CLASSES

Indian Dance Classes
in Tustin, California

IDTC offers Indian dance classes for children, teens, adults, and seniors across three disciplines. Whether you want structured kathak dance classes, an energetic Bollywood dance class, or a role in classical Indian theater, there is a place for you here.
Our program year runs from the first week of August to the last week of May.

About the Styles We Teach

What is Kathak?

Kathak is a classical dance form from North India that blends storytelling, rhythm, and expressive movement. The word comes from katha, meaning story, and dancers use percussive footwork, hand gestures, and facial expression to bring old tales to life. It is the only Indian classical form shaped by both Hindu temple traditions and Mughal court culture, and it is performed to Hindustani classical music. Dancers wear ghungroos to sound out the rhythm of their feet.

Which Gharana Do You Teach?

Our primary style is the Jaipur Gharana, one of the oldest and most traditional lineages of Kathak. It is known for intricate footwork, powerful spins, and complex layakaari, and it honors Hindu mythology and temple tradition deeply. We also draw on the Lucknow Gharana, which emphasizes grace, subtlety, and the refined aesthetics of Nawabi court culture. Students experience Kathak as both a devotional and an artistic form.

What is Bollywood Dance?

Bollywood dance is a fusion of Indian and global styles, drawn from the energy of Indian cinema. It blends classical forms such as Kathak, Bhangra, and Garba with hip-hop, jazz, and Latin influences. Our Bollywood dance classes are built to be expressive, high-energy, and fun.

What is Classical Indian Theater?

Classical Indian Theater, or Nātya, combines dance, music, drama, and storytelling. Rooted in the Nātyaśāstra, it brings mythological stories to life through movement, dialogue, and spectacle. We draw on Sanskrit drama, folk traditions, and musical theater in productions such as Ramayana, Krishna Leela, and Shiva Parvati.

Kathak Dance Classes

  • Tiny Tots, ages 3 to 5.
    A joyful introduction to rhythm, movement, and basic storytelling through play. Builds motor skills, coordination, and confidence.
  • Kids, ages 5 to 9.
    Foundational technique including tatkar, hastak, and chakkars, alongside cultural stories told through dance.
  • Tweens, ages 9 to 13.
    Deeper structure with tukras, todas, and expressive abhinaya, plus preparation for the stage.
  • Teens, ages 13 to 18.
    Refined technique, improvisation, and performance experience, with theory, taals, and character work introduced.
  • Adults, ages 18 and up.
    A supportive space for kathak classes for adults, whether you are starting fresh or returning to it. Kathak classes for beginners are welcome here.
  • Seniors, ages 65 and up.
    A gentle, graceful class for movement, memory, and mindfulness. No experience needed.

Bollywood Dance Classes

  • Tiny Tots, ages 3 to 5.
    Colorful choreography and high-energy songs that build body awareness and creative expression.
  • Kids, ages 5 to 9.
    Upbeat routines to child-friendly songs, introducing coordination, musicality, and group dancing.
  • Tweens, ages 9 to 13.
    Stylized routines with more complex steps, expressive gestures, and team choreography set to current hits.
  • Teens, ages 13 to 18.
    Dynamic routines mixing classic and contemporary Bollywood, with stage presence and choreography skills.
  • Ladies, ages 18 and up.
    A vibrant women-only class for fun and fitness. Beginner Bollywood dance is genuinely welcome. Just bring your smile.

Classical Indian Theater

  • Private Theater Coaching for Lead Roles.
    One-on-one work on voice modulation, character depth, and stage presence for students cast in central roles.
  • Kids’ Theater Class.
    Group work introducing children to classical Indian storytelling through movement, expression, and dialogue.
  • Adults’ Theater Class.
    Stagecraft, body language, and vocal delivery developed through role-based learning.

Backstage and Production Teams

Not every star is on stage. Our productions train students and volunteers in costume design and inventory, stage design and props, lights and sound, and backstage logistics.

Fees and Enrollment

A $55 annual registration fee is due in August, or in your enrollment month if you join later. Monthly fees are calculated on the number of classes scheduled that month, and an annual recital fee falls around January. Ghunghroos, uniforms, costumes, and jewelry are purchased separately. IDTC does not charge late fees, and families facing financial difficulty are invited to speak with Ruchi directly.

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