Bharatanatyam: Revival and colleges offering admission in Bharatanatyam courses

“The dance can reveal everything mysterious that is hidden in music, and it has the additional merit of being human and palpable. Dancing is poetry with arms and legs.” – Charles Baudelaire

Bharatanatyam is one of the classical dance forms in India. The dance form is popular since the ages. Bharatanatyam is the ancient classical form which is now accessible to everyone. Anyone interested in this dance form Bharatanatyam can pursue their passion by enrolling themselves in the courses designed for Bharatanatyam. There are a number of colleges offering Bharatanatyam courses in India. Candidates can pursue the course as per their interest available at different levels. Bharatanatyam, can be considered the mother of all Indian classical dances. 

What is Bharatanatyam?

The classical dance is a form of an illustrative tale of Hindu religious themes and spiritual ideas which are emoted by a dancer in the form of footwork and hand gestures. Its repertoire includes Nrita, Nritya and Natya. With the Indian culture reviving Bharatanatyam, the classical dance is now being taken up as a career. Professional dancers now choreograph students as its aura is now spread globally. Various dance shows and theatre artists around the world have inculcated the Indian classical dance in their performances.

With the revival, various colleges offer admission in Bharatanatyam courses. To pursue a course in Bharatanatyam, your talent, passion and desire is judged. Along with theory explaining the history, methods and the understanding, Bharatanatyam is taught in a manner which is learnt to perfection.

Colleges offering Bharatanatyam courses in India

Students can go through the following colleges which offer undergraduate, postgraduate and diploma in Bharatanatyam courses.

Reva University – School of Performing Arts

Reva University’s School of Performing Arts offers students undergraduate, postgraduate and diploma courses in Bharatanatyam. The School of Performing Arts also offers students admission in Music and Theatre as well. With the need for professional choreographers in high demand, students can fulfil their dream by pursuing a career based on their talent. Reva University also conducts short term courses abroad and semester exchange programmes as well. For admission, students need to firstly meet the eligibility criteria and apply. The courses offered in Bharatanatyam are as follows:

Admission Procedure: The duration of the course is of two years (4 semesters) and the selection process is such that candidates need to give an entrance exam for Master in Performing Arts (MPA) and PhD.

AIMS Institute, Bangalore

Students who are fresh out of school and aim to take up Bharatanatyam, AIMS Institute in Bangalore offers students a three-year Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Performing Arts. The course includes a combination of music, dance and drama practices along with theory and practicals. Students can opt to specialize in the following categories:

Over a course of six semesters, students can opt to specialize in Bharatanatyam. The college conducts and hosts various activities like fests, seminars, cultural conferences, internships and opportunities for students to display their talents.

Admission Process: Students who are interested in pursuing a BA in Performing Arts will need to firstly meet the eligibility criteria which is to have passed in PUC or any other equivalent examination with a minimum of 55% marks secured in their XII. Students will have to apply online on the official website of the university.

Alva’s College, Moodbidri

Alva’s College, affiliated to the Mangalore University, offers graduates admission in MA in Bharatanatyam. The college provides learners with knowledge and skills which are required to prepare for a professional career as a Bharatanatyam classical dancer. Through the postgraduate programme in Bharatanatyam, students are trained to acquire different types of practice like basic of adavu, exercises, knowledge about music, thala, culture, life skills and choreography skills.

Admission Process: For admission in Alva’s College, candidates will have to firstly apply online on the official website of the college. The candidate needs to be a graduate and should have done Bharatanatyam in school or graduation.

University Fine Arts College, Mysore

The University of Fine Arts College, Mysore, is one of the renowned universities in the state and when it comes to performing arts, the university leaves no stone unturned. The University of Mysore offers students admission in undergraduate and postgraduate performing arts courses which are offered at the varsity. Candidates can go through the courses offered:

Admission Process: The admission process is as such that candidates need to apply online on the official website of the university. Candidates who are applying for BPA, need to have done their class XII from a recognised board and should have secured a minimum of 55%. Candidates who are applying for a postgraduate course, need to have done their BA (in any subjects) and will have to appear for an entrance test.

Dr.M.V. Shetty Group of Colleges

The Dr.M.V. Shetty Group of Colleges offers students a variety and wide range of programmes and courses which are offered in different fields such as physiotherapy, nursing, social work, education and arts and sciences. The Sarsa College of Arts and Science purely focuses on dance and education. The Sarsa College of Arts and Colleges offers students postgraduate diploma in Bharatanatyam and Carnatic Music. Affiliated to the Mangalore University, students need to follow an admission procedure. The courses offered are as follows:

Admission Procedure: For admission in the postgraduate diploma course in Bharatanatyam, candidates will have to apply online on the official website along with a list of attested copies. Candidates need to meet the eligibility criteria set by the college. Once the candidate has applied, the applicant will be notified.

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