Class Room Policies & Guidelines:

Iswarya Arun has been teaching Bharatanatyam to students in Columbia, SC. Over the years, she has trained and developed hundreds of students into elegant dancers. As artistic director of the Naatiyalaya Academy, she has provided them with opportunities to perform on national and international venues. Students are inspired to continue the tradition of this beautiful art form by growing into professional dancers and teachers after performing their Arangetrams (sole dance debut).

GENERAL INFORMATION: The year is divided into two quarters and two semesters.

• Winter Quarter runs from January to March
  
• Spring Quarter runs from April to June
  
• Summer Semester from July to September
  
• Fall Semester runs from October to December
  

Class Rules:

1. The minimum age to begin dance lessons is 5-years old  is optimum.
2. Dance classes are one-hour long and including prayers and warm up.
3. Parents are not allowed in classes unless requested by the instructor or to video tape during the last 10 minutes of class.
4. Parents and students can video-tape STUDENTS to support learning.
5. No chewing gum, eat or drink during class, other than drinking water.
   

Classroom Attire:

IT IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL THAT THE CORRECT DANCE CLOTHES BE WORN IN ALL CLASSES. If a student comes to class wearing anything other than proper dancewear, they are permitted to sit and observe the lesson only.

1. Hair pulled up in pony tail or French braid. Hair secured away from face
2.  Beginners must wear salwar/kamees or churdar kamees with a dupata to tie around the shoulder and at the waist.
3. It is important for the instructor to see the students’ feet while dancing. Please make that pants/leggings/salwars/churidars do not fall past the ankles.
   
4. All Intermediate & advanced students must wear half sarees to class.
5. Rules are made to be followed, not broken.

CONTACT INFORMATION/WAIVER FORMS: If you have not filled out and returned a Contact Information/Waiver form, it will be available on the first day of class. Fill it out completely, and return it to one of the dance instructors. Contact information is maintained in a database that is used to communicate information on class schedules, practice times/locations, and upcoming events. If you contact information changes, please download a blank form from the web site, fill it out, and submit it to your instructor as soon as possible.

PRACTICE: Students must practice regularly to keep up and make progress. The recommended practice rules are posted on the website. The practice log has been updated and is also posted on the web site.

ANNUAL PERFORMANCE: Naatiyalaya hosts an annual performance for enrolled students every year during the Spring Quarter. Student participation is required. Bharatanatyam is a performance art and dancing on stage represents a critical part of the learning process and is a gauge for progress. Preparing for and participating in the annual performance helps students grow in the following areas:

1.  Appreciating the dynamic of dancing with students from other locations
2.  Learning from other students and instructors
3.  Observing the learning process of others, junior or senior to the student
4.  Forming closer bonds with fellow students
5.  Becoming more proficient at donning hair/flowers, make-up, costume and jewelry
6.  Understanding the logistics and technical components of a stage performance
   
   

ARANGETRAMS: All Naatiyalaya students and parents are invited to Arangetrams (including newcomers). Parents and students mail out announcements but all are invited whether they get an announcement or not.