Bharatanatyam Open Sessions – Indian Classical Dance

Health • Other

Frequency: weekly

Day & Time: Mondays 09:30-11:00

Room: Studio

First Session: 20th October. (Unfortunately, all our rooms are booked in the morning of 6th October.)

Last Session: 26th January

• Octobert - 20th, 27th,
• November- 3,10,17,24,
• December - 1,8,15,22,
• January - 5,12,19,26

Book via eventbrite

This event is on a suggested donation sliding scale. Please decide in what category you fall and what you might be able to contribute. Tiers are:

Tier 1 - Concession : £7
Tier 2 - Sustainable : £10
Tier 3 - Generous : £15

Note: For those unable to contribute financially, please get in touch with the facilitator to claim a free OR subsidised ticket. Please email [email protected]

Studio

All rooms at the Salisbury Centre are accessible. The Salisbury Centre’s kitchen door and toilet are now wheelchair accessible. The studio is located upstairs and is accessible via a chair-lift. The Garden can also be accessed by wheelchairs via a movable ramp via the Art Room Annex

Please, it is important to let the organisers know in advance of any access requirements. Please email [email protected]

About the event:

Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form from Tamil Nadu, South India, with roots dating back to the 2nd century B.C. Originally performed as a devotional art in temples, it has since evolved into a celebrated stage performance, showcasing India's rich cultural heritage. This class is open to all ages and skill levels, with exercises and routines adapted to suit individual abilities.

We’ll begin with a gentle warm-up inspired by Yoga and Pilates, followed by foundational postures and movements. The session will conclude with a simple choreography and an introduction to the theory and philosophy behind this graceful dance form.

Both beginners and experienced dancers are welcome! Adjustments will be made to ensure everyone can participate at their own pace.

Oxana Banshikova is a dancer, choreographer and dance educator. Hailing from Kazakhstan, she specializes in Bharatanatyam– South Indian Classical

Dance and its fusion with other art and dance forms. Oxana graduated from Kalakshetra College of Fine Arts, Chennai, India. In 20 years of her professional dance career, Oxana has performed and taught this dance form in UK, India, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Hong Kong. She is founder and director of Cosmic Dance company, founded in Hong Kong in 2009. Rather than staying in her comfort zone, she continues to challenge herself in different industries. Oxana has background in ballet and jazz and is certified Pilates and Zumba instructor.

This breadth of experience has allowed her to develop a unique perspective and approach to directing and teaching by creating supportive, safe and inspiring environment for her students.

www.cosmic-dance.com

https://instagram.com/oxanacosmicdance

Participation in our community-led events is on a voluntary ‘by donation’ basis. This means that nobody is expected to make a payment if they cannot afford to do so.

Any donations received will be shared between the Centre and the facilitator, helping to make the events’ programme sustainable

For events which are Drop-ins you can donate on the day by:

• Bringing cash
• donating online on (Please use reference “EVENT NAME“).
• Card payment option available at the entrance hall (Please enter the event name before making payment)

“What donation tier might be best applicable to me?”

• Concession Tier 1

This tier is for those who are students on a low income, carers, or single parents. It is also for people who are unemployed or underemployed, navigating financial hardship, or facing systemic barriers. If you rarely spend on extras or feel stressed about meeting basic needs, this tier exists so that you can still participate. Your presence matters, and you are welcome here.

• Sustainable Tier 2 Choose this tier if you have stable employment or a regular income, are able to meet your basic needs and some wants, and can occasionally go out or put a little money aside. At this level, you don’t often worry about making ends meet.

• Generous Tier 3This option is for those with a comfortable income or savings, who may own their home or have access to family wealth. You might go on holidays, eat out regularly, or shop for pleasure. Contributing at this tier helps support the wider community and those accessing the concession rate.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom