So you’ve decided. Your child is starting Bharatanatyam!
Exciting, right?
Also slightly terrifying?
“What do they wear? What do we bring? Should I stay and watch? What if my child is the only one who doesn’t know anything?”
Relax. I’ve got you.
After guiding 100+ families through their first class, here’s everything you need to know.
One Week Before: The “Why Are We Doing This?” Conversation
Don’t skip this part.
Many parents bring kids to class without explaining what they’re signing up for. Then three months later: “I don’t want to go anymore!”
Sit down and explain:
What Bharatanatyam is: “It’s not like the dance you see in movies. It’s traditional, classical Indian dance that’s been passed down for thousands of years. You’re going to learn something special.”
What commitment means: “This isn’t a one-day workshop. It’s like joining a sports team – you practice regularly, even when you’re tired. You don’t quit after two classes if it feels hard.”
What they’ll learn: “You’ll learn special steps, hand gestures that mean things, facial expressions, and stories from our culture. Your body will get stronger. You’ll learn discipline.”
The respect aspect: “Your teacher has trained for many years. In Indian tradition, we treat teachers with great respect. You’ll say ‘Namaste,’ follow instructions quickly, and stay quiet during class.”
For younger kids (6-9 years):
Remember how you wanted to be like the dancers we saw at that wedding? You’re going to learn exactly that! But it takes a long time – maybe 7-8 years. That’s a long time, right? So we need to be sure you’re ready to practice regularly, even when it feels hard. Are you ready?
For older kids (10-14 years):
Classical dance is different from what you see on Instagram or in movies. It’s traditional, disciplined, and takes years to master. You’ll need to commit to regular classes and daily practice. Some parts will be boring – just repetition. But if you stick with it, you’ll learn something very few people know. You up for the challenge?
The Shopping List (Keep It Simple!)
What You Need to Get:
✅ Academy Uniform – Purchase from us per your child’s size (we’ll guide you on sizing)
✅ Hair Supplies (for long hair):
- Strong hair ties (thick ones that won’t snap)
- Bobby pins (10-15 pieces)
- Hair must be tied back tightly – practice the style at home first!
✅ Water Bottle:
- Label with child’s name
- Fill with plain water (no juice/cold drinks)
✅ Small Hand Towel – They WILL sweat!
✅ Small Bag – To keep everything organized
What NOT to Buy Yet:
❌ Costume, Ghungroo (ankle bells), Jewelry – We’ll tell you when these are needed