whom we are
About Manaswini Sridhar
At the tender age of nine, during her Arangetram, Manaswini had the rare privilege of being blessed by the Great Danseuse Naattiya Peroli Padmini when she said she could see a ”Little Shobana” in her.
Endowed with a sprightly stage presence, Manaswini Sridhar Balakumar brings to her audience a refreshing presentation of Bharathanatyam, exhibited through her strong sense of rhythm, scintillating nritta and lively abhinaya.
Her abilities were recognized very early and she has been the recipient of numerous awards at both interschool and intercollegiate levels, apart from having won all round appreciation and accolades from the press and public.
On one of her Bharatanatyam performances during chennai music season, THE HINDU said, “With single minded focus, Manaswini quickly established herself as a dancer with excellent timing.expressive face, supple body, her natural stage persona translated into easy and effective elaborations” .
ADAVUS
learn Adavus that form the foundation of Bharatanatyam.
NRITTA
introduced to Nritta pieces where the complex rhythmic patterns are taught.
ABHINAYA
introduced to Abhinaya pieces combined with rhythmic patterns.
WELCOME TO
Established in 2022, Spandana Classical Arts shares the beauty, discipline, and cultural richness of Indian classical dance with the next generation.
Our Bharatanatyam classes offer structured, progressive training for students who wish to learn this ancient Indian classical art form with commitment and joy.
dance with us
Our Classes
Spandana Classical arts offering to the world of Bharatanatyam dancers, to help hone their talent, skill and training into excellence and perfection.
Beginner
A beginner will learn Adavus that form the foundation of Bharatanatyam.
Class Duration - 1 hour/week
intermediate
The students will be introduced to Nritta pieces where the complex
rhythmic patterns are taught.
Class Duration - 1 hour/week
Advanced
The students will be introduced to Abhinaya pieces combined with rhythmic patterns.
Class Duration - Saturdays 7.30 am - 8.30 am PST
Adult Beginner
Adult beginner students will learn the foundational Adavus of Bharatanatyam.
Class Duration - 1 hour/week
Creative Movement
Designed for children ages 5 and up, this joyful 45-minute class introduces the foundations of Bharatanatyam.
From Age - 5 and above
Frequently Asked Questions
Children may begin Bharatanatyam classes from age 5 and above. Placement is based on the child’s age, readiness, ability to participate in a group setting, and class availability.
No. Our beginner classes are designed for children with little or no previous dance experience. Students learn foundational posture, rhythm, coordination, basic adavus (steps), hand gestures, and simple dance combinations at a supportive pace.
Yes. Adult beginners are welcome. No prior dance experience is required, and adults returning to Bharatanatyam after a break are also encouraged to join. Classes focus on building technique, rhythm, flexibility, coordination, confidence, and an understanding of the art form.
Spandana Classical Arts offers Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Bharatanatyam classes for children and adults, subject to enrollment and class availability. Intermediate and Advanced students may be asked to attend a trial or placement class so that they can be guided to the most suitable level.
Students should wear comfortable, dance-appropriate clothing that allows free movement.
Children may wear a salwar or long top with leggings. Adult students may wear comfortable Bharatanatyam practice attire or other modest dancewear. Students typically dance barefoot, so socks are not required.
Classes are primarily offered in person in Bothell, Washington. Online or hybrid learning options may be available for select classes, Please contact us for current availability.
Regular home practice is an important part of learning Bharatanatyam. Students are encouraged to review the movements, rhythm exercises, and choreography taught in class for at least 15–20 minutes, two to three times per week. As students move into intermediate and advanced levels, practice expectations may increase based on their repertoire, performance preparation, and individual training goals.
move your body
dancing connects your body and soul
An excerpt from the popular tamil padam Adhuvum Solluval.
Dance Gurus
- “LITTLE SHOBANA” by Naattiya Peroli, Late Padmini
- “Naattiya Thilakam” by Dr.Saraswathi Ramanathan
- “A Small wonder” by Kalaimamani Maharajapuram Srinivasan
- “Siragaddikkum Pattaampuchi” by Dr.Thamizhachi Thangapandiyan
- “Her performance is infectious” – Cleveland V.V Sundaram
Classes at Spandana:
- Online group/individual Classes are conducted through Skype/Teams
- In-person group classes are based in Bothell, WA
- Teaching pace will be modified depending on the grasping capacity of the student
- Every class is of 1 hour duration and 1 class per week.
- Kids (6+), Adults (20+) can register for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced lessons.
dance at any age
for all ages
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