2026 Dance Workshop Track 2: Advanced Varnam
This year's Varnam Masterclass will be led by the esteemed Nrithya Rathnakara Dr Narthaki Nataraj an internationally acclaimed Bharatanatyam dancer, teacher, and choreographer renowned for her extraordinary contributions to the field of classical Indian dance. She is a disciple of the legendary K.P. Kittappa Pillai, a direct descendant of the Thanjavur Quartet, making her an ambassador of the Thanjavur tradition of Bharatanatyam.
Participants in this year’s varnam masterclass will also be supported by dance coach Aarthi Narain, a senior disciple of Dr. Narthaki Nataraj.
Curriculum
This program will include three compositions including the main varnam to create a full, engaging and complete performance for participants to use in their repertoire. Dancers will gain exposure and insight into the Thanjavur traditional dance style, including musicality, beautiful choreography of dances, and performance design.
| Composition | Description |
|---|---|
|
Sollukkattu Tala: Sandha talam |
A dance composition in a unique 9-beat rhythm. It has a pleasing mathematical structure. It will also include a Viruttham selected from 7th century Saiva literature. |
|
Varnam Raga: Ragamalika Tala: Adi Composer: R. Ashwath Narayanan |
This varnam, depicting delightful incidents about the glory of the eight incarnations of Goddess Lakshmi, was composed by the esteemed Carnatic musician Ashwath Narayanan. The choreography is in Dr Narthaki Nataraj’s Thanjavur traditional choreography style, and includes rare Jatis from her guru, K.P. Kittappa Pillai. |
|
Sthothra Malai |
A closing dance piece in the Thanjavur style. It is a special dance used in the Managalam section of a performance. |
Eligibility
This program is designed for advanced students who have significant dance and performance experience and are minimum 17 years of age (calculated as of March 1, 2026).
Program Timeline
- Early-bird Registration deadline Tuesday, October 21 at 11:59pm ET
- Registration deadline Tuesday, October 28 at 11:59pm ET
- Classes begin Sunday November 2 and run through early March
- Weekly Timing
- Sunday 8:30pm ET
- Thursday 8:30pm ET
- In-person rehearsals will be held in Cleveland on Wednesday Apr 8 – Thursday Apr 9
- Performance will be on Friday, April 10
Fees
Fees include instruction, choreography, virtual workshops, digital material, platform access, program administration, rehearsals, and performance at the Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival 2026. Fees are non-refundable and in USD.
- Varnam Masterclass — all 3 compositions US $2,500 ($2,300 for early bird applicants)
- Deadline is Tuesday October 28 at 11:59pm ET; early bird deadline is Tuesday October 21
Application
Apply for the Workshop by clicking the button below to fill out the form and submit your audition video.
