Online Fall Schedule 2020 - Children and Youth Division (Ages 6-12)

August 30th - December 17th

All Times PST - Click on the class title to register for a trial semester!

Tuition and Fees

Chhandam registers students for its educational program on a yearly basis (fall and spring semesters).   We happily offer one free trial class to all new students, as well as the option to do a single semester before paying for the full year of tuition.  Our tuition is a flat fee that allows students to attend an unlimited number of classes per week (even at multiple locations) as long as it within or below their current level.   Tuition is payable in full at the beginning of the semester by the first day of class. New students may join mid-session and be pro-rated accordingly. Payment plans are made available on a case-by-case basis. A $25 late fee will be charged for tuition paid more than seven days late. Once classes have begun, tuition is not refundable. Students who miss class or withdraw before the end of the semester are still obligated for the full semester’s fees. Students are eligible for a prorated tuition refund only if they must withdraw from classes due to prolonged illness or severe injury, verified by a doctor’s certificate. Students with outstanding accounts will not be admitted to class.

Introductory Kathak: Level IA
Full Year - $850
Trial Semester - $425

Fundamentals of Kathak: Level IB
Full Year - $1400

Intermediate: Level II
Intermediate/Advanced: Level II/III
Advanced Study: Level III
Full Year - $1550

Chhandam Youth Company
Full Year - $2600

Educational Materials 

All students are required to purchase a kathak handbook as part of their study at Chhandam.  The handbook is a vital tool to supplement each student’s learning. It contains theory, taal, music notation, as well as historical and cultural context of Kathak.  Students are required to bring their handbooks to class every week as they may need to be referenced. The cost of the handbook is $30. Students only need to purchase this once (not every semester).  

School Uniforms 

After completing a trial semester, students are required to purchase a uniform (white cotton salwar kurtha) to be worn to classes.   Uniforms are tailored specially for each student with extra room for growing children. Approximate cost of uniforms is $80.  

FAQs
Children and Youth Division

Q: Where are the classes offered?

A: The Chhandam School’s Children and Youth Division offers classes in Fremont, California (San Francisco Bay Area) at Mission Dance and Performance Arts at 42400 Blacow Rd.  Chhandam also has affiliate schools in Los Angeles, Boston, Toronto, Denver and Mumbai, India. You can learn more about these affiliate schools here (link to affiliate school page) 

Q: What is the starting age for your classes? 

A:  Chhandam accepts students of all ages and abilities.  The minimum age for enrollment into the introductory class is 6.  We do not currently offer classes for children under the age of 6.  

Q: What if my child is turning 6 in a month, can I still start her now? 

A: If your child is close to turning 6, then you may bring her/him for a trial class to have the teacher assess whether she/he is ready start.  

Q: Can I start a class in mid-session?

A: Yes, absolutely. We welcome new students throughout the year and we will pro-rate your tuition accordingly.

Q: I am 35 years old.  Is it too late for me to start?  

A: It’s never too late to start!  We have students of all ages, including many mothers who are 30 and 40+.  People join for different reasons and there is a niche for everyone at Chhandam.

Q: Do you have an annual recital or other performances?

A: Numerous performance opportunities are available to students at Chhandam.  All students perform in an annual recital performance and also have the opportunity to participate in numerous community performances throughout the year at festivals, cultural programs, and house concerts.  In order to participate in performances, students must demonstrate strong knowledge and ability in the dance (as measured by in-class evaluations), consistent attendance and individual practice.

Q:  What is the dress code for classes?

A: Students at Chhandam wear school uniforms (white cotton kurtha and salwar).  New students are not required to purchase a uniform until they have completed a trial semester.  Until then, all students must come to class in a simple salwar kurtha that allows for free movement.  Hair is required to be tied back neatly in a secured braid or bun. Short hair must be pinned back. Students/parents must be responsible for the necessary supplies to have hair done prior to class.

Q: How will you track my child’s progress?

A: Progress is tracked through in-class evaluations and year-round progress tracking by teachers.  In-class evaluations test students’ foundational ability in the dance as well as their knowledge of repertoire within their respective levels.  Once a student passes their level specific assessment, they progress to the next level. Sudents are provided with study guides, evaluation criteria and practice guides.  

Q: I am very serious about my child’s study of kathak and would like to fast track his/her progress. How can I do this?

A: Students who are interested in accelerating their progress can do so by taking advantage of all the supplemental educational programs offered by Chhandam. These include annual intensives, summer camps, annual assessments and performance opportunities. We consistently find that those students who are consistent in their attendance, individual practice and take full advantage of supplemental activities progress at an accelerated rate.

Q: Do you offer private classes?

A: Chhandam only offers private classes to enrolled students on a case-by-case basis who are at minimum in the intermediate level.  

Q: I or (my daughter/son) has had some previous dance experience, can they start at the next level?

A: We require all new students at Chhandam to start in the Level IA class, regardless of prior training, as material and techniques do vary from gharanas. We place a strong importance on students attaining a solid foundation in kathak technique, taal and sur. It is important to note that students with prior dance experience do tend to progress faster than others if they are consistent in their attendance and individual practice.

Q: When will my child get ghungroo?

A: At Chhandam we treat our ghungroo with a high degree of reverence. Students earn their ghungroo by demonstrating dedication and serious study. Once students have completed Levels I and II and demonstrated their progress by successfully completing their Level II assessment, they are ready to receive their ghungroo. Students make their own ghungroo and are officially given the ghungroo in a ceremony officiated by their teacher. This ceremony initiates the student into their study of kathak and formalizes the relationship between teacher and student.

Q: How do I register for classes?

A: For registration information, click here. 

Q: How much is the tuition?

A: For tuition and fee details click on the tuition and fee tab.

Q: Can my child or I try a class before enrolling?

A: Yes. All new students are encouraged to attend a free trial class. This allows for the child and the parent to assess their level of interest in kathak, meet the Chhandam student and parent community and meet the class teacher.

Q: Are there any discounts available?

A: A family discount of 10% is applicable to each subsequent immediate family member taking a class within the same session. A student discount of 20% is available for students in college with a valid student id.

Q: How do I make up for missed classes?

A: Students may make up a missed class by attending a class of a comparable level. Missed classes must be made-up within the same session and will not be credited to the following session.

Q: Can I video the classes so that my I/my child can practice at home?

A: A critical skill for all kathak dancers is the ability of to improvise. Improvising requires a highly aware and attuned mind, as well as the ability to grasp and retain material quickly. At Chhandam we aim to begin developing this skill early. Utilizing videos as an aid to learning interferes with the ability to train a sharp mind and memory. As a result, we do not allow students or parents to video classes. We do however have ample tools and materials to help students in their study and practice. These materials are available on our website, here.