Natyantharanga-KaranaDance, music and yoga since 1987

Bengaluru · since 1987

Dance, taught the gurukula way.

Natyantharanga and Karana teach classical dance, vocal and instrumental music, and yoga under Guru Shubha Dhananjay, with rigorous training in the ambiance of a gurukula.

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Two houses, one gurukula

Natyantharanga students performing a Bharatanatyam group item on stage

Natyantharanga

Since 1987

An institute of Indian classical dances. Shubha Dhananjay has been its director since 1987.

Dance courses
Musicians and vocalists accompanying a performance at Karana

Karana

Founded 2006

Training in vocal music, instrumental music and yoga, alongside classical dance.

Music and yoga courses

Students train rigorously in their chosen art, with a systematic approach towards perfection. Students and teachers from abroad visit every year for intensive sessions.

Feel the rhythm

Every Bharatanatyam student begins by learning to keep time. This is Adi tala, the eight-beat cycle at the heart of much practice.

Gold-filled beats are claps, plain beats are finger counts, dashed beats are waves. Tap any beat to play it, or press “Hear the tala” for sound.

Start learning with us
Adi tala, an eight-beat rhythm cycle Eight beats in a circle, each with a syllable. The beats are grouped 4, 2 and 2: a clap and three finger counts, then two claps each followed by a wave.

Guru Shubha Dhananjay

A Bharatanatyam performer, guru, choreographer and organiser in one person.

Her recitals and dance ballets have been staged at prestigious platforms across India and around the world. She is known for choreography that blends traditional and contemporary styles.

Read her story

Thought of the day

Yogah karmasu kaushalam.

Yoga is skill in action.

Bhagavad Gita 2.50

Moments from the stage

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Dancers in pink silk costumes in a group tableau on a festival stage
Dancer as a many-armed goddess in a dance ballet
Group of dancers in teal costumes mid-performance

What we teach

All courses and services
BharatanatyamAdavus, mudras, abhinaya and repertoire Vocal musicSwaras, ragas, talas and compositions Instrumental musicTechnique, rhythm and compositions YogaAsanas, breathing, balance and concentration Other classical danceTechnique, rhythm, expression and repertoire Workshops and intensivesChoreography and performance skills

Honoured across the country and abroad

For nearly four decades of performing, teaching and organising, Guru Shubha Dhananjay has received recognition from a university in Canada, cultural academies and community organisations across Karnataka and India.

  • FCHS Fellowship Award, Montreal University, Canada
  • Nrithya Shivali, Mumbai
  • Karnataka Jyothi
  • Vishwa Manya Kannadiga
  • Nrithya Nipuna
  • Ideal Teacher Award

See all 17 honours

Come and meet us

Visit the institute, watch a class and talk to us about the right course.

Enquire about classes