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18 Years
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South Indian Classical Dance Academy in Fremont
Founded in 2008, Nritanjali Dance Academy Dance Academy has dedicated itself to preserving and advancing the rich traditions of South Indian classical dance through systematic training in Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam. Our unique blend of Kalamandalam and Kalakshetra styles emphasizes technical precision, expressive storytelling, and graceful movement, creating a comprehensive learning experience for students of all ages. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Bindu Pratap, a disciple of renowned gurus, we have cultivated award-winning artists who have excelled at national platforms like the Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival and World Arts West. Our affiliation with Potti Sreeramulu University through Silicon Andhra since 2017 enables us to offer academic programs in Bharatanatyam, bridging traditional artistry with formal education. Through productions like 'Dakshina' and charitable initiatives such as Nartana Malika for Kerala flood relief, we combine artistic excellence with community service.

Our students consistently achieve recognition from institutions like the National Young Arts Foundation, demonstrating our commitment to nurturing both technical mastery and artistic expression. With over 15 years of experience, we maintain rigorous standards of authenticity while adapting to contemporary educational needs. Our curriculum integrates abhinaya (expression), nritta (pure dance), and natya (dramatic storytelling), ensuring a holistic understanding of these ancient art forms. We prioritize personalized instruction through private lessons and structured group classes, preparing students for professional performance and cultural appreciation. Our annual events, including Arangetrams and collaborative productions, showcase student achievements while contributing to the Bay Area's vibrant arts scene.
Services
Bharatanatyam Classes Mohiniyattam Lessons Private Dance Instruction Arangetram Events Cultural Workshops Performance Training University-Level Programs Charity Productions
Details
  • Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
  • We offer authentic training in Kalamandalam and Kalakshetra styles of South Indian dance
  • Our students have received awards at national festivals like Cleveland Thyagaraja
  • We combine traditional artistry with university-affiliated academic programs
  • Our artistic director has performed at prestigious multi-cultural platforms nationwide
  • We organize community-benefiting productions and charitable fundraising events
Services
Bharatanatyam Classes
Traditional Bharatanatyam instruction combining Kalamandalam and Kalakshetra styles. Focus on technical precision, rhythmic footwork, and expressive storytelling. Students learn abhinaya (expression) and nritta (pure dance) through structured curriculum.
Mohiniyattam Lessons
Graceful Mohiniyattam training emphasizing lasya (feminine grace) and lyrical movements. Curriculum includes Kerala's traditional dance techniques and cultural context. Suitable for students seeking expressive, fluid dance forms.
Private Dance Instruction
Personalized lessons tailored to individual skill levels and goals. Focused attention on technique refinement, performance preparation, or accelerated learning. Available for both Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam students.
Arangetram Events
Professional-grade debut productions showcasing student achievements. Full production support including choreography, music, costumes, and stage management. Recent events held in 2025 featured advanced students' solo performances.
Cultural Workshops
Educational workshops exploring South Indian dance history, costume design, and musical accompaniment. Designed for schools, community centers, and cultural organizations seeking immersive arts experiences.
People
Bindu Pratap
Artistic Director
Disciple of Guru Meera Nambiar and Kalamandalam Kalyani kutti Amma. Founder of Nritanjali Dance Academy Dance Academy. Recipient of national recognition for teaching excellence. Choreographer of acclaimed production 'Dakshina'.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We specialize in Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam, two classical South Indian dance forms.
Do you offer classes for beginners?
Yes, we provide structured training for all skill levels from beginner to advanced.
Are there performance opportunities?
Students participate in annual events including Arangetrams and collaborative productions.
Can I take private lessons?
Private instruction is available for personalized training and accelerated progress.
Do you have university affiliations?
We partner with Potti Sreeramulu University through Silicon Andhra for academic programs.
Are there charitable initiatives?
We organize benefit performances for causes like Kerala flood relief and education programs.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Srinivas Tatikonda
Nov 12, 2020 Report
Class size is too big. Around 21-22 kids in one class on Saturday doesn't make sense. I don't think kids will get the attention needed to improve or who are lagging.
Prasad Mangat
Dec 28, 2019 Report
Our daughter has been learning dance from Bindu Pratap, a very talented, dedicated and loving teacher. After every class a parent takes videos of what was taught so kids can practice that before the next class. Bindu pays a lot of attention to each student and is the key to her students doing so well in all the Bay Area classical dance competitions. Bindu is simply the best and we would say you are lucky if you can be a Nritanjali student.
Rethi Anoop
Jul 04, 2019 Report
Bindu Pratap is a very loving and dedicated teacher. Her passion to teach Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam is amazing. My daughter has been learning dance with her for the past 7 years and she loves the way Bindu teaches the dances very thoroughly. We are very thankful to have Bindu as our daughters dance teacher. I would recommend Nritanjali Dance Academy located in Fremont for anyone who is planning for their kids to learn Indian classical dance. This is one of the best dance schools in the Bay Area.
Hareendranath Kattana
Jun 02, 2019 Report
It is simply an honor for me to share a review to the source of divinity - Nritanjali Dance Academy! No words will do justice to highlight the profound influence the school has had with the divine grace of its esteemed Guru, Smt. Bindu Pratap, on my daughter. My daughter was truly blessed with this grace the last 10 years culminating in her memorable Arangetram earlier this year! The school from its modest beginning is one of the most sought after dance academies in the Bay Area and beyond! Even though, it has gained significant popularity, Bindu's grace and dedication to children has maintained