Dance Forms

Form Classical Roots to Creative Expressions

Where Every Step Tells a Story

At Nikkan Dance Academy, we honour the timeless beauty of Indian classical dance. Rooted in rich cultural heritage, each dance form we teach—Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and Bollywood fusion—blends tradition with expression, discipline with creativity. Our structured lessons help students understand the history, technique, and storytelling elements that make these styles truly unique.

 

Whether you’re a beginner exploring rhythm or an advanced learner refining your craft, our courses are designed to nurture passion, confidence, and stage presence. Step into a world where movement becomes language and every performance tells a story.

Bharatanatyam - A Timeless Tradition

Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest classical dance forms of India, with origins dating back over 2,000 years. Rooted in the temples of Tamil Nadu, it was originally performed as a form of devotion and storytelling by temple dancers, known as devadasis. This sacred art combines ‘Bhava’ (expression), ‘Raga’ (melody), ‘Tala’ (rhythm), and ‘Natya’ (drama)—a concept that gives Bharatanatyam its name.

 

Characterised by geometric precision, sculptural poses, rhythmic footwork, and expressive storytelling, Bharatanatyam evolved from a temple ritual to a respected stage art in modern times. It beautifully conveys stories from Hindu mythology, spiritual themes, and emotional expressions through structured choreography and symbolic gestures (mudras).

 

Bharatanatyam at Nikkan Dance Academy

At Nikkan Dance Academy, we are proud to continue this rich legacy by offering Bharatanatyam classes for all age groups and skill levels. Our approach blends traditional training with modern, student-friendly methods—ensuring that students not only learn the technique but also understand the cultural and spiritual depth behind each movement.

 

Whether you're a beginner taking your first steps or an advanced learner refining your art, our classes provide structured learning through adavus (basic steps), theoretical understanding, expression training (abhinaya), and performance preparation.

 

We strive to make Bharatanatyam not just a dance class, but a journey of discipline, creativity, and inner expression—rooted in heritage, yet accessible to the diverse communities we serve in Scotland.

Kathak: The Dance of Storytellers

Kathak is one of the eight major classical dance forms of India, with roots tracing back to ancient northern India. The word Kathak comes from Katha, meaning “story,” and Kathakar, the storyteller. Originally performed in temples as a form of devotional storytelling, Kathak evolved over centuries—shaped by both Hindu and Mughal influences—into a sophisticated blend of rhythm, expression, and elegance.

 

Temple dancers once used this art to narrate tales from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Later, in royal courts, Kathak developed a refined aesthetic, emphasising intricate footwork (tatkar), dazzling spins (chakkars), rhythmic improvisations (tihai), and expressive storytelling (abhinaya). This dual heritage makes Kathak a unique art form that balances spirituality with artistic flair.

 

Kathak at Nikkan Dance Academy

At Nikkan Dance Academy, we are dedicated to preserving and sharing the classical essence of Kathak while making it accessible and engaging for today’s learners. Our classes are structured to suit all levels—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—and are open to children, youth, and adults.

We follow a comprehensive approach, focusing on:

Technical training: footwork, hand gestures, spins, and postures

Rhythm and theory: understanding taal (rhythmic cycles), laya (tempo), and compositions

Expression work: developing skills in abhinaya to bring stories and emotions to life

Performance opportunities: preparing students for stage presentations and cultural events

Through Kathak, our students not only develop grace, coordination, and musicality but also a deeper appreciation for Indian cultural heritage. Whether online or in person, we strive to offer a supportive and inspiring environment where every dancer’s journey is valued.

Indian Freestyle Dance: A Fusion of Freedom and Culture

Indian Freestyle dance is not a classical form, but a dynamic and evolving style that blends elements from various dance traditions—Bollywood, Folk, Semi-classical, and even Western contemporary. Rooted in expression and rhythm, Freestyle dance in India emerged as a creative response to cinema, pop culture, and changing social trends. It allows dancers the freedom to mix techniques, styles, and moods while still retaining a strong cultural flavour.

 

Over the years, Indian Freestyle has become especially popular among young dancers and performers. It reflects the energy of modern India—vibrant, expressive, and inclusive—while often drawing inspiration from traditional steps and stories.

 

Indian Freestyle at Nikkan Dance Academy

At Nikkan Dance Academy, our Indian Freestyle classes are designed to be joyful, energetic, and accessible to all. We use popular music from Bollywood and Indian folk traditions to engage students in movement that is both fun and meaningful.

 

Our Freestyle sessions focus on:

Basic movement techniques and body coordination

Creative choreography set to upbeat Indian music

Confidence-building through group and solo routines

Developing expression, rhythm, and performance skills

Cultural themes blended with modern style

 

These classes are perfect for children, teens, and adults who want to explore Indian dance in a relaxed, high-energy setting without the formal structure of classical training. Whether someone is dancing for fun, fitness, or stage, our Freestyle classes create space for creativity, connection, and self-expression.