Best Pole Dance Classes in Los Angeles, CA

My daughters have been learning bharatanatyam from Malini aunty for the past 5 years. Aunty is amazing with kids and knows how to make the classes both fun and disciplined. They picked up the basics really quickly. Unlike other dance schools, Natyanjali school strictly follows the orthodox traditional parampara. Besides dancing, my girls also learn a lot about Indian culture in her classes. Most of the dance videos are uploaded to the website's learning module, which is really helpful for practicing at home. Despite her age, she is very active and hands-on during class. I also appreciate her attention to every detail, from makeup and music to photography and ethnic dressing. We had a fantastic experience during the annual performance. There are also performances during Dussera and at the temple for exposure. Even during the COVID year, she went the extra mile by conducting Zoom classes and additional rehearsal sessions before each performance.

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It has been an honor to learn from my guru, Dr. Malini Krishnamurthi - she is an exemplary teacher who conducts each class with compassion and kindness. She is very knowledgeable in all aspects of dance incorporating theory, confidence building, and wellness!

I have known about Malini and her dance school for years. It is an incredible amazing institution run by Malini as one of the best schools whose performances produced as very eye catching and pleasant. The director Malini is not only high class with her students but very pleasing. Hope it would continue for a long time in the LA area

Being a student of Ms. Malini is a privilege. I was very apprehensive when I tried out a class with Ms. Malini but when I finished the class I was even more inspired and motivated to take up Bharatanatyam lessons. I’m probably Ms. Malini’s oldest student and I absolutely love that fact! She’s a wonderful teacher and guide. More power to her ???.

Being a student of Ms. Malini is a privilege. I was very apprehensive when I tried out a class with Ms. Malini but when I finished the class I was even more inspired and motivated to take up Bharatanatyam lessons. I’m probably Ms. Malini’s oldest student and I absolutely love that fact! She’s a wonderful teacher and guide. More power to her ???.

Being a student of Ms. Malini is a privilege. I was very apprehensive when I tried out a class with Ms. Malini but when I finished the class I was even more inspired and motivated to take up Bharatanatyam lessons. I’m probably Ms. Malini’s oldest student and I absolutely love that fact! She’s a wonderful teacher and guide. More power to her ???.

Being a student of Ms. Malini is a privilege. I was very apprehensive when I tried out a class with Ms. Malini but when I finished the class I was even more inspired and motivated to take up Bharatanatyam lessons. I’m probably Ms. Malini’s oldest student and I absolutely love that fact! She’s a wonderful teacher and guide. More power to her ???.

Being a student of Ms. Malini is a privilege. I was very apprehensive when I tried out a class with Ms. Malini but when I finished the class I was even more inspired and motivated to take up Bharatanatyam lessons. I’m probably Ms. Malini’s oldest student and I absolutely love that fact! She’s a wonderful teacher and guide. More power to her ???.

Being a student of Ms. Malini is a privilege. I was very apprehensive when I tried out a class with Ms. Malini but when I finished the class I was even more inspired and motivated to take up Bharatanatyam lessons. I’m probably Ms. Malini’s oldest student and I absolutely love that fact! She’s a wonderful teacher and guide. More power to her ???.

Being a student of Ms. Malini is a privilege. I was very apprehensive when I tried out a class with Ms. Malini but when I finished the class I was even more inspired and motivated to take up Bharatanatyam lessons. I’m probably Ms. Malini’s oldest student and I absolutely love that fact! She’s a wonderful teacher and guide. More power to her ???.

Being a student of Ms. Malini is a privilege. I was very apprehensive when I tried out a class with Ms. Malini but when I finished the class I was even more inspired and motivated to take up Bharatanatyam lessons. I’m probably Ms. Malini’s oldest student and I absolutely love that fact! She’s a wonderful teacher and guide. More power to her ???.

Being a student of Ms. Malini is a privilege. I was very apprehensive when I tried out a class with Ms. Malini but when I finished the class I was even more inspired and motivated to take up Bharatanatyam lessons. I’m probably Ms. Malini’s oldest student and I absolutely love that fact! She’s a wonderful teacher and guide. More power to her ???.

Being a student of Ms. Malini is a privilege. I was very apprehensive when I tried out a class with Ms. Malini but when I finished the class I was even more inspired and motivated to take up Bharatanatyam lessons. I’m probably Ms. Malini’s oldest student and I absolutely love that fact! She’s a wonderful teacher and guide. More power to her ???.

Being a student of Ms. Malini is a privilege. I was very apprehensive when I tried out a class with Ms. Malini but when I finished the class I was even more inspired and motivated to take up Bharatanatyam lessons. I’m probably Ms. Malini’s oldest student and I absolutely love that fact! She’s a wonderful teacher and guide. More power to her ???.

Being a student of Ms. Malini is a privilege. I was very apprehensive when I tried out a class with Ms. Malini but when I finished the class I was even more inspired and motivated to take up Bharatanatyam lessons. I’m probably Ms. Malini’s oldest student and I absolutely love that fact! She’s a wonderful teacher and guide. More power to her ???.

Being a student of Ms. Malini is a privilege. I was very apprehensive when I tried out a class with Ms. Malini but when I finished the class I was even more inspired and motivated to take up Bharatanatyam lessons. I’m probably Ms. Malini’s oldest student and I absolutely love that fact! She’s a wonderful teacher and guide. More power to her ???.

Being a student of Ms. Malini is a privilege. I was very apprehensive when I tried out a class with Ms. Malini but when I finished the class I was even more inspired and motivated to take up Bharatanatyam lessons. I’m probably Ms. Malini’s oldest student and I absolutely love that fact! She’s a wonderful teacher and guide. More power to her ???.

Being a student of Ms. Malini is a privilege. I was very apprehensive when I tried out a class with Ms. Malini but when I finished the class I was even more inspired and motivated to take up Bharatanatyam lessons. I’m probably Ms. Malini’s oldest student and I absolutely love that fact! She’s a wonderful teacher and guide. More power to her ???.

Being a student of Ms. Malini is a privilege. I was very apprehensive when I tried out a class with Ms. Malini but when I finished the class I was even more inspired and motivated to take up Bharatanatyam lessons. I’m probably Ms. Malini’s oldest student and I absolutely love that fact! She’s a wonderful teacher and guide. More power to her ???.

Being a student of Ms. Malini is a privilege. I was very apprehensive when I tried out a class with Ms. Malini but when I finished the class I was even more inspired and motivated to take up Bharatanatyam lessons. I’m probably Ms. Malini’s oldest student and I absolutely love that fact! She’s a wonderful teacher and guide. More power to her ???.

Being a student of Ms. Malini is a privilege. I was very apprehensive when I tried out a class with Ms. Malini but when I finished the class I was even more inspired and motivated to take up Bharatanatyam lessons. I’m probably Ms. Malini’s oldest student and I absolutely love that fact! She’s a wonderful teacher and guide. More power to her ???.

Being a student of Ms. Malini is a privilege. I was very apprehensive when I tried out a class with Ms. Malini but when I finished the class I was even more inspired and motivated to take up Bharatanatyam lessons. I’m probably Ms. Malini’s oldest student and I absolutely love that fact! She’s a wonderful teacher and guide. More power to her ???.

Being a student of Ms. Malini is a privilege. I was very apprehensive when I tried out a class with Ms. Malini but when I finished the class I was even more inspired and motivated to take up Bharatanatyam lessons. I’m probably Ms. Malini’s oldest student and I absolutely love that fact! She’s a wonderful teacher and guide. More power to her ???.

Being a student of Ms. Malini is a privilege. I was very apprehensive when I tried out a class with Ms. Malini but when I finished the class I was even more inspired and motivated to take up Bharatanatyam lessons. I’m probably Ms. Malini’s oldest student and I absolutely love that fact! She’s a wonderful teacher and guide. More power to her ???.

Being a student of Ms. Malini is a privilege. I was very apprehensive when I tried out a class with Ms. Malini but when I finished the class I was even more inspired and motivated to take up Bharatanatyam lessons. I’m probably Ms. Malini’s oldest student and I absolutely love that fact! She’s a wonderful teacher and guide. More power to her ???.

Being a student of Ms. Malini is a privilege. I was very apprehensive when I tried out a class with Ms. Malini but when I finished the class I was even more inspired and motivated to take up Bharatanatyam lessons. I’m probably Ms. Malini’s oldest student and I absolutely love that fact! She’s a wonderful teacher and guide. More power to her ???.

Being a student of Ms. Malini is a privilege. I was very apprehensive when I tried out a class with Ms. Malini but when I finished the class I was even more inspired and motivated to take up Bharatanatyam lessons. I’m probably Ms. Malini’s oldest student and I absolutely love that fact! She’s a wonderful teacher and guide. More power to her ???.

Being a student of Ms. Malini is a privilege. I was very apprehensive when I tried out a class with Ms. Malini but when I finished the class I was even more inspired and motivated to take up Bharatanatyam lessons. I’m probably Ms. Malini’s oldest student and I absolutely love that fact! She’s a wonderful teacher and guide. More power to her ???.

Being a student of Ms. Malini is a privilege. I was very apprehensive when I tried out a class with Ms. Malini but when I finished the class I was even more inspired and motivated to take up Bharatanatyam lessons. I’m probably Ms. Malini’s oldest student and I absolutely love that fact! She’s a wonderful teacher and guide. More power to 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.

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

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

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!!!!

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 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.

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.

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!