Best Odissi Dance Teachers & Classes in Chicago, IL

My daughter joined Tarana Dance Academy when she was 6 years old and completing 7 years in Tarana Kathak Academy..Her teacher Sheetal Auntie (Guru Sheetal Dhanani) has been with her every step of this journey. She helped her discover her passion for Kathak, and is leading her to be the best Kathak dancer she can be.I am really grateful to Sheetalji and her team.

Guru Sheetal Aunty is an amazing and encouraging kathak teacher that really cares about each and every one of her students.

Tarana music academy is outstanding school for Kathak in Chicagoland area. Guru Sheetal Ji is extremely knowledgeable and ensure to get optimum performance output from students. She takes care students very well and dedicated / committed to ensure quality. Great learning and friendly environment among guru sisters at Tarana Dance Acadm. I would highly recommend for parent and student to join Tarana Academy if they would like to have a great quality Kathak dance learning.

Thanks Sheetal teacher and all teachers. I love this Dance class.

I was initially thinking to join gym but I'm never successful doing something without a purpose, I instead joined Tarana and that's the best decision I have ever made. The classes are for every age and teachers are so awesome! It's so much more than physical exercise lot of mind and body co-ordination and we are engaged every second. Now it's the class I look forward to every week. It's more entertaining and whole Tarana community is awesome! All THANKS to Guru Sheetal ji for her vision and effort in growing it to this level for many years!

Best Dance school in Chicago! As a student I would highly recommend Tarana to others looking to learn kathak Dance! You will be lost in time while learning here... All thanks to Sheetal ji.

This is the best place to learn Indian classical dance form - Kathak and Music: Sheetal guru ji is the only reason for it. My kids were initially reluctant to join classical but now they find it so much interesting and they keep looking forward for the class. Kids will learn so much more than dance here and Guru Sheetal ji is so much inspiring and keeps the class Jovial. After seeing my kids inspiration I also joined the her class I myself see so much improvement in myself. I am inspired by her leadership skills, costume selection, co-ordination, organizing big events. This school student performs in temple events, school compilation what not but Sheetal ji is never tired and always as smiling face and welcomes new ideas. Sheetal ji also helps graduating/Visharad kids grow into leader ship role she provides every opportunity for them to grow in and out. Her dance shows are filled with thousands of audiences and in theatre effect. All thanks to Tarana Academy and team!

I love Kathak. It's a good academy to learn Kathak. Sheetal Dhanani, the founder and owner, is an amazing performer and teacher. She is really warm and friendly person. My daughter loves learning Kathak from her.

I love the way Archana tai teaches… she has a warm attitude towards all her students and spends a great amount of time focusing on each and every one of them. Truly the best kathak teacher running one of the most prestigious kathak academies.

I love the way Archana tai teaches… she has a warm attitude towards all her students and spends a great amount of time focusing on each and every one of them. Truly the best kathak teacher running one of the most prestigious kathak academies.

I have been dancing with Sheetal Auntie at Tarana for about eight years. I would recommend Tarana Dance Academy to anyone of any age interested in learning Kathak. Sheetal Auntie meets all students where they are. She also knows how to teach five year olds, 18 year olds, and even adults so she can capture their attention, passion, and interest. Sheetal Auntie teaches Kathak, but she also teaches confidence, memorization tactics, leadership skills, and much more.

best dance school ever! also has the best guru:)

Hi Tai, It was a wonderful performance at the Rhythm of Life 2022as always.... You never cease to surprise me, rather amaze me ,and every time I come back impressed with the depth and breadth and range of your performance and talent. You outdo yourselves every time we all see you, in many respects. I remember the annual show of 2019, as I remember other shows of yours that I have attended and watched. I could go on and on about the artistic talent, the creativity, the choreography, the attention to detail and the combination of originality and choice of compositions that you have taken from the legends. You would have heard about all this from others too.. What impressed me also are the steps that you are taking to build the next level of talent for your academy and laying foundations of a lasting institution that can scale and grow to multiple levels.. I particularly liked the gesture to honor all faculties and PareshJi in particular. It is rare that an individual who is an excellent performer in his or her field is also good at managing, organizing, and institution building. This combination of multiple talents within you, along with organizational capabilities, and the teaching and institution building abilities is an exceptional combination seen rarely in creative artists. We feel thankful and blessed to have you as Guru for our kids... Our prayers for the continued growth of your art, craft and for the growth of this wonderful institution Archana Arts is promising to be

Tarana academy of music and dance has been my second home since I was a child. The environment is very welcoming and so is the team. Sheetal Dhanani is a wonderful teacher that treats every student very equally and puts in her full effort so that her students can have a wonderful experience both in the studio and on stage. The dedication she has towards the school really shows through her shows and in all the students. I have had a wonderful experience at Tarana and it is my 13th year with Sheetal Aunty now. Sheetal aunty is the reason of my passion and love for dance and I am truly grateful to have learned the beautiful dance form of kathak with her.

Great place to dance. The teachers are so fun.

Tarana Academy of Dance and Music is like a second home to me. Over the past seven to eight years, I have looked forward to every dance class because of the positive atmosphere in the studio. Guru Sheetal Dhanani is a truly inspiring teacher and director. With her incredible passion and vision, she has introduced Kathak to a new generation of students. It is under her guidance that I have grown not only as a dancer but as a person. I couldn’t imagine my life without this beautiful dance form and am so grateful to have found Tarana. I highly recommend this school to anyone interested in learning Kathak.

As a recent Visharad graduate of Tarana Academy of Dance & Music, I can sincerely say that my experiences with Tarana have always been ones of great memories. My Guru, Sheetal Dhanani, has been the best mentor and teacher for the past 10 years. She always motivates her students, raising them to become the best version of themselves when it comes to dance and personal characteristics. She finds the unique spark of each individual dancer (whether it be their footwork, expressions, or grace) and utilizes it in order to create choreography that perfectly suits each dancer. Not only has Sheetal aunty taught me the various dance moves needed to excel in this art, she has also taught me to love my culture and go after my passion of dance. I am so proud to be a graduate of Tarana, and I can’t wait to grow even more under the guidance of my Guru.

Tarana Kathak Dance Academy is the best place to learn this treasured style of dancing, Kathak. I have been dancing there for around 7-8 years. This place is magical for your self-esteem and for your dancing capabilities. Sheetal Aunty helps us grow in so many ways. Our teachers motivate us to build on our techniques as the years pass by. The community in this dance studio is something you rarely find.

ive grown up at Tarana and it is honestly the best kathak school in Chicago. Love Sheetal auntie and everyone at Tarana!

Tarana Academy of Dance & Music has fueled and created my passion for dance. I have been dancing at Tarana for the past 8 years and as I have grown, my skills and achievements in dance have grown with me.There is always a positive and motivating energy in the studio and this creates the desire to learn and grow as a kathak dancer. Sheetal auntie always finds individual characteristics in each of her dance students and uses that knowledge in creating challenging and articulate choreography that matches the skill level of the dancer. I am so proud and grateful to be able to learn kathak at Tarana Academy of Dance & Music and under the guidance of Guru Sheetal Dhanani

As a student of Tarana Academy of Dance and Music, this dance school continues to go above and beyond for its students and families. Over the past 11 years at Tarana, I have seen firsthand how Sheetal Dhanani works hard every day to expand and generate quality work from her students. She is a wonderful teacher who we all lovingly refer to as Sheetal Aunty. She knows how to bring out our full potential while entrancing us into this wonderful art form. She takes us in under her wing with love and support while still bringing out perfection in our dancing. As a recent graduate, I could not be more grateful for my experience at Tarana and I encourage others to join as well!

Tarana Kathak dance academy is a great place to not only learn traditional North Indian classical dance but is also a community for many great people. Sheetal Aunty and this community of great dancers made me the person I am today and I am so happy to have joined this academy.

I've been learning Kathak with Tarana Dance Academy for the past seven years, and I'm currently in my eighth year. Our teacher, Sheetal Auntie (Guru Sheetal Dhanani) has been with me every step of this journey. She helped me discover my passion for Kathak, and is leading me to be the best Kathak dancer I can be. She inspires me, encourages and motivates me to work hard, and try my best. From making the choreography next level, to the professional costumes, lighting, music, and overall production, Sheetal Auntie puts an enormous amount of effort and dedication into everything she does, and it always turns out absolutely amazing. I recommend Tarana Academy of Dance and Music for anyone interested in learning Kathak, Indian Classical Dance, from the best teacher.

It has been a pleasure working with Guru Sheetal Dhanani for past 10 years. Knowing her for all these years, I have realized that she has a very deep understanding of choreography, music composition, costume designing, lightings, designing of the stage decor and a vision of how to present Kathak to both - younger and older generation to fall in love with this dance form. Her vision takes a very simple dance to its next level which has been appreciated by mass audience. Personally her guidance has built a great level of confidence and discipline in my daughter and it has helped her achieve different heights in life. Because of her guru, she has developed immense respect and understanding of Indian culture. Sheetalji has also been instrumental in helping her achieve Rangmanch Pravesh. I would always recommend Tarana Academy of Dance & Music to those who want to learn Indian Classical Dance form - Kathak.

Tai, the BMM show was fantastic, I loved every bit of it! Your ardhanareshwar was mesmerizing. Ghunghat and panihari were also very powerful. The girls’ performances interspersed with your powerful ones perfectly struck a beautiful balance. We are so fortunate to have you here and have you as our guru. We are immensely blessed. The awe of watching your shows has not diminished for me despite watching them up close for almost two decades now.

Tai, the BMM show was fantastic, I loved every bit of it! Your ardhanareshwar was mesmerizing. Ghunghat and panihari were also very powerful. The girls’ performances interspersed with your powerful ones perfectly struck a beautiful balance. We are so fortunate to have you here and have you as our guru. We are immensely blessed. The awe of watching your shows has not diminished for me despite watching them up close for almost two decades now.

My experience is very good . I get detailed attention from.Guru Archana Her focus is so much on grammar, strength. Body alignment and riyaaaz I am loving it and best part is that she does everything as many as times till you get it People might not like her for being strict with Riyaaz but that’s what classical art form is all about I love her , she has knowledge depth of an ocean I am always excited / little nervous but prepared for her class . Wish I had found her long ago

My experience is very good . I get detailed attention from.Guru Archana Her focus is so much on grammar, strength. Body alignment and riyaaaz I am loving it and best part is that she does everything as many as times till you get it People might not like her for being strict with Riyaaz but that’s what classical art form is all about I love her , she has knowledge depth of an ocean I am always excited / little nervous but prepared for her class . Wish I had found her long ago

Tarana Academy of Dance & Music is the place I've found my greatest passion and have grown with it for over 8 years. Sheetal Dhanani (my Sheetal Aunty) has been my most admirable mentor who took me under her wings and showed me the various aspects of Kathak. Not only did Sheetal Aunty teach me the intricacies of this dance form, but she showed me how to present myself on stage and as a person. As a Tarana graduate, I have experienced Sheetal Aunty's words of encouragement, professionalism, and work ethic she brings along with herself every day and I highly recommend Tarana Academy of Dance & Music, a place for Indian Classical Dance.

Great dancing school, as a student I would highly recommend Tarana to others looking for a kathak school!

I love this institute because of it's kind teachers and graceful dances!!!!! This is in no way a bad place!!!!

I love this institute because of it's kind teachers and graceful dances!!!!! This is in no way a bad place!!!!

This teacher, her professionalism and dedication really changed my life. I had to miss so many classes because of my hectic work schedule but she has been so kind and motivates me and others who have missed classes to attend other classes. Covid had no impact on our schedule because she was so proactive in setting up zoom classes for us in the early stages. Thank you so much Sheetalj!

I have been associated with ArchanaTai and her dance school for over 10+ years through my daughter who learns Kathak with her. Typically, I am a person of few words but feel compelled to write this review as my daughter is planning to finish her B.A. in Kathak soon. I have no doubt that Kathak and especially association with Tai is a big reason behind my daughters confidence, self-identity, musicality and pursuit of excellence in whatever she undertakes. Tai doesn’t just teach kathak, she imbibes in her students values of hard work, attention to detail, consistency and diligence. She takes effort to explain history of Kathak, meaning behind each lesson and shared stories of our cultural heritage. Tai uses the right balance between tough love and tenderness to ensure her students achieve their full potential. It is no surprise that the learning in her classroom goes beyond Kathak and makes its mark in academic, physical and spiritual worlds. If you are looking for serious Kathak training, you cannot find a better teacher and human being that you want your child to associate with and learn from. THANK YOU Tai for your wisdom and heart, and all the sweet things that you do. We are thankful to have you here in NJ!

Archana Arts is the best dance school for learning Kathak. If anybody wants to genuinely learn Kathak and hone the skills of the dance form, Archana Arts is the place. This school has a detailed curriculum, all the way from Beginners to Master’s level. Archana Arts embodies the rich culture of Indian heritage. Students are taught so much more than how to just move their bodies in rhythm. This school focuses on gracefulness and truly grooming the students into beautiful dancers. The knowledge of Archana Arts is vast and deep. It encompasses the technical side as well as the Bhav (expression) side of Kathak. This is the activity which helps your physical health and mental health. Anyone can learn this art form regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity.

Archana Arts is the best dance school for learning Kathak. If anybody wants to genuinely learn Kathak and hone the skills of the dance form, Archana Arts is the place. This school has a detailed curriculum, all the way from Beginners to Master’s level. Archana Arts embodies the rich culture of Indian heritage. Students are taught so much more than how to just move their bodies in rhythm. This school focuses on gracefulness and truly grooming the students into beautiful dancers. The knowledge of Archana Arts is vast and deep. It encompasses the technical side as well as the Bhav (expression) side of Kathak. This is the activity which helps your physical health and mental health. Anyone can learn this art form regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity.

Archana Tai is the true Guru. There isn’t anyone else who has the strength, dedication, and in-depth vision like Tai does. She focuses on grooming every single student and brings out the beauty in them. She is so precise in her choreographies and even while teaching, she makes sure to explain everything to her students. We don’t just learn how to move our bodies; we learn all the terms, and the meaning behind what we perform, and the science and math behind what we do. Tai makes it her responsibility to explain what we’re learning and how it connects to us at that very moment. Through Tai’s guidance, we have been fortunate to have the opportunity to perform on many stages and partake in many workshops and events. I have been a student of Tai’s for 9 years now, and I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to learn from her and to have her as my Guru.

Archana Tai is the true Guru. There isn’t anyone else who has the strength, dedication, and in-depth vision like Tai does. She focuses on grooming every single student and brings out the beauty in them. She is so precise in her choreographies and even while teaching, she makes sure to explain everything to her students. We don’t just learn how to move our bodies; we learn all the terms, and the meaning behind what we perform, and the science and math behind what we do. Tai makes it her responsibility to explain what we’re learning and how it connects to us at that very moment. Through Tai’s guidance, we have been fortunate to have the opportunity to perform on many stages and partake in many workshops and events. I have been a student of Tai’s for 9 years now, and I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to learn from her and to have her as my Guru.

this school is amazing my daughter has been going there for 2 years

As a student of six years at Archana Nrityalaya, I can proudly say that getting the opportunity to learn from Archana Tai has been one of the greatest blessings of my entire life. In fact, the impact of her tutelage, both in and outside of the classroom, cannot be quantified into the five stars of this rating. I highly doubt that it could be counted in thousands of them either. When I began learning with Archana Tai in sixth grade, I wasn’t very happy. Kathak dance had so many guidelines, so many rules. The dance required so much effort and discipline, and with Archana Tai as my guru, I had to strive for perfection. And I definitely was not disciplined or motivated enough to do it at that age, and it was because of my drawbacks that I almost considered quitting my tutelage. Today, I proudly say that continuing was one of the greatest decisions I’ve ever made. The rules that I eventually internalized define my character today, in both dance and society. Every single lesson in her studio is test of the decorum she has taught and continues to teach me: Do I appear confident and strong every time I move my body to the rhythm? How about my hair, my attire? Have I dressed to succeed in class? And lest we forget, how am I reciting poems and compositions? Is my performance acceptable, or exemplary? Most importantly, how do I respond to my critiques? Do I dare to retaliate out of sheer impulse, or accept my mistakes and respect both my progress and my teacher’s wishes and try again? I face the questions every single day when I return, and try to make the right decisions as Tai has taught me. Yes, Tai can be strict. She pays attention to the nitty-gritty details, and strives for intense perfection. She may break down her students to begin, but rebuilds then into future dancers and leaders. Her endless care for her students is reflected in every single conversation she has with her students. These attributes that distinguish her from other teachers and academies. The schooling that we students receive here is arguably beyond any other Kathak education we can receive. Here, we learn to push the boundaries the boundaries of ourselves and dance, so that we can do the same in life. Thank you, Archana Tai. For everything you have taught me and will continue to to teach me both inside and outside of your classroom.

As a student of six years at Archana Nrityalaya, I can proudly say that getting the opportunity to learn from Archana Tai has been one of the greatest blessings of my entire life. In fact, the impact of her tutelage, both in and outside of the classroom, cannot be quantified into the five stars of this rating. I highly doubt that it could be counted in thousands of them either. When I began learning with Archana Tai in sixth grade, I wasn’t very happy. Kathak dance had so many guidelines, so many rules. The dance required so much effort and discipline, and with Archana Tai as my guru, I had to strive for perfection. And I definitely was not disciplined or motivated enough to do it at that age, and it was because of my drawbacks that I almost considered quitting my tutelage. Today, I proudly say that continuing was one of the greatest decisions I’ve ever made. The rules that I eventually internalized define my character today, in both dance and society. Every single lesson in her studio is test of the decorum she has taught and continues to teach me: Do I appear confident and strong every time I move my body to the rhythm? How about my hair, my attire? Have I dressed to succeed in class? And lest we forget, how am I reciting poems and compositions? Is my performance acceptable, or exemplary? Most importantly, how do I respond to my critiques? Do I dare to retaliate out of sheer impulse, or accept my mistakes and respect both my progress and my teacher’s wishes and try again? I face the questions every single day when I return, and try to make the right decisions as Tai has taught me. Yes, Tai can be strict. She pays attention to the nitty-gritty details, and strives for intense perfection. She may break down her students to begin, but rebuilds then into future dancers and leaders. Her endless care for her students is reflected in every single conversation she has with her students. These attributes that distinguish her from other teachers and academies. The schooling that we students receive here is arguably beyond any other Kathak education we can receive. Here, we learn to push the boundaries the boundaries of ourselves and dance, so that we can do the same in life. Thank you, Archana Tai. For everything you have taught me and will continue to to teach me both inside and outside of your classroom.

They say your Guru is your ‘Marg Darshak’, so for a classical dance form like Kathak, it was an obvious choice for us to go to Archana Tai. This is the perfect place for letting your child’s childhood flourish while they learn this beautiful dance form. Each child is given individual attention to make sure, they have the right pronounciation, Bhav, posture etc. We are seeing our beautiful little girls turn into graceful dancers with each passing year. And you know that you made the right choice when your child is begging you for summer camp after a full rigorous year of the Kathak. Archana Nrityalaya is not a dance school but an extended family for us.

They say your Guru is your ‘Marg Darshak’, so for a classical dance form like Kathak, it was an obvious choice for us to go to Archana Tai. This is the perfect place for letting your child’s childhood flourish while they learn this beautiful dance form. Each child is given individual attention to make sure, they have the right pronounciation, Bhav, posture etc. We are seeing our beautiful little girls turn into graceful dancers with each passing year. And you know that you made the right choice when your child is begging you for summer camp after a full rigorous year of the Kathak. Archana Nrityalaya is not a dance school but an extended family for us.

Archana Nrityalaya has been an absolute godsend for us; my daughter has been learning Kathak for the past four years under the tutelage of Guru Archana Joglekar, and absolutely loves it. Tai, as she is fondly called by all her students, puts her heart and soul into making sure that all her students learn this beautiful art - she will continually challenge the students to stretch and improve their dance skills. Serious students only!

Great school. My Daughter loves it. This is her 7 year at Tarana.