Business Details
46 Years
experience
Indian Classical Dance School in San Jose
Founded in 1980, Abhinaya Dance Company has been dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Indian classical dance through rigorous instruction and captivating performances. Our mission centers on Bharatanatyam, a traditional South Indian dance form, while also exploring contemporary themes that resonate with modern audiences. Over four decades, we have trained generations of dancers, with over 170 students completing their Arangetram solo debut performances. Our artistic director, Mythili Kumar, has choreographed groundbreaking productions like 'Gandhi The Mahatma' and 'Draupadi- the unsung warrior,' which have been showcased nationally and internationally.We collaborate with renowned artists and organizations, including SJ Taiko and Gamelan Sekar Jaya, and have received prestigious grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and California Arts Council. Our classes in San Jose and Monte Sereno cater to students of all ages, emphasizing technical precision, artistic expression, and cultural understanding. With a legacy of innovation, we continue to bridge tradition and modernity through dance education and community engagement.
Services
Bharatanatyam Classes
Arangetram Training
Cultural Performances
Online Instructional Videos
Community Workshops
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of expertise in Bharatanatyam instruction and performance.
- Our faculty includes internationally recognized choreographers and instructors.
- We provide structured Arangetram training with individualized attention.
- Our productions combine traditional techniques with contemporary social themes.
- We maintain partnerships with cultural organizations for collaborative performances.
What people say
Brilliant synchronization
Phenomenal choreography
Breathtaking performances
Community engagement
Cultural authenticity
Services
Bharatanatyam Classes
Structured Bharatanatyam classes for all skill levels emphasize technical precision, traditional repertoire, and expressive storytelling. Our curriculum combines foundational training with performance preparation, fostering artistic growth in a supportive environment. Classes are available in San Jose and Monte Sereno.
Arangetram Training
Comprehensive Arangetram training includes personalized choreography, music composition, and stage production. We guide students through the entire process of preparing their solo debut performance, ensuring mastery of technical and expressive elements while honoring traditional standards.
Cultural Performances
Our performances blend traditional Bharatanatyam with contemporary themes, exploring narratives from Indian epics and modern social issues. Productions like 'Gandhi The Mahatma' and 'Draupadi- the unsung warrior' showcase innovative choreography and cross-cultural collaborations with musicians and artists.
Online Instructional Videos
Curated instructional videos provide accessible learning tools for Bharatanatyam students worldwide. These resources cover fundamental techniques, traditional compositions, and performance insights, supporting both in-person and remote dance education.
Community Workshops
Interactive workshops introduce Indian classical dance to diverse audiences through demonstrations, participatory sessions, and cultural storytelling. These programs aim to foster cross-cultural understanding and community engagement through the art of Bharatanatyam.
People
Mythili Kumar
Artistic Director
Founder of Abhinaya Dance Company in 1980, Mythili Kumar is a renowned Bharatanatyam choreographer and instructor. She has created over 20 full-length productions and received multiple grants for her contributions to Indian classical dance.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We specialize in Bharatanatyam, a South Indian classical dance form, while incorporating traditional and contemporary themes.
Are classes available for beginners?
Yes, we offer structured classes for new students at beginner and post-Arangetram levels in San Jose and Mountain View.
How can I attend performances?
Public performances are listed on our website, with events held at venues like VPAC and CPAA in the San Jose area.
Do you offer online learning options?
Yes, we provide instructional videos and virtual resources to complement in-person training for Bharatanatyam students.
What community programs are available?
We offer workshops, cultural events, and volunteer opportunities to engage the community through Indian classical dance education.
Reviews (1)
Prema Ranganathan
May 19, 2019
Report
Abhinaya Dance Company has been in existence for the past 40 years. It serves as a school of South Indian Classical Dance called Bharatanatyam as well a company that showcases dance productions to the community to enlighten them on this dance form thereby invoking bliss in the individual.
