Shalu performing a Kathak chakkar

Discover the joy of Kathak.

Classical Kathak training for children, teens and adults, with personal guidance in footwork, rhythm and expression.

School of Kathak Dance · Bengaluru
The spirit of NrityaShrm

An interest takes root. A lifelong journey begins.

Every student begins with a reason to dance: curiosity, a love of music, or the wish to reconnect with an art form. At NrityaShrm, we nurture that interest through patient teaching and regular practice.

As students learn, they develop rhythm, balance and expression, along with focus and confidence. Progress takes time. Each class builds the foundation; practice between classes helps it grow. Students can also pursue a recognised eight-year diploma, with annual examinations conducted by external examiners.

Our name brings together Nritya (dance) and Shrm (effort). That belief also finds expression in our motto:

उद्यमेन हि सिध्यन्ति सर्व कार्याणि Through effort alone, one attains excellence in all work.
रुचि

Ruchi Interest

The curiosity to begin, the joy of the first spin and the delight of the first sound of ghungroo.

साधना

Sadhana Practice

The discipline of regular practice, with patient guidance and attention to detail.

सिद्धि

Siddhi Excellence

Natural flow, grace, a sense of rhythm and confidence on stage, earned through consistent effort.

NrityaShrm students writing their annual Kathak diploma examination
Annual diploma examinations
Shalu, founder of NrityaShrm, beside photographs of her gurus Shalu presenting a certificate at a dance event
Meet your guru

Shalu

Tradition, interpretation and artistry

Shalu began learning dance at a young age and pursued her formal Kathak education through Prayag Sangeet Samiti, followed by further training with Bangiya Sangeet Kala Kendra. Her training draws on the traditions of both the Lucknow and Jaipur gharanas.

Creativity is central to her work. She enjoys exploring how a story, emotion or musical composition can find expression through Kathak. Her approach preserves the integrity of the classical form while allowing room for fresh interpretation and individual expression.

Shalu has performed on many stages and judged dance events. A lifelong student herself, she continues to learn from senior gurus and brings that evolving understanding into her teaching.

She founded NrityaShrm to nurture dancers with strong classical foundations and the confidence to think creatively. Her teaching combines disciplined practice with patient encouragement, helping students find meaning in what they perform and develop their own connection with Kathak, as an art and a path to inner growth.

The training

The foundations of Kathak

Students learn the footwork, movements, rhythm and expression of Kathak, building technical skill alongside an understanding of the stories and compositions they perform.

Students in practice
ततकार

Tatkaar

Footwork

Clarity and control in footwork, developed through rhythmic patterns and practice at different speeds.

हस्तक

Hastak and Mudra

Movement and gesture

Hand movements and gestures, coordinated with posture and body movement to develop grace and clarity.

चक्कर

Chakkar

Turns and balance

Controlled turns, balance and coordination, developed progressively as students gain confidence and technical ability.

अभिनय

Abhinaya

Expression and storytelling

Interpreting stories, emotions and poetry through the eyes, face and body, with an understanding of their meaning.

ताल

Taal and Laya

Rhythm and tempo

Understanding rhythmic cycles, reciting bols and developing the ability to recognise, maintain and work with tempo.

मंच

Stage Presence

From practice to performance

Bringing technique and expression together through choreography, group rehearsals and preparation for the stage.

Classes

Batches for every age and level

Admission is based on a short evaluation of each student. This helps us understand their age, experience and goals, and place them in the right batch.

Young Kathak students performing on stage
Ages 5 to 8

Little Feet

A joyful first step into Kathak. Basic footwork, rhythm games, simple hastak and short dance pieces.

Junior Kathak students with Shalu, HSR Layout
Ages 9 to 15

Junior Kathak

Structured training in tatkaar, chakkar, toda and tukda, with growing focus on abhinaya and performance.

Senior Kathak students performing on stage
Teens and adults

Senior and Adult

For beginners and returning dancers. Classical repertoire, expression and fitness at a pace that suits working schedules.

Online classes

Live, interactive training with guided practice and individual feedback for students learning from home.

Workshops and camps

Short Kathak programmes for children and adults, introducing rhythm, movement and storytelling. Held from time to time through the year.

Productions

Stage productions by NrityaShrm

Themed Kathak productions performed by Shalu and NrityaShrm students, drawn from classical stories and devotional poetry.

Dancer's feet with ghungroo Coming soon
घुँघरू

Ghungroo

A new production celebrating the ghungroo, the voice of the Kathak dancer's feet.

Shalu in a Kathak pose for Shiva Stotram
शिव स्तोत्रम्

Shiva Stotram

Shiva as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, expressed through strong footwork and bold rhythm.

Kathak student dancing as Krishna
कृष्ण लीला

Krishna Leela

Stories of Krishna's childhood and the raas of Braj, told through abhinaya and playful rhythm.

Kathak students forming the many arms of the Goddess
देवी स्तुति

Devi Stuti

An invocation to the Goddess in her many forms, from gentle grace to fierce power.

Performances

Every student gets to perform on stage

NrityaShrm students present their work on stage at shows and cultural events.

★★★★★

Loved by students and parents

What our students and their families say about NrityaShrm on Google.

★★★★★
My daughter has been attending classes at NrityaShrm school since last September and her progress has been remarkable. This is only because of Shalu mam's dedication. She is very patient, persistent, and passionate, and it is evident in the thoughtful attention she gives to every small details. Mam is highly skilled, very disciplined, and knows how to bring out the best in every child.
Meghna PaulParent · Google review
★★★★★
Nrithyashram is more than just my Kathak class, it’s where I found my rhythm. I absolutely love every session because Kathak itself is pure magic, and honestly, it’s the best dance form I’ve experienced. My guru, Shalu Ma’am, has taught me so much with patience and grace, and Nrithyashram has given me a platform to grow not just as a dancer, but as a person. Kathak isn’t just dance to me anymore; it’s joy, discipline, and expression all in one.
Aditi SureshStudent · Google review
★★★★★
My daughter learns Kathak from Shalu at NrityaShrm. I see her getting better and better at the dance form. She is in love with her teacher who pushes to do each and every move and expression perfectly. If anyone is looking for a school which instills discipline and passion to practice kathak then highly recommend NrityaShrm.
Swagatika KarParent · Google review
★★★★★
I am part of the NrityaShrm School since a year. It has been a wonderful experience. I never knew Kathak is such a beautiful and graceful art form. I am very grateful to have a teacher like Shalu ma'am, who made my learning experience so memorable.
Divya MansurStudent · Google review
★★★★★
We are very happy with Tisha’s Kathak classes. The teacher is patient, talented, and gives personal attention to every student. She teaches not just dance steps, but also expressions, posture, and the beauty of Kathak. Highly recommend this class.
Srishti KothariParent · Google review
★★★★★
It’s really good, within two years I have learnt so much, thank you Shalu ma’am.
Vani SureshStudent · Google review
★★★★★
My daughter has been learning from Shalu for over three years, and in that time, she has grown to love both Kathak and her teacher. But beyond dance, she has gained so much more: confidence, motivation, focus, and discipline, in ways I never expected. Shalu’s secret lies in making her students believe in their ability to achieve perfection. She is deeply passionate about her art and emphasizes regular practice.
Nidhi DandonaParent · Google review
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the right age to start learning Kathak?

Children can start from the age of 5. At this age, classes focus on rhythm, basic footwork and simple movements, taught through play. Older children, teens and adults can start at any time.

Can adults or complete beginners join?

Yes. Our Senior and Adult batch welcomes complete beginners as well as those returning to Kathak after a break.

Is it too late to start Kathak at 40 or later?

It is never too late. Many adults begin Kathak later in life and enjoy it for its grace, fitness and expression. Training is adapted to students’ comfort and ability.

Do you offer online Kathak classes?

Yes. We offer live, interactive online classes with guided practice and individual feedback, for students who cannot attend in HSR Layout.

Can students take a recognised Kathak diploma?

Yes. Students can pursue a recognised eight-year Kathak diploma, with annual examinations conducted by external examiners.

How does admission work?

Admission is based on a short evaluation of each student, to understand their age, experience and goals. Kathak is learnt through steady, regular practice, so we welcome students who are ready to attend classes regularly and practise between them. This helps every batch progress well together. Please call or WhatsApp us on +91 88672 63866 to arrange a visit.

What should a student wear and bring to class?

Comfortable traditional practice wear, such as a kurta with churidar or leggings and a dupatta. Ghungroo are introduced only when the student is considered ready.

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Studio7th Sector, HSR Layout, Bengaluru 560102
Phone and WhatsApp+91 88672 63866
Visits by appointmentPlease call or message before visiting. Classes are usually in session, and we want to give you our full attention when you come in.