Grades 1 and 2, ages 6 to 10
Junior grades
Junior grades are where every dancer begins. The class is built around the basic steps, a few hand gestures at a time and the count of the rhythm, which the class says aloud together before it dances it. There is nothing to memorize ahead of time and nothing to buy on the first day.
In a class
The basic steps, one at a time
A few hand gestures a class
Saying and clapping the count
A short piece for the studio recital
What a class is like
- 01
Step 1: Greet and warm up
The class greets the teacher together and warms up the ankles, knees and hips with simple movements.
- 02
Step 2: Say the count
The teacher says the rhythm aloud and the class claps it, then says it again while stepping.
- 03
Step 3: The basic steps
The class practices a set of adavus in the bent-knee position, slowly and then faster.
- 04
Step 4: Hands and eyes
A few hand gestures, with what each one means, and where the eyes go.
- 05
Step 5: Bow and cool down
A short sequence from the term's piece, then a quiet cool-down and a bow to the teacher.
Before you come
What to wear
A fitted top and leggings or cotton pants, so the teacher can see the knees and feet. Bare feet or socks at first, and hair tied back. Ankle bells come later, when the teacher says.
Class length and size
Classes run an hour. Classes are of up to 10 dancers, so the teacher can see each dancer's feet.
Your teacher and the next grade
Vidya or Madhav teaches each class. When the steps are steady and the counts are clear, the teacher talks with the family about the next grade.
See the grades
Book a placement visit for a junior grade
Book on our registration page, or call the studio and ask for the teacher.