Teaching
Odissi Dance Training in Mumbai and Online Classes
Train in Odissi with a Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee and direct disciple of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. Classes in Mumbai and online.
Smt. Shubhada Varadkar, an eminent Odissi exponent, choreographer and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee (2024), and senior disciple of the legendary Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, has been teaching Odissi in Mumbai for over three decades. Training is conducted by Shubhada Varadkar and Mitali Varadkar, with a focus on authentic technique, repertoire, expression and stage presentation.
The Sanskrita Foundation (opens in a new tab), a charitable trust founded by Shubhada Varadkar in 2006, is committed to making Indian classical dance accessible to all. Through the Foundation, economically disadvantaged children receive free classical-dance training, while support is also extended to cancer patients through the Tata Memorial Hospital Poor Patients’ Fund.
Students progress systematically from the fundamentals of Odissi to repertoire and performance.
What you will learn
Foundations
Students begin with the essential grammar of Odissi: the Chowk and Tribhanga postures, basic footwork (chari), hand gestures (hasta mudras), body movements and rhythmic patterns. No prior dance experience is required.
Repertoire
Students learn traditional Odissi repertoire, including Mangalacharan, Batu, Pallavi, Abhinaya and Moksha, along with the expressive techniques and storytelling that define the art form.
Performance
Advanced training focuses on solo performance, stagecraft, presentation, abhinaya and repertoire refinement, preparing students for stage and festival performances and, where appropriate, Doordarshan grading.
Where
Address, day and time are provided on enquiry. Please write or call for details.
Questions
Who can join the classes?
Classes are open to all ages and levels, from complete beginners to advanced students preparing for stage performance.
Do I need prior dance experience?
No. Beginners start with basic Odissi posture, footwork and the chowk and tribhanga stances before moving on to repertoire.
Where are the classes held?
Classes are taught by Shubhada Varadkar and Mitali Varadkar at three locations in Mumbai — Borivali West, Goregaon East and Vile Parle East — and online. Address, day and time are provided on enquiry: please write or call for details.
Are there free places?
Yes. The Sanskrita Foundation provides free classical-dance training to underprivileged children as part of its charitable work.
Who teaches the classes?
Shubhada Varadkar, a direct disciple of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra and Head of the Department of Odissi at Bharata College of Fine Arts and Culture, together with her disciple and instructor Mitali Varadkar.
Enquire
Join a class
Write to us with the student’s age, any prior dance experience, and your preferred location. We will reply with current timings and fees.
