Where bhakti meets bhava.

Where bhakti
meets bhava.

A traditional school of Bharatanatyam in the heart of Bengaluru, guiding each student to embrace the art, discipline, and spirit of Bharatanatyam — from the very first tatta adavu to a lifelong journey of learning, expression, and rootedness in tradition.

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Smt. Deepali Ravi — Founder & Guru, Nadanam
Smt. Deepali Ravi · Founder 

Over thirty years of artistic practice and teaching.

Deepali Ravi approaches Bharatanatyam as a deeply expressive art form where movement and abhinaya come together to convey emotion, meaning, and storytelling. Rooted in discipline, sensitivity, and reverence for its aesthetic and spiritual essence, her journey reflects a lifelong commitment to the art.

Based in Bangalore, she is the founder of Nadanam Dance Academy, where she mentors students with care and dedication, nurturing both technical precision and artistic depth. Several of her students have successfully completed their Arangetram under her guidance.

She holds a Master’s Degree in Bharatanatyam from Savitribai Phule Pune University under Guru Sucheta Bhide Chapekar and performed her Arangetram under Guru Manik Ambike. She has also trained under eminent gurus including Parvati Kumar, C. V. Chandrasekhar, Kanak Rele, and Vidhya Subramaniam.

Her artistic journey includes performances, teaching, lecture demonstrations, and recognition for her dedication to Bharatanatyam.


Philosophy

Yato hastastato dṛṣṭi
yato dṛṣṭistato manaḥ
yato manaḥstato bhāvo
yato bhāvastato rasaḥ.

Where the hand is, the eyes follow. Where the eyes are, the mind goes. Where the mind goes, feeling arises. Where feeling is, rasa is born.

— Abhinaya Darpaṇam
Curriculum

Examination pathway by level.

Prarambhik through Sangeet Acharya — a seven-stage progression that mirrors the recognised Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal grades, taught in small groups with the option of private guidance in the senior years.
I
Levels 1–3

Primary / Introductory

Prarambhik to Praveshika Purna
  • Prarambhik (Elementary)
  • Praveshika Pratham (1st Year)
  • Praveshika Purna (2nd Year)
  • Praveshika Purna is commonly aligned with matriculation-level standards.
II
Levels 4–5

Intermediate

Madhyama Pratham & Purna
  • Madhyama Pratham (3rd Year)
  • Madhyama Purna (4th Year)
  • Deepens practical and theoretical understanding.
  • Strengthens technique, tala, and expressive maturity.
III
Levels 6–7

Advanced / Diploma

Visharad Pratham & Purna
  • Visharad Pratham (Upantya Visharad)
  • Visharad Purna
  • Widely recognised as degree-equivalent milestones.
  • Arangetram eligibility is guided by student growth and the guru's readiness assessment.
IV
Levels 8–Doctorate

Post-Graduate & Research

Alankar to Sangeet Acharya
  • Alankar Pratham (7th Year)
  • Alankar Purna (8th Year)
  • Alankar Purna is often treated as master's equivalent.
  • Sangeet Acharya represents doctoral-level research.
Arangetrams

The Sacred Threshold.

Each arangetram is a milestone earned — not given. A two-hour solo margam performed before guru, family, and the divine. Here, we honour those who have walked the path and offered it to the world.
Showcase

Our students, on the stage.

A small selection of recent debuts and ensemble performances. Each arangetram is a two-hour solo, presented in the traditional margam — a milestone in a dancer's life.
Nadanam showcase
Nadanam showcase
Nadanam showcase
Nadanam showcase
Nadanam showcase
Nadanam showcase
Voices

From parents & students.

My daughter Divya began learning Bharatanatyam at Nadanam under the guidance of Guru Deepali Ravi when she was just six years old. Many years later, even as a college student, she continues to pursue the art form with the same passion and enthusiasm. I believe that is one of the strongest reflections of the foundation, values, and love for dance that Deepali has instilled in her students. Under Deepali's expert guidance, Divya successfully completed her Arangetram, a milestone that remains one of our most cherished memories. The choreography was exceptional—creative, aesthetically beautiful, and deeply rooted in the traditions of Bharatanatyam. Every aspect of the performance reflected meticulous planning, artistic excellence, and Deepali's commitment to maintaining high standards. What has always stood out to me is Deepali's discipline and dedication to teaching Bharatanatyam the right way. She never allows shortcuts and places great emphasis on strong fundamentals, technique, expression, and respect for the art form. Her students learn with rigor and sincerity, developing skills and discipline that extend far beyond dance. Perhaps the greatest testament to her teaching is the lasting connection her students have with both Bharatanatyam and Nadanam. Even after moving away for college, Divya eagerly attends classes whenever she is home on vacation. Many of Deepali's students do the same. They return not out of obligation, but because of their genuine love for the art and the nurturing learning environment she has created over the years. Deepali Ravi is not only an outstanding teacher and choreographer but also a mentor who inspires lifelong appreciation for Bharatanatyam. We are deeply grateful for the role she has played in Divya's artistic journey and would wholeheartedly recommend Nadanam to any parent seeking authentic, disciplined, and enriching Bharatanatyam training for their child.

Deepa Tarak
★★★★★

Learning Bharatnatyam from Deepali Mam has been a special experience for me.She teaches with lot of patience, care and has helped me grow in both dance and confidence.

Akshata
★★★★★
Upcoming

On the calendar.

31
May · 2026

Kashish Wadhavan — Arangetram

Samarthanam Auditorium, HSR Layout, Bangalore
26
Jun · 2026

Kalavardhini — 10th Anniversary

Bangalore — organised by Padmini Ganesh
Begin

Step onto
the floor.
Write to us.

Contact us for Trial classes. Tell us a little about the student — age, prior training, and what draws them to Bharatanatyam. We'll write back within a day.

Enrollment & enquiries

Write to us — we'll write back.

Contact us for Trial classes. Tell us a little about the student — age, prior training, and what draws them to Bharatanatyam — and we'll be in touch within a day or two.

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