Upasana the Spirit of Dance:
School of Dance
Upasana offers classical dance training in Kathak, Odissi, and Contemporary Indian Dance for students of all ages and levels in Ottawa, Kanata, and Toronto.
The level of quality of the school's training has resulted in many of its students successfully receiving scholarships from both the Canadian and Indian government to continue their studies in dance in India's top dance institutions. On completing a basic program in dance, the school offers its students an intermediate and advanced program, finishing with a graduation performance in Kathak, the Rang Manch Pravesh, or in Odissi, the Manch Pravesh.
Upasana welcomes new student of all ages to its School of Dance for private, group, or online classes in Kathak, Odissi and Saveeta's innovative style of contemporary dance. Professional dancers are particularly welcome to enrol in the school's dance programs or, possibly, into its professional dance company, the Saveeta Sharma Dance Company.
Students at Upasana may begin their dance journey at the age of 4 or older, and all classes are divided into the appropriate groups based on age and experience. The school offers formal training and recreational classes, and we follow a syllabus-based approach for both theory and dance, with optional annual examination, leading to yearly certifications.
Our Offerings:
Kathak
Our Kathak classes are offered in the Lucknow Gharana as taught by the renowned Padma Vibushan Guru Pandit Birju Maharaj. This style is known for its rhythmic movements, impressive chakkars (turns) and precise footwork that bring to a point an elegant presentation.
Odissi
We teach Odissi in the Mahari style as passed down by Saveeta’s Guru, Padmashree Guru Mayadhar Raut, taught with a repertoire of movements and gestures to produce classical choreography rooted in traditional Indian stories and forms.
Contemporary
In our Contemporary Indian Dance program, students with a minimum of three years of classical training explore the boundaries of classical dance with Western contemporary, African, Jazz, and freestyle movement in a signature approach.
Our Locations:
Ottawa
Ottawa Arts Court
2 Daly Avenue, Ottawa, ON
Classes available Wednesday to Friday.
Kanata
Trio DanceWorks
4048 Carling Avenue, Kanata, ON
Classes available Saturdays.
Toronto
National Ballet School
400 Jarvis Street, Toronto ON
Classes available Sundays.
Our Program Includes:
An annual school showcase, LAYA ANGIKA
An annual youth outreach performance program, STARS OF TOMORROW
Annual workshops and master classes to students.
Artist residencies for national and international artists for up to three months of intensive training in Kathak or Odissi.
Choreographic consultations with senior dancers for specific projects.
In house productions of original student works.
Presentations of works by national and international professional dancers in our annual series, PRO DANCE SERIES
Ready to Learn?
Tap the button below to learn more about our classes. We offer something for everyone and are happy to chat about your goals and dreams as a student or parent of a student.
