Nrutya Bharati Performing Arts Center
NB School of Kathak
Start Your Kathak Journey
New Batch - Sept 2026! Contact Us!!
Learn authentic Jaipur & Lucknow Gharana Kathak in the tradition of Guru Jayashree Tambe
In partnership with Shehnaaz Dance Academy • Jersey City, NJ
Choose Your Kathak Program
Structured curriculum for all ages and goals - from recreational learning to professional certification from Akhil Bhartiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Mumbai.
Kids Programs
ABGMV Certification Program - Kids
Structured curriculum with formal examinations leading to recognized credentials from Akhil Bhartiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Mumbai.
Recreational Kathak - Kids
Enjoy Kathak without examination pressure. Learn at your own pace with focus on fun, expression, and the joy of classical dance.
Adults Programs
ABGMV Certification Program - Adults
Professional-level training with rigorous examination requirements. Master traditional bandishes, paran compositions, and performance artistry.
Recreational Kathak - Adults
Perfect for adults discovering classical dance. Learn foundational techniques, explore compositions, and experience the beauty of Kathak.
Locations & Schedules
NB School of Kathak classes are available at four convenient locations across New Jersey in partnership with Shehnaaz Dance Academy.
Have questions about our programs or locations?
Contact UsOur Heritage - A Legacy Since 1968
Nrutya Bharati Performing Arts Center carries forward a distinguished lineage of Jaipur Gharana Kathak. The journey began with the legendary Guru Rohini Bhate, whose dedicated shishya, Guru Jayashree Tambe, established Nrutya Bharati Indore in 1968 upon her move to Indore, extending her guru's legacy and vision to Central India.
For over five decades, this institution has been preserving and promoting the authentic traditions of Jaipur Gharana Kathak through the sacred guru-shishya parampara. NB School of Kathak now brings this rich heritage to the United States, continuing the lineage that flows from Guru Rohini Bhate through Guru Jayashree Tambe.
Founded by Priya Tiwari in the USA, a registered teacher of Akhil Bhartiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Mumbai, NB School of Kathak offers authentic training following the esteemed curriculum of this renowned institution.
Our sister institutions, including Kala Kunj Kathak Academy in Pune, continue to spread this beautiful art form across the globe. Whether you're beginning your journey or refining your artistry, we offer authentic training rooted in this distinguished tradition.
Authentic traditional training
Pandita Rohini Bhate → Guru Jayashree Tambe → Priya Tiwari
India & USA campuses
Honoring Guru JayaShree Tambe
A pioneering force in Kathak, whose dedication and artistry have shaped generations of dancers. Guru JayaShree Tambe established Nrutya Bharati Indore in 1968, carrying forward the legacy of her guru, Pandita Rohini Bhate, to Central India.
One of the first few students trained under the legendary Pandita Rohini Bhate
Awarded the prestigious "Chakradhar Fellowship" by the Government of Madhya Pradesh
Recipient of the esteemed "Ratna Shiromani Award" for excellence in performing arts
Directed a groundbreaking project on epilepsy disbeliefs, awarded international recognition in Thailand
Choreographed the acclaimed TV dance ballet "Nrityam, Shivam, Sundaram"
Her vision and teachings guide our institution.
Guru JayaShree Tambe
The Torchbearer
Founded: Nrutya Bharati Indore (1968)
Legacy: 55+ years of excellence
Lineage: Student of Pandita Rohini Bhate
Priya Tiwari
Kathak Exponent | Educator | Corporate Leader
The Founder - USA Chapter
Certified Teacher: Akhil Bhartiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya (ABGMV), Mumbai
Founded: NB School of Kathak, USA
Lineage: Pandita Rohini Bhate → Guru JayaShree Tambe → Priya Tiwari
A Cultural Bridge Between India & USA
Priya Tiwari is a distinguished Kathak educator and global corporate leader who views dance as her lifelong passion and a sacred form of worship. A certified teacher through the Akhil Bhartiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, she carries forward the prestigious lineage of Pandita Rohini Bhate and Guru JayaShree Tambe, serving as a vital cultural bridge between India and the United States.
Priya's artistry is defined by spiritual depth and social purpose. Her rare blend of executive acumen and cultural mastery allows her to bring a disciplined, strategic, and sophisticated perspective to her choreography and teaching.
Artistic Excellence & Social Impact
Performed in the acclaimed TV ballet choreographed by Guru JayaShree Tambe, showcasing the depth and devotion of Kathak as a spiritual art form
Earned international acclaim in Thailand for this groundbreaking project, delivering a soul-stirring portrayal of Radha's struggle with epilepsy, masterfully using Kathak to dismantle social taboos and raise awareness
Corporate Leadership & Strategic Vision
Parallel to her artistic mastery, Priya has a formidable professional track record, having held leadership positions in India's banking sector and corporate leadership roles in the United States. This unique combination of executive expertise and cultural heritage enables her to bring exceptional organizational excellence, strategic thinking, and professional discipline to her teaching methodology and school administration.
Teaching Experience & Dedication
Nrutya Bharati, Indore (Dance Teacher/Assistant)
Conducted Kathak classes for batches of 10-15 students, providing comprehensive instruction in techniques, choreography, and performance while mentoring students' holistic development in Kathak dance and cultural understanding.
NB School of Kathak, USA (Founder & Principal Instructor)
Bringing authentic Jaipur Gharana Kathak to the United States, offering ABGMV certification programs and nurturing the next generation of dancers with technical excellence and deep spiritual connection to the Guru-Shishya Parampara.
Professional Accomplishments
Managed Nrutya Bharati Indore's digital presence during the pandemic
Led choreography for ICSI and Axis Bank cultural events
Adjudicator for competitions in Indore and Mumbai
ICSI Indore Chapter; Member at Axis Bank Ltd.
"Today, Priya remains dedicated to nurturing the next generation of dancers in the USA, blending technical excellence with a deep, spiritual connection to the Guru-Shishya Parampara."
Our Partnership
NB School of Kathak
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Shehnaaz Dance Academy
The journey of Nrutya Bharati from India to the United States is a story of artistic synergy. Through our partnership with Shehnaaz Dance Academy (SDA), we have found more than a venue—we have found a professional home that shares our commitment to discipline, authenticity, and cultural preservation.
Shehnaaz Jagasia
Founder & Creative Director, Shehnaaz Dance Academy (SDA)
Ms. Shehnaaz Jagasia is trained in the Classical Dance form of Bharatnatyam (Dr. Swaminathan) and Bollywood from various dance schools in India. She has participated in several stage shows and has been an integral part of choreographed dances since the early age of 3.
A geneticist by profession, she chose to pursue her passion for dance in 2009 and founded the Shehnaaz Dance Academy (SDA) in 2012. Known to her students as Ms. Shen, she teaches Bollywood, Bharatanatyam and BollyHop at SDA. Ms. Shehnaaz has launched her signature BollyHIIT style for adults seeking fitness through dance.
Additionally, Ms. Shehnaaz focuses on business development and expansion of the Shehnaaz Dance Academy and SDA INC- its corporate arm. She regularly represents Indian culture through performing arts in the Tri-State area.
Ms. Shehnaaz holds two Master’s degrees: a Master’s in Biochemistry from the University of Mumbai, India as well as a Master’s in Human Molecular Genetics from Imperial College London. Shehnaaz has lived in Jersey City with her family since 2008.
About SDA
Shehnaaz Dance Academy (SDA) is a premier performing arts institution and a cornerstone of Indian cultural representation in the Tri-State area. Headquartered in Jersey City, SDA is recognized for its unwavering commitment to artistic excellence, professional business standards, and meaningful community engagement.
Beyond its renowned classical foundations and signature contemporary styles like BollyHIIT, SDA serves as a vital platform for the expansion of Indian performing arts across the United States. The academy has established a robust presence in the region, fostering a vibrant ecosystem that supports the growth of both aspiring students and seasoned artists.
A Message of Gratitude
"This partnership is a bridge that allows our Kathak lineage to flourish on American soil. We are profoundly grateful to Ms. Shehnaaz Jagasia for providing a prestigious platform where our traditions can reach a new generation of disciples with the same authenticity that defines our school in India."
— Priya Tiwari, Founder - NB School of Kathak
Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Certification Syllabus
Structured classical Kathak education from beginner to diploma level (Visharad). This curriculum follows the traditional system prescribed by Akhil Bhartiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Mumbai.
Objective: Build a strong foundation in Kathak technique, rhythm, and terminology.
What Students Learn:
- Introduction to Kathak dance and Teentaal
- Basic Tatkar (footwork) – Thah, Dugun, Chaugun
- Simple Tukras and Tihai
- Hand clapping of Teentaal and rhythmic counting
- Introduction to Padhant (recitation)
Assessment: Practical demonstration and oral theory
Objective: Develop coordination, clarity of movement, and rhythmic confidence.
What Students Learn:
- Rangmanch Pranam
- Thaat, Aamad, Tukras, Chakradar Tukras
- Introduction to Parans
- Basic Gatnikas (expressive walking patterns)
- Knowledge of Dadra and Keharwa Talas
Assessment: Practical performance and oral theory examination
Objective: Strengthen repertoire and expressive ability.
What Students Learn:
- Advanced Teentaal compositions
- Layakari in Tatkar
- Gatnikas and Gatbhav (storytelling)
- Introduction to Kathak history
- Basic tala writing and classical dance awareness
Assessment: Practical and written/oral theory examination
Objective: Achieve technical maturity and stylistic understanding.
What Students Learn:
- Guru Vandana
- Advanced Teentaal repertoire
- Introduction to Jhaptal and Ektal
- Devotional Abhinaya (Bhajans)
- Understanding of Nritta, Nritya, and Natya
Assessment: Written/oral theory and advanced practical examination
Objective: Prepare students for higher artistic expression and performance.
What Students Learn:
- Shiva or Krishna Vandana
- Rupak and Ektal compositions
- Gatbhav such as Kaliya Daman
- Introduction to Thumri Abhinaya
Assessment: Advanced practical and written theory examination
Objective: Transition into a pre-professional Kathak dancer.
What Students Learn:
- Saraswati Vandana
- Complex talas such as Jhaptal and Dhamar
- Detailed Gatbhav including Draupadi Cheer Haran
- Introduction to Navarasa and Nayak–Nayika Bhed
Assessment: Written theory, practical exam, and stage performance (20–30 minutes)
Objective: Achieve diploma-level mastery in Kathak dance.
What Students Learn:
- Vishnu Vandana
- Advanced improvisation and layakari
- Navarasa expression (facial abhinaya)
- Independent composition and presentation
Assessment: Written examinations, practical examination, and full solo recital.
🎓 Certification: Diploma in Kathak Dance - Akhil Bhartiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya
Earn Your Diploma in Kathak
Students who successfully complete the Visharad level are awarded a recognized Diploma under the esteemed Akhil Bhartiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya examination system.
Jersey City • Online
Our Guru-Shishya Parampara
Learn in the authentic tradition flowing from Guru Rohini Bhate to Guru Jayashree Tambe, with connections to our sister institutions across India.
Priya Tiwari
NB School of Kathak USA
Kavita Khodke
Founder and Principal Teacher at Kala Kunj Kathak Academy, Pune
Join the Nrutya Bharati Legacy
Become part of a 55-year tradition of excellence in Jaipur Gharana Kathak. Experience authentic classical training right here in the heart of Jersey City
Continuing the Lineage of Guru Jayashree Tambe