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About Saraswat

Background:

The royal cultural heritage of India has much to offer to our following generations and it is our duty to propagate the feel into them. Romi took up dance teaching at an early age of 17. As a part of the curriculum, she used to groom junior students of her dance school and was very popular among children. In 2009, as she moved to Bangalore to pursue masters in Biotechnology, she continued in the field of art as a faculty member in Dept. of fine arts and culture, Bangalore University (2009-2011).

Teaching is indeed her interest and this passion led her to found a dance academy of her own. After getting married to Dr. Tuhin Bhakta in 2012, she moved to Trondheim, Norway and founded Saraswat dance academy. Later, they moved to Bergen, another city in Norway, and continues with her passion till date.

Bergen Saraswat Indian dance academy aim to groom dance lovers and produce not only mere performers but also passionate perfect dancers. Along with basic steps and traditional dance items, students are also taught the dance pieces composed by Romi. Each classical lesson starts in a very tradional way, with Natya Shastra, which provides training to the root of Indian cultural arts. Students are encouraged to compose and choreograph on their own to enhance their creative skills.

Dance forms mainly being focused here are Bharatantyam and Kuchipudi. Kathak is also prioritized in this dance school. With years of experience and closeness to Indian classical dance, Romi believes that one can acquire any type of movement provided the dancer makes a very strong base in any one form of Indian classical dance. Bollywood and creative contemporary dance is another sector that is given much attention into.

Apart from regular dance training, lessons in Karnatic classical music and thaalam base are incorporated in the annual curriculum to provide definite knowledge to students about the joint pivotal roles of dance, rythm and music. Yoga lessons are started from the very first class to acquire fitness and suppleness- very essential for dancers.

Students are also equipped with the knowledge of dance related make-up, costume, hairdo, stage craft which at the end results into a complete dancer after long rigorous training.

The Academy:

The academy believes in Guru-shishya parampara of teaching that increases the teacher-student interaction and produces perfect dancers well versed in the language of classical dance and can face a knowledgeable audience.

Saraswat is registered to the OFAAL (Oriental Fine Arts Academy of London) board of exams. Students can take exams and acquire their certificates in their specific field of dance. (Minimum age limit is 5 years)

Along with maintaining the regular academic pattern, syllabus and examination schedule of OFAAL, the curriculum of Saraswat consists of:

For all learners - Strict regime of exercise and yoga to build necessary body fitness. An agile and flexible body helps to perform better, for this Anga-shudhikaran is essential. Basic dance techniques (steps) and eight Bharatanatyam/ Kuchipudi items, on completion of which they can do Arangetrum/ Ranga prabeshan (Solo recital). This in modern day is considered as graduation in the field of Performing Arts.

For advanced learners - Along with exercise and yoga, the curriculum includes basic dance techniques and ten advance dance items. Dance items composed by Romi are are also taught in this batch.

At the end of each semester/ year, we present Diploma certificates from the school that states the level of lesson taken by the student.