Call: +91 95000 81900, +91 7358438454

@taraanaacademy_kathak

The only studio dedicated solely for the practice of Kathak, Hindustani Vocals, and Yoga in the heart of Chennai city.

Taraana Academy Of Kathak is a Chennai based institute that provides training in Kathak. Built on an aim to promote ‘Shudh'(pure) Kathak in a social and educational context, Taraana Academy strives to develop a systematic dance training programme.
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About Taraana Academy

At Taraana, we strongly believe that a strong dancer is created in the studio and a star performer is born onstage.
Taraana was founded in 2015 by Kathak danseuse – Shrita Baskar, along with her mother – Vasantha Baskar. A joint vision – Taraana Academy – was born out of a Skype conversation with the rest of the family.
Taraana has evolved into a premier Kathak Academy catering to over students of differing backgrounds ages ranging from 6 to 60.
A Kathak academy in Chennai that focuses on classical dance as a form of therapy; Taraana also facilitates Yoga for Dance and Hindustani Music sessions. Through regular classes, workshops, and events we make training in Kathak available to all keen learners in the city.

About the Founder

Shrita currently trains under the guidance of Guru Smt. Nayantara Parpia (disciple of Smt. Yogini Gandhi and Pt. Birju Maharaj).
Shrita Baskar is a Kathak danseuse born and brought up in Dubai. She began training at the age of five under Guru Smt. Ketaki Hazra, a disciple of Smt. Bela Arnab. Being trained in the Jaipur and Lucknow Gharana of Kathak, Shrita earned herself a Senior Diploma in Kathak Dance from the Surabharati Sangeet Parishad, Kolkata, at the age of seventeen.
She has several performances to her credit, including regular recitals for the Diplomatic Corps, the Indian Embassy of various countries and the Festival of India around regions of the Arabian Gulf.
Shrita simultaneously took pleasure in teaching Kathak and semi classical dance to the students of the ‘Dubai Centre for Special Needs’ and ‘Special Needs Families’. Her work with the differently-abled has gained her many more accolades in the United Arab Emirates.
Moving to Chennai in 2011 only made it more opportune for Shrita to regularly attend workshops conducted by Pandit Birju Maharaj and Vidushi Saswati Sen and many other senior dancers. Adept in both Nrtta and Abhinaya, Shrita’s performances have been well lauded.

Courses

Kathak:

  • Group classes for all levels and age groups
  • Personalized one-on-one sessions

Hindustani Music:

Hindustani Vocal:

  • Group classes for all levels and age groups
  • Personalized one-on-one sessions

Tabla/Sitar Classes:

We conduct workshops and offer one-on-one classes for Tabla and Sitar based on request.

Yoga:

Yoga for dance specifically is an integral part of our regular classes. In addition, we have yoga courses for those who may be interested.

Faculty

Shrita Baskar

Founder & Lead Instructor
Shrita Baskar began her training at the age of five under Guru Smt. Ketaki Hazra, a disciple of Smt. Bela Arnab. Shrita earned herself a Senior Diploma in Kathak Dance from the Surabharati Sangeet Parishad, Kolkata, at the age of seventeen.
Read more about Shrita here.

Asmi Mehra

Senior Instructor
Asmi has been learning Kathak under the guidance of Shrita Baskar since 2016 and has attended several workshops conducted by Pt.Birju Maharaj, Smt. Durga Arya to name a few. Being one of the most senior dancers of the academy, Asmi also has been teaching students of Taraana Academy since 2020.

Dhanya Krishnan

Instructor
Dhanya has been receiving her training in Kathak from Shrita Baskar since 2017. She has also attended workshops conducted by Pt. Birju Maharaj, Smt. Saswati Sen, Smt. Durga Arya, and other notable Gurus. Besides teaching at Taraana, she also works as a Content Writer in an IT firm in Chennai.

Komal Parmar

Instructor

Komal has been learning Kathak under Shrita Baskar since 2019 . She has attended workshops conducted by Smt. Durga Arya, Sri. Avenav Mukherjee, Smt. Ragini Maharaj and Smt. Nayantara Parpia. She is known to be one of the most hard working students and now teacher, too. Her passion for Kathak has also been inherited by her daughter who also is a student at Taraana Academy.

Varsha Ramesh

Instructor

Varsha Ramesh has been learning and training in Kathak under Shrita Baskar since 2017. She is known to bring elegance and poise to every performance. Varsha has participated in workshops led by late Pt. Birju Maharaj, Smt. Durga Arya and many other renowned Gurus. Varsha also works as an accountant for her family firm.

Sajani Nair

Instructor

Sajani Nair has been learning Kathak, since 2016, under the guidance of Guru Shrita Baskar at Taraana. She has also had the privilege of attending workshops conducted by renowned Gurus such as Pt .Birju Maharaj Ji, Smt. Nayantara Parpia, Smt. Durga Arya, Ragini Maharaj, and Smt.Aditi Mangaldas, further enriching her knowledge and skills. Besides teaching at Taraana, Sajani also works as Programme Lead Manager at Cognizant Tech Solutions.

Ananya Krishnan

Instructor

Ananya Krishnan has been training under her Guru Shrita Baskar at Taraana since 2022. She has attended workshop conducted by Ms. Nayanthara Parpia. Besides teaching, She is also a counselling psychologist working as a private practitioner.

Dr. Abilasha Ramasubramanian

Instructor

Dr.Abilasha Ramasubramanian is a disciple of Guru. Shrita Baskar since 2020. Apart from training in Taraana, she has attended many workshops by renowned artists like Smt Aditi Mangaldas, Smt. Yogini Gandhi, Smt. Gauri Diwakar Shri.Dheerendra Tiwari, and Raghini Maharaj ji. She has been a part of numerous stage performances since 2021 and cleared ISTD examinations upto Grade 2. Also trained in Bharatnatyam, she has been extremely passionate about learning this art, since childhood. Professionally, an Oral Pathologist, Professor and Head of Academics, from Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals.

Dance, Music and Yoga can be used to:

  • Improve body language
  • Destress
  • Develop flexibility
  • Improve posture and alignment of body
  • Understand the proper execution of Laya and Taal
  • Perform on stage in front of audiences; building confidence and self expression.

Eligibility:

There is no restriction on maximum age. People of 5 years and more can join these programmes. Beginners as well as those with some experience in Kathak can join these programmes.

Upcoming Events

Arani – Sparking The Hidden Fires

Venue: The Music Academy, ChennaiGoogle maps

Step into the world of Arani , a groundbreaking Kathak ballet debuting in Chennai. This unique performance intertwines the lives of four Nayikas, tracing their journeys from the innocence of childhood to the complexities of adulthood. As they face life-altering challenges, Arani boldly questions the double standards that have long overshadowed their stories in ancient epics. With mesmerizing choreography and a soul-stirring narrative, this ballet invites you to witness a tale of strength, resilience, and the fight against hypocrisy. Experience the untold stories. Experience Arani.

Ekātra

Venue: Rukmini Arangam, Kalakshetra, ChennaiGoogle maps

Time: 6:00 PM

In celebration of 7 successful years of Taraana Academy of Kathak, Chennai – Shrita Baskar and the students of Taraana come together to present he various colours of Kathak and Hindustani music. (Open to all)

Shivratri show

Venue: Kabaleeshwar templeGoogle maps

Show for celebrating Lord Shiva.

View all events

Get in touch

Taraana location

Nungambakkam Branch:

New No. 13, Old No. 7, Sir Mutha Venkatasubbarao Hall,
Harrington Road, Chetpet, Chennai,
Tamil Nadu, 600031

Taraana location

ECR Branch:

Tattva studio: 3/487, SH 49, Kazura Garden,
Neelankarai, Chennai
Tamil Nadu – 600115

Taraana call

Mobile: +91 95000 81900, +91 7358438454

Taraana message

contact@taraanaacademy.in

Taraana instagram

@taraanaacademy_kathak

Taraana facebook

@TaraanaAcademyOfKathak

Taraana youtube

Taraana Academy of Kathak

Reach us

Nungambakkam Branch

ECR Branch