blend of history, tradition, and artistry. Join our Kathak classes at Beeja to immerse yourself in this captivating dance form and discover the beauty of its movements.
Folk and Bollywood
India and its South Asian neighbouring countries are home to many folk and semi classical forms. Unlike the classical forms they are practised socially. The movements can range from simple to sophisticated. The music and the story play an integral part to the dance. They are suitable for those who wish to enjoy practising Indian dance styles without getting into the rigour that the classical forms demand.
A somewhat controversial term, ‘Bollywood’ dance refers to the dance that is integral to the Indian film genre. The name became synonymous with the Bombay, now Mumbai, film industry where the majority of the films are made. But there are many regional film making centre in India but the name is a shorthand for the uniquely Indian film element, the dance. Bollywood dance is the amalgamation of a huge variety of dance forms and styles ranging from the classical to folk dance forms as well as international and contemporary dance styles.
Its infectious joy and unique mix of techniques have found place in the repertoire of many major international popular artists and recognition like the Oscars.
Bharatanatyam Classes
Bharatanatyam Grade 1 – 12 years+
Time |
Every Sunday from 9.30-10.30am Current Term – Autumn/Winter 2024 |
Location | Krishna Avanti School, Croydon, CR0 4HA |
Bharatanatyam for kids 5 years+
Time |
Every Sunday from 10.30-11.30am Current Term – Autumn/Winter 2024 |
Location | Krishna Avanti School, Croydon, CR0 4HA |
Bharatanatyam Repertoire
Time |
Every Sunday from 11.30am to 12.30pm Current Term – Autumn/Winter 2024 |
Location | Krishna Avanti School, Croydon, CR0 4HA |
Bharatanatyam Grade 2 – Age 12 years onwards
Time |
Every Wed from 5-6pm Current Term – Autumn/Winter 2024 |
Location | Coulsdon Mandir |
Bharatanatyam for Kids
Time |
Every Sunday from 3.30-4.30pm Current Term – Autumn/Winter 2024 |
Location | JW3, Finchley |
Kathak
Kathak for beginners – adults
Time |
Every Sunday from 9.30-10.30am Current Term – Autumn/Winter 2024 |
Location | Krishna Avanti School, Croydon, CR0 4HA |
Kathak for beginners – kids
Time |
Every Sunday from 10.30-11.30am Current Term – Autumn/Winter 2024 |
Location | Krishna Avanti School, Croydon, CR0 4HA |
Folk & Bollywood Classes
Folk & Bollywood for kids up to 6 years
Time |
Every Sunday from 9.45-10.30am Current Term – Autumn/Winter 2024 |
Location | Krishna Avanti School, Croydon, CR0 4HA |
Folk & Bollywood for adults
Time |
Every Sunday from 10.30-11.30am Current Term – Autumn/Winter 2024 |
Location | Krishna Avanti School, Croydon, CR0 4HA |
Folk & Bollywood for 6+ years
Time |
Every Sunday from 11.30am-1212.30pm Current Term – Autumn/Winter 2024 |
Location | Krishna Avanti School, Croydon, CR0 4HA |
All Abilities Dance Class
Time |
Every Monday from 1.30 to 2.30pm Current Term – Autumn/Winter 2024
|
Location | CVA, Centrale shoping center, Upper mall |
Not sure? Try 3 classes before you commit
If you would like to try the classes before you commit for a full term we offer a 3 class taster.
If you continue with the classes we will adjust the payment to reflect the full term fee.