Best Kathakali Dance Teachers in Chicago, IL

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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

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

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.

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 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.

Great place to dance. The teachers are so fun.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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

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

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.

I've been with Tarana for over 3 years now. The journey has been wonderful. I've watched my child grow as a dancer but even more the exposure to Indian art and culture has helped her growth. It also helped her to understand teamwork, discipline and hard work. I believe all the skills that she is learning from her experience at Tarana will help her be successful in other areas of life and teach her to appreciate her Indian heritage.

Words are not enough to describe this particular academy. As a parent rooted in Indian traditions and culture, raising first-generation children in America, I am incredibly grateful to have found the Tarana Dance Academy and Foundation led by Guru Sheetal dhanani. Guru Sheetalji and her team are an inspiring teacher who effortlessly combines discipline with grace, all while nurturing the children with love and affection.The academy’s sense of community is equally admirable. Recitals are a collective effort, with parents welcomed to participate and contribute. Her recent 30th anniversary was Brilliant show... Very well presented. Choreography fantastic. Song selections on cherry on top.All the performances combined the essence of the her story and brought magnificent artistry. It’s heartening to be part of a community that not only values the growth of its students but also embraces family involvement. I wholeheartedly recommend this academy to anyone seeking to preserve and nurture our rich cultural heritage.

Excellent Classes.. Highly recommended.

This dance acedmy is one of the nicest innovative dance school in US. The teacher come director shital is very cooperative and loves all her students and personally take care of each student small or adult. Wishing her success all through her life because of her indian culture grows in US

Fantastic school for all ages led by an amazing Guru!

Exceelnt School to learn Kathak - a classical Indian Dance

Structured curriculum ! Wonderful teachers ! Organized Management ! Fortunate enough to find Guru Sheetal Dhanani !

This is certainly the best Kathak dance school in Chicagoland and probably in the entire country. Sheetalji works tirelessly to ensure her students become proficient dancers.

Love this Kathak dance school and love all the teachers.

I love kathak dances, the colorful and traditional costume, and most importantly their theme Women are making a difference from the stoneage to the present; however, getting the proper recognition now.