FOR STUDENTS & PARENTS
By enrolling at the Samarpana Institute of Dance, students and their parents/guardians agree to uphold the values, policies, and expectations established by the institute’s leadership, faculty, and staff. The institute reserves the right to review and, if necessary, withdraw a student’s enrolment in cases of misconduct or disruptive behaviour by the student or their parent(s).
At Samarpana, we aim to inspire every student to embrace the rich heritage of Bharathanatyam while cultivating discipline, creativity, and joy through dance. Together, we strive to create a nurturing environment where students can flourish and develop lifelong memories and connections.
PHILOSOPHY
At the heart of the Samarpana Institute of Dance is a commitment to excellence in Bharathanatyam training. We believe that dance education is a transformative journey that nurtures not only technical skill but also self-expression, cultural awareness, and personal growth.
Our approach to teaching is holistic and integrates:
• Practical Training: Building strong foundations in Bharathanatyam technique.
• Theoretical Knowledge: Understanding the fundamentals of rhythm, classical music, and the historical context of the art form.
• Body and Mind Awareness: Enhancing flexibility, strength, and mindfulness through practices such as Yoga, Kalaripayattu, and Silambam.
We are passionate about instilling an appreciation for Bharathanatyam’s rich heritage while fostering creativity and individuality in each student.
CORE VALUES
Our institute is guided by four core values:
1. Dedication: Commitment to personal growth and mastery of Bharathanatyam.
2. Inspiration: Sparking creativity and a love for the art form.
3. Excellence: Delivering high-quality training with professionalism.
4. Creativity: Encouraging artistic exploration and expression.
These values are reflected in every aspect of our teaching, decision-making, and interactions.
COMMUNICATION
We value clear and consistent communication with our students and parents. All important updates, including those about fees, class enrolments, upcoming events, concert details, and more, will be sent exclusively via email.
For urgent notifications, such as class cancellations, we may also send text messages. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that their email address and mobile number on file are current and accurate to receive these communications.
For inquiries or updates, please contact us directly via email at info@samarpanainstitute.com.
While social media platforms, including WhatsApp, may be used for additional communication, they do not replace official correspondence via email.
ENROLMENT & TRIAL LESSONS
We offer one free trial class for new students, allowing them to experience the class and decide if they would like to continue. If the student wishes to enrol after the trial class, online registration and direct debit authorisation is required to attend subsequent lessons.
For students with previous Bharathanatyam experience, we conduct a one-on-one assessment to evaluate their skills and experience. Please note that class placement at Samarpana may differ from the level the student was placed at in another dance school. For example, a student who was at the intermediate level elsewhere may not be placed at the same level in our institute. (Please refer to the Class Placement section below for more details on our placement process.)
CLASS PLACEMENT
The Samarpana teaching team meets regularly to assess students' progress and determine appropriate class placement. Our policy is to provide the right opportunities for every child based on their individual needs and development.
Placement decisions are informed by years of teaching experience and are made with careful consideration. Often, a child will be placed in a group where they feel confident, which helps foster self-esteem. Some students placed in higher-level classes may feel discouraged and lose their passion for dance, while others rise to the challenge of working alongside more advanced students. Placement is a highly individualised process, and many factors are taken into account when making these decisions.
ATTENDANCE AND COMMITMENT
Regular Attendance: Consistent attendance is crucial for skill development, progression, and upholding the values of dedication and excellence that are central to Samarpana. Missing classes can impede a student’s growth and disrupt their learning journey. Regular attendance fosters the discipline needed to refine technique and ensures that each student remains on track to achieve their full potential. We encourage all students to prioritise their attendance, as it is key to mastering the art form.
Home Practice: Regular practice at home is a mandatory requirement at Samarpana. Students are expected to engage in home practice to reinforce their learning and support their ongoing development. This discipline is crucial in building the skills needed to succeed and reflects the commitment to excellence that we instil in our students.
Make-Up Classes: Make-up classes may be offered only if a suitable class at the student’s level is available, but they cannot be guaranteed. It is important to note that attending the scheduled class is the most effective way to maintain progress.
Extended Absences: If you anticipate any extended absences, please notify us in advance via email. Please note that extended periods of absence will delay the student’s progress, and it is the student’s responsibility to catch up when they return to class.
Punctuality: Timeliness is essential for a proper warm-up, reducing the risk of injury and ensuring an effective learning experience. Students arriving more than 10 minutes late may be asked to observe the class to safeguard their safety and maintain the quality of the lesson.
UNIFORM POLICY
Wearing the official Samarpana uniform fosters a sense of community and ensures students are dressed appropriately for their physical activities. Proper attire allows instructors to assess form and technique effectively while promoting discipline and unity.
• Young children aged between 5 and 12 years wear a salwar set with a waist belt.
• Teens aged 13 – 16 wear a salwar set with a longer shawl that covers their chest and is wrapped firmly around the waist.
• Students 17+ and adults wear a traditional practice saree.
PARENTAL SUPPORT AND ENGAGEMENT
We believe that parents play an integral role in their child’s success at Samarpana. Your encouragement and commitment are invaluable in nurturing their growth and confidence.
Emotional Support: As a parent, your financial support is crucial, but your emotional support is equally valuable. Encourage your child to focus on their own progress and be proud of their accomplishments. Not every child will pursue a professional dance career, but dance education instils valuable life lessons. Through dance, students learn commitment, teamwork, and perseverance, which are essential skills for success in all areas of life. Our aim is to nurture the minds, bodies, and spirits of our students, equipping them with the tools to succeed, whether they continue with dance or pursue other endeavours.
Respectful Communication: Our school thrives on a positive, cooperative atmosphere, which includes collaboration between parents, students, and faculty. Respect for each other is vital—your interactions with other parents, students, and staff set an example for your child on how to engage in a professional setting. While parents and teachers may sometimes view a child’s development from different perspectives, we share a common goal: to provide the best possible training—both physically and mentally—for every child. Mutual respect between our faculty and our students' parents ensures that your child receives the highest level of care and education.
Feedback:
To foster parental involvement, we invite parents to observe their child’s class at the end of each term, providing an opportunity to see firsthand the progress their child has made. Additionally, the faculty provides an annual report at the end of the year, detailing the student's achievements and offering feedback on areas for growth to focus on in the upcoming year.
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s dance education, including progress or class placement, please discuss them directly with the teacher or director. Engaging with other parents can lead to misinformation, so it’s important to seek clarity through proper channels. Please contact the school office to set up a meeting, and refrain from approaching teachers or the director during or between classes.
If you request a conference, we ask that you listen attentively to the feedback your child’s teachers provide. They spend significant time with your child and are experts in dance education.
ANNUAL CONCERT
As part of our students' development and progress, we encourage all students to participate in the school’s annual concert, Abhivriddi, held every November. This event marks the culmination of the students' learning and growth throughout the year.
The costs associated with running the concert are largely dependent on ticket sales. Each participating student is required to purchase a minimum number of tickets, which can be used for their family members. Any additional tickets may be sold to friends and extended family.
The concert provides students with the opportunity to showcase the dance pieces and techniques they have learned over the year. We recognize that this is a proud moment for parents to witness their child’s achievement on stage.
The faculty and director are solely responsible for decisions regarding student placement in performance groups, costume selections, and ornament requirements. We ask parents and students to fully cooperate with the school’s requirements for the annual concert.
In line with this code of conduct, students who have missed a significant number of lessons or have not demonstrated consistent commitment to practice, especially in the senior years, may be asked to sit out from performing in the annual concert. While we do not wish to exclude any students, participation in stage performances requires commitment from the student. This ensures confident performances on stage and prevents any negative impact on other group members who have worked diligently throughout the year.