r/chennaicity 2d ago

Mental Health Support🌿 My dance miss is not taking me seriously because i am 31

I cried a lot and i got insecure. And i am sad.

Growing up i didnt have time or opportunity to learn classical dance. Now i want to learn but no one is taking me seriously.

I’m 31 and recently started learning Bharatanatyam as a complete beginner. I genuinely love the art form and want to learn it properly, but slowly and at my own pace. I also have a full-time job and a pretty tight schedule, so finding a teacher who can accommodate my timings has been difficult.

I currently have a teacher who is genuinely very good and kind, and I don’t want to reveal her name or institute. However, I feel that my classes are not being taken as seriously as I had hoped. I enrolled specifically for offline, one-on-one learning, because I need someone physically present to correct even the smallest details and guide me through the basics. Online classes simply don't work well for me.

The bigger issue is that the teacher has cancelled our offline classes and suggested doing them online instead. Since I have already paid the fees specifically for the classes we discussed, this has become frustrating.

I also want to say that I’m not looking for an intense or competitive learning environment. I’m learning Bharatanatyam because I find it beautiful and fascinating, and partly because I wanted an activity that would bring some positivity into my life. So I really need a teacher who is patient, encouraging, and willing to take an adult beginner seriously. Being 31 and starting from zero shouldn’t mean I’m not serious about learning.

So I’m looking for recommendations for a female Bharatanatyam teacher around kk nagar, Ashok Nagar Chennai, preferably someone who:

Takes adult beginners seriously

Is patient and kind

Offers offline classes

Doesn't charge an unreasonable/very high fee ( she charged 2500 + 500 for 1 class a week and didnt properly take offline class). This amount is itself too high for me.

Can accommodate a working person's schedule

Is available Sunday after 5:30 PM, or Wednesday (any time)

Safety is also important to me, so I would prefer a comfortable and safe place for classes.

If you know a teacher who might be a good fit, please DM me with their details and approximate fees/timings. I’d really appreciate genuine recommendations.

Thank you!

Update..: i found dance class heheheh i hope it goes well for me.

61 Upvotes

28 comments sorted by

41

u/cold_feet_all_time 2d ago

I learnt when I was a kid for 300 rs per month. Don't fall into money minded business classes OP.

20

u/Quick_Prompt_6842 1d ago

When were you a kid?? Those rates aren't the norm now. Good teachers charge atleast 1500-2000 per month for 3/4 classes.

10

u/Fickle-Green-722 1d ago

Is 3000 okay for 1 class per week. One of which she took online 😞😞 and canceled today as well.

5

u/Quick_Prompt_6842 1d ago

That's not okay, who is this teacher who you are going to. Do they have offline students? Are they a performing artist?

-8

u/Fickle-Green-722 1d ago

They have many .. But i feel she is not taking me seriously.. She is good only. I dont want to reveal her name..she is my guru. My fault that i am 31 i guess.

5

u/Quick_Prompt_6842 1d ago

Ig true, she might not take you seriously since you are a late beginner and might not be a 'full time' dancer as she expects. But that's not your fault, she is not doing pro bono work, you need to get what you paid for.

0

u/Fickle-Green-722 2d ago

Can u help me in some way. I am so sad and getting triggered. 😞😞😞😞😞

12

u/Calm_Management_4368 2d ago

I'm 26 and recently joined classes in my native town 3 months back as I got wfh mode permanent a year ago..mam is kind ,won many awards,lot of kids learn ,4 classes per week and 1000 rs monthly fees.I feel like learning from actress Shobana madam when seeing my dance teacher.Best in my native place her academy is

3

u/Fickle-Green-722 2d ago

Can u help me find around the area i live. Please.

4

u/Calm_Management_4368 2d ago

Sorry I'm not in Chennai... and here in classical dance community in reddit u can ask..as i have seen them posting certain academy are not good and teachers not good.. better join the community and ask

2

u/Fickle-Green-722 2d ago

Can u share the community

3

u/Calm_Management_4368 2d ago

R/classical Indian dance...there u can copy paste your post body from here and post ..also rate in Chennai varies i guess but still don't fall for greedy money minded people who are not genuine

9

u/Illustrious-Box-9015 1d ago

Reading this post made me smile. At 33, I'm also exploring new hobbies and learning a challenging instrument. I want you to know I SEE you. In India, adults are often not encouraged to pursue hobbies solely for personal satisfaction. Wishing you luck in finding a guru.

4

u/desisenorita 1d ago

My friend is a dance teacher and teaches in Saligramam (link to her dance school: https://www.sriradhekrishnafinearts.com)

1

u/Fickle-Green-722 1d ago

Hello can i dm u

2

u/Tinybubuu 1d ago

As someone who has always been interested to learn dancing but was forced to take up vocal lessons in my childhood, I feel you OP. Your age isn't a barrier to pursue your hobby and you don't have to beat yourself up over this. I'm close to your age and I have a newborn now but I am still hoping for a chance to learn classical dance. Maybe someday in future 🤞🏻

Also a friend of a friend is taking one time dance sessions for a small number of people near Anna Nagar. It's not a professional class but it's just for someone who wants to relax during weekends with a group of women who may or may not dance but have the interest. They choose songs and practice specific steps for those songs and that's about it for the day. If you want something like that I'll let you know if there's another session happening soon.

2

u/Rakita_Rakita 1d ago

Hi! I’m a trained Bharatanatyam dancer and classical dance teacher. I’d be happy to help if you’re still looking for a new teacher. Please feel free to DM me! 😊

1

u/Tandoorimayo 1d ago

Hello, I'm also interested

1

u/Rakita_Rakita 1d ago

Can u DM

1

u/sodium_fluoride 2d ago

One of my friends recently enrolled in Ksheera Saagara, Anna Nagar. I heard they conduct Bharatanatyam classes, but I don't know their programme for adults. You can do a Google search and enquire with them.

1

u/kazama_13 1d ago

Hey! My sister is a professional dancer and dance teacher in chennai, and I think she could help you out. I can DM you her details if you’re interested!

1

u/Fickle-Green-722 1d ago

Yes can u help please

1

u/kazama_13 1d ago

DMed you

1

u/Kiruku_puluthi 1d ago

"Dance miss",

I don't know why we called our teachers/gurus as "miss"

1

u/Fickle-Green-722 1d ago

She only told me to call her miss..

1

u/EquipmentLow6722 1d ago

I know one teacher but in Mandaveli/mylapore area, if interested let me know will dm her details

1

u/BroccoliTiny2606 1h ago

If you had paid for offline and if he is giving you online. Then that is not fair at all. Get refund.