10+Years of Training
Age 6+All Welcome
Aarambhik — meaning "the beginning" — was founded on the belief that every dancer's journey starts with a single step, a single beat. We are a school where tradition meets heart, and where classical Kathak is taught with the same love and reverence it has carried for centuries.
From young children taking their first steps to adults rediscovering their love of movement, Aarambhik is a home for all who feel called to the rhythm of the tabla and the grace of the ghungroo.
"Aarambhik is not just a school — it is a beginning. Yours."
Kathak is one of the eight major classical dance forms of India, rooted in the ancient tradition of storytelling. The word "Kathak" comes from "Katha" — meaning story. Born in the temples and courts of North India, it is a dance that weaves together rhythm, emotion, and narrative.
Kathak is celebrated for its lightning-fast spins (chakkar), intricate footwork punctuated by the sound of ghungroo bells, fluid hand gestures (mudras), and expressive facial storytelling (abhinaya). It is a dance that speaks directly to the soul.
At Aarambhik, we give our students a complete and authentic foundation in this timeless art.
The rhythmic language of the feet — precise, powerful, and mesmerizing.
Kathak's signature pirouettes — spinning with breathtaking speed and control.
The art of storytelling through face, eyes, and gesture.
Roots of an ancient lineage.
Classes are held across three locations throughout the week — find the one that works best for you.
All students of Aarambhik School of Dance take exams under the SAMVED Conservatory of Indian Classical Dance & Music (SCICMD) — the exam board for Indian Classical Arts across North America. Exams are conducted twice a year.
Students receive certificates upon successful completion of each level.
Basic / Prarambhik Kindergarten
Practical & oral theory questions
Elementary / Praveshika Pratham
Practical & oral theory questions
Intermediate / Praveshika Poorna
Practical & written theory questions
Pre-Diploma / Madhyama Pratham
Practical & written theory questions
Diploma / Madhyama Poorna
Practical & written theory questions
Bachelor of Kathak (Part 1) / Vishaarad Pratham
Practical: solo presentation of 30 mins before audience & viva · Written: 2 theory papers of 3 hours each
Bachelor of Kathak (Final) / Vishaarad Final Year
Practical: solo presentation of 30 mins before audience & viva · Written: 2 theory papers of 3 hours each
Masters of Kathak (Part 1) / Alankaar Pratham
Practical: solo presentation of 30 mins before audience & viva · Written: 2 theory papers of 3 hours each
Master of Kathak (Part 2) / Alankaar — Masters
Practical: solo presentation of 30 mins before audience & viva · Written: 2 theory papers of 3 hours each
Founder, Aarambhik School of Dance · Trained under Guru Paresh Das Ji, Guru Sandip Bose Ji & Guru Pandita Archana Joglekar Ji
Shaswati Basu has over 15 years of learning Kathak and has completed the Classical Dance Development Program from Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad, India under Guru Paresh Das. Even after 15+ years, her zeal for knowledge has never diminished — she continues her training under her mentors Guru Pandita Archana Joglekar Ji, and Guru Sandip Bose Ji.
According to Shaswati, Kathak is a dance form in which the dancer feels free and is not bound to the floor in one place — it allows itself to be choreographed and designed organically. She brings this philosophy into every class and every piece of choreography she creates.
Shaswati moved to the US over 10 years ago and has since performed and choreographed at numerous dance events across the Boston area. In 2016, she was one of the choreographers at a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, and has served as a judge at various dance competitions in the Boston area.
"Kathak sets the dancer free — unbound from the floor, free to tell any story."
Affiliated to Samved Conservatory of Indian Classical Dance and Music — conducting classical arts exams across North America. Students receive certificates after each level, with exams held twice a year.
Words from families, students, and dancers who found their beginning here.
"My daughter started at age 7 with no dance background. Three years later she performed her first recital. The patience and dedication of this school is extraordinary."
"I joined Aarambhik as a complete adult beginner. The way Shaswati teaches — breaking down each movement with such clarity — made me feel capable from day one."
"The depth of classical knowledge here is exceptional. I came having learned elsewhere for years, and I still discovered so much. This school truly honors the tradition of Kathak."
No experience needed — just an open heart and willing feet. Reach out and we'll find the perfect class for you or your child.
774-420-6169
aarambhikdance@gmail.com
Mon–Sat, 9 AM – 7 PM
