
Sadhana — A Kathak Dance Academy
About Sadhana Kathak Dance Academy
Sadhana, which also goes by Sadhana Kathak Centre, teaches traditional Kathak (it calls it shuddha, or pure, Kathak) to kids and adults in Dubai, from complete beginners to experienced dancers. Classes are led by Guru Ashwini Shirvalkar, from Mumbai, who holds the Kathak Visharad qualification and has more than 18 years' experience. Students work on tatkaar (footwork), taal and bols (rhythm and its spoken syllables), chakkars (spins) and abhinaya (expression). The course runs through six levels, from Praveshika Pratham to Visharad Poorna, and the academy describes it as university-certified and degree-level. The main studio is at 603, Al Tawhidi Building II in Bur Dubai, near Al Fahidi (Sharaf DG) metro station, and a second branch at Glendale International School in Oud Metha started new Kathak sessions in September 2026. Online and in-person batches are offered, and students perform at the academy's own shows, such as Archana in June 2026. Ages, timings and fees are not published, so call 055 788 1247 or message the academy on Instagram about a batch for your child.
The activity
Indian Classical Dance, explained
Kathak is one of India's classical dance forms, built around fast spins, rhythmic footwork (sounded out with ankle bells called ghungroo) and storytelling through hand gestures and facial expression. Students learn to keep time with a rhythm cycle called taal, build core strength, balance and flexibility, and gradually work up from basic footwork patterns to full choreographed pieces, often performed at shows. It suits children who enjoy music and performing, and it is a way for families of Indian heritage to keep a classical art form alive at home. Starting ages vary from school to school, so ask the provider what age they take beginners.
Who it's for
Kids and adults, from beginners to experienced dancers, in the academy's own words ('Kids | Adults | Beginners & Experienced'). The youngest starting age is not published, so ask the academy which batch suits your child.
What to expect
Classes cover the building blocks the academy lists: tatkaar footwork, taal and bols, chakkars, abhinaya, and grace and expression. The course follows six graded levels (Praveshika Pratham and Poorna, Madhyama Pratham and Poorna, Visharad Pratham and Poorna), and students also get some exposure to semi-classical dance. Batches run online and in person, at the Bur Dubai studio or at Glendale International School in Oud Metha. In September 2026 the academy ran demo classes for new students at Glendale, so ask whether a demo or trial class is available now. Ask too about class length, what to wear and whether ghungroo ankle bells are needed.
Highlights
- Traditional (shuddha) Kathak for kids and adults, beginners to experienced (Instagram)
- Six graded levels, Praveshika Pratham to Visharad Poorna; described by the academy as a university-certified, degree-level course (Instagram)
- Led by Guru Ashwini Shirvalkar, Kathak Visharad, with 18+ years' experience (Instagram)
- Studio at 603, Al Tawhidi Building II, Bur Dubai, plus a branch at Glendale International School, Oud Metha (Instagram)
- Online and in-person batches (Instagram)
- Students perform at the academy's own shows, such as Archana in June 2026 (Instagram)
The facts
- Ages
- Kids and adults, beginners to experienced; youngest starting age not published (Instagram)
- Prices
- Ask the provider
- Trial
- Demo classes ran in September 2026; ask whether one is available now (Instagram)
- Where
- Bur Dubai - 603, Al Tawhidi Building II, near Al Fahidi (Sharaf DG) metro station · Oud Metha - Glendale International School
- How to book
- +971 55 788 1247 · instagram.com/sadhanakathak
Questions parents ask
Good to know
- The Bur Dubai studio is near Al Fahidi (Sharaf DG) metro station (Instagram)
- Admissions were open in late September 2026; message the academy for batch details (Instagram)
- The academy also runs one-off workshops, such as a semi-classical Payaliya workshop in September 2026 (Instagram)
Prices, ages and times change — confirm with the provider before you book.
Photos




Location
Al Wasl - Dubai
Interested in Sadhana Kathak Dance Academy?
Message them directly — ask about classes, times and prices.
Message on WhatsApp


