Kala School of Indian Classical Dance was founded in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, by Sujata Nair-Mulloth. The main objective of the school is to train students in the art and discipline of Bharata Natyam and to popularize Indian Culture. Many of the students who train here will go on to be professional dancers and teachers. It is important that both, those who pursue careers in dance and those who leave dance, possess sound education, in the fundamentals of the art form, that will serve them in the future. It is with this in mind that Kala School offers a comprehensive three tiered curriculum based on the rigorous training program followed in India. It aims to achieve a disciplined technique focused on flexibility, co-ordination, grace, poise, and strength.
The course ensures that all students have a strong basis of the dance style and of Indian Culture. At the completion of the course, the students are encouraged to perform their “Arangetram” -debut performance.
Classes run from August through June. Each year all students participate in an annual recital. The recitals present items from the traditional repertoire, and include dances choreographed by Sujata Nair-Mulloth. This gives students exposure to aspects of choreography and production and also teaches them to use the traditional movement vocabulary in new and innovative ways.
Classes offered for Beginners and Advanced students
Students are taught the following aspects of Indian Classical Dance:
Nritta: pure dance, technique include basic “adavus” (foot work) and movement exercises
Abhinaya: Facial expression
Nritya: Rhythm and expression
Shiro Bheda: Movements of the head
Hastas: (mudras) Hand gestures
Drishti Bheda: Movements of the eyes
Beginning with the basic “adavus” or steps, each student is expected to complete the “Margam” (course) which comprises the following dances:
- Pushpanjali
- Allarippu
- Jatiswaram
- Sabdam
- Varnam
- Padam (3)
- Tillana