THE BHAVAN'S
SUMMER SCHOOL 2025

THE UK'S MOST SOUGHT AFTER SUMMER INTENSIVE IN INDIAN CLASSICAL ARTS 

Sun 20 JULY - Sun 10 AUGUST
Registrations - Sat 19 July | 1.30 pm - 4.30 pm

(Some subjects have different dates. Kindly check them below)

SUPPORTED BY CHELLARAM FOUNDATION

INTERNATIONAL TEACHERS
PERFORMANCES
3 WEEK INTENSIVE
The Bhavan's Summer School is back!
The most sought-after summer intensive in Indian Classical Arts in the UK.
Train with some of the best teachers from India and Europe and immerse in three weeks of intensive training live at The Bhavan.
From Hindustani and Karnatic Vocal, Sitar, Tabla and Mridangam to Bharatanatyam and Kathak we have got you covered.
The unique Summer School experience is filled with fantastic showcases by the visiting teachers and a grand finale where you will perform to the public.
Come discover hidden depths to your artistic practice and raise your performance to the highest level. 

ALL MUSIC AND INSTRUMENTAL CLASSES WILL BE LIVE AT THE BHAVAN ON SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND THURSDAY.
STUDENTS CAN AVAIL THE OPTION OF ATTENDING THE CLASS ONLINE ON MONDAY, TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY.
(Please enquire for the options)

SUMMER SCHOOL 2025 FINALE

Celebrate the talents of all the students as they perform on the Bhavan stage as a part of the Summer School 2024 finale.

Sat, 9th August - 3 pm onwards 
Sun, 10th August - 3 pm onwards 

TICKETS - £14 at the venue/£12 if booked online
Use the code 'BVB2025' to get your discount while booking

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SUMMER SCHOOL 2025 TEACHERS

DANCE SUBJECTS

ODISSI |  Timetable and prices below

Dr. SWAPNOKALPA DASGUPTA

ABOUT
Dr. Swapnokalpa Dasgupta is an acclaimed Odissi dancer, teacher, and choreographer from Mumbai. A student of Padmavibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra and his disciples, she has led the Dance Department at the NCPA for 13 years. She is the recipient of prestigious awards, including the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar and the Kanak Nartan Puraskar. Holding a doctorate in Dance and a Master’s in Arts Management, she founded the Odissi department at The Bhavan, London, and frequently conducts workshops worldwide.

THE COURSE
7 Jul - 18 Jul (No class on 11 Jul))

Introduction to Abhinaya Darpana' - Combined session by Swapnokalpa Dasgupta and Parvati Nair
 6th July | 4:30-6:30
Suitable for dancers of all styles and all levels, from complete beginners to advanced 
£25 (Free for those who sign up for both levels)

Intermediate:
Fees: £145 
Mon, Wed - 18:30 - 20:30 | Sat, Sun 10:00 - 12:00 

Advanced:
Fees: £145 
Tue, Thur, Fri (8.07) - 18:30 - 20:30 | Sat, Sun 13:00 - 15:00

Fees: Intermediate & Advanced: £260
Introduction to Abinaya Darpana - Combined session with Parvati Nair &Swapnokalpa: £25 (Free for those who sign up for both levels)

Dr. SWAPNOKALPA DASGUPTA | 
Summer School Teachers' Concert Series 2025
Thur 17 July | 5.00pm | £17 (£15 use code BVB2025)



KATHAK | £200

Dr. ABHAY SHANKAR MISHRA

Dr. Abhay Shankar Mishra is one of the leading exponents of Kathak dance in the UK and in the world today. A mesmerizing performer, dynamic teacher, and creative choreographer of Kathak, Abhay currently lives and works in India. Born into a family steeped in musical tradition and trained under world-renownedGurus, namely Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj, Smt Urmila Nagar Ji and late Pandit Pandey Maharaj, Abhay had the unique experience of learning all three of the major Gharanas of Kathak, i.e., Lucknow, Jaipur, and Banaras.

He draws on his vast experience to achieve a beautiful blend of all three Gharanas in his work.

Dr. ABHAY SHANKAR MISHRA - KATHAK CONCERT | 
SUMMER SCHOOL TEACHERS' CONCERT SERIES 2025
Sat 2 Aug | 5.00pm | £17 (£15 use code BVB2025)


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BHARATANATYAM | £200

Dr. SOUNDARYA SRIVATHSA

ABOUT
Hailing from the Pandanallur School of Dance, Dr. Soundarya Srivathsa, a disciple of Guru Smt. Narmada and Guru Smt. Bhanumathi, is known for her precise footwork and consummate abhinaya.

A doctoral  degree awarded by Bangalore University for the thesis on the 'Application of classical Dnace forms in South indian Cinema.'

'Thyagaraja', 'Padmanabha Namostutae', 'Jagadanandakaraka', 'Ambae', 'Draupadi', 'Maitreyi', 'Sister Nivedita' and 'Sapthagiri' are some of the highly successful dance productions that she choreographed. she teaches at the Jain University as a guest faculty for the post graduate students in dance.

Aong with her singer-husband, D.S Srivathsa, she heads the institute NARTANA KEERTANA Centre for Performing Arts.

Dr. SOUNDARYA SRIVATHSA  | 
Summer School Teachers' Concert Series 2025
Sun 3 Aug | 5.00pm | £17 (£15 use code BVB2025)

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Kuchipudi | £200

GURU VANASHREE RAO

ABOUT
Guru Vanashree Rao & her students will present a Bharatanatyam performance at the Bhavan as part of the Summer School teachers' concert series 2025.
Guru Vanashree Rao, a renowned Kuchipudi dancer, choreographer, and guru, has received over 600 national and international awards, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. She is known for pioneering cross-disciplinary works that blend Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, and Chhau.

THE COURSE
26 Aug - 30 Aug

Fees: £180. 
Beginners/Open: 10:00 -12:00
Intermediate: 15:00 -17:00
Advanced: 18:00 - 20:00

Guru Vanashree Rao and students 
Summer School Teachers' Concert Series 2025
Sat 30 Aug | 6.00 - 8.00pm | £17 (£15 use code BVB2025)

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SUMMER SCHOOL 2024 TEACHERS

MUSIC SUBJECTS

HINDUSTANI VOCAL | £175

Vidushi RUCHIRA PANDA

Vidushi Ruchira Panda, a leading exponent of the Kotali Gharana, trained under Pandit Manas Chakraborty for over 25 years. She is known for her mastery of Khayal, Thumri, Tappa, and Bhajan, and is an "A" grade artist with All India Radio. Founder of the non-profit Paramparik, she actively promotes cultural, educational, and healthcare initiatives.

 Vidushi RUCHIRA PANDA - HINDUSTANI VOCAL CONCERT |
SUMMER SCHOOL TEACHERS' CONCERT SERIES 2025
Sat 26 July | 5.00pm | £17 (£15 use code BVB2025)

Accompanied by Pandit BIVASH SENGUPTA on TABLA  
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KARNATIC VOCAL | £175

Dr. S.K. VENKATACHARYULU

Dr. S.K. Venkatacharyulu is a highly respected Carnatic vocalist with over 60 years of experience. Trained by Vidwan S.K. Tirumalacharyulu and Dr. Nookala Chinna Satyanarayana, he holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in Music. A recipient of numerous accolades, he has performed globally and mentored many musicians. He is the founder of the Pallavi Academy of Fine Arts.

Dr. S.K. VENKATACHARYULU - KARNATIC VOCAL CONCERT |
SUMMER SCHOOL TEACHERS' CONCERT SERIES 2025
Sun 27 July | 5.00pm | £17 (£15 use code BVB2025)

Accompanied by Vidwan BALU RAGURAMAN on Violin & Vidwan M BALACHANDAR on Mridangam
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TABLA | £175

Pandit. BIVASH SENGUPTA

ABOUT
Renowned tabla artist and mentor, Pandit Bivash Sengupta trained under Padmabhushan Pandit Jnan Prakash Ghosh for 18 years and later under Pandit Suresh Talwalkar. A Gold Medalist from Pracheen Kala Kendra, he is an A-Grade artist with All India Radio & Television and an empaneled artist of ICCR & SPIC MACAY. He has performed worldwide, collaborating with maestros like Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan and Pandit Kushal Das.
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VIOLIN | £175

Vid. BALU RAGURAMAN

ABOUT
A Fellow of Trinity College, London, Balu Raguraman is a talented Carnatic violinist who has performed extensively around the world, including appearing with some of the stalwarts of the south Indian classical tradition. He is known as a very adaptable musician who has worked with some of the greatest maestros and dancers of our times including legends Dr. Balamurali Krishna, Dr. N Ramani, Dr T V gopalakrishnan and Sri. Umayalpuram K Sivaraman Sri Srimushnam Raja Rao, Mandolin Srinivas, Sri T V Sankaranarayanan, Mrs Chitra Visveswaran, Dr Alarmel Valli and many others. He is also involved in many collaborative projects featuring musicians from different genres and styles. His adherence to purity and tradition has helped him carve a niche for himself as a teacher of an exceptional quality and excellence.
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MRIDANGAM | £175

Vid. M BALACHANDAR

ABOUT
Mridangam is a South Indian Percussion instrument, a vital part of both music concerts and dance recitals. Our resident Mridangam Guru is offering 3 unique courses useful to both instrumentalists and dancers.
MRIDANGAM COURSE – This course is open to beginners and advanced students, and is a brilliant opportunity to learn the nuances of playing the instrument in an intensive environment. Learn the basics of tala structure, rhythm accent, rhythm syllables, variations, creativity in composing, and the aspects of Laya (tempo – 3 speeds). For advanced students, you will also get an insight into the formula to composing endlessly in the Pancha jathi talas – the 5 principal rhythms patterns.


SITAR | £175

USTAD MEHBOOB NADEEM 

ABOUT
Born into a highly illustrious family of traditional musicians of the Agra Gharana, Mehboob is the grandson of the legendary Ustad Vilayat Hussain Khan (Pranpiya) and Gayan Samrat Ustad Azmat Hussain Khan (Dilrang).

Endowed with a rich melodious and sonorous voice, Mehboob was initiated in the art of music at a very young age by his father Ustad Yakub Hussain. He then began his sitar training under the guidance of his uncle Shri Rafat Khan. He is now under the guidance of world renowned sitar maestro Pandit Arvind Parikh.

A gifted artist, Mehboob possesses a keen, aesthetic sense and a matured ability in the development and rendering of a raga. Under the devoted teaching of his Guru and mentor Pandit Arvind Parikh he has excelled in perfecting the techniques and style of the legendary sitar maestro Ustad Vilayat Khan. He is a widely-respected sitar player who is acknowledged as one of the most accomplished of the present generation of the Vilayatkhani Gharana and is known to be one of the best sitar players in the UK.

His performances are truly unique & inspiring and have enthralled audiences in India and abroad. He is regularly called to perform throughout India, Africa, Europe and the UK.


BENGALI MUSIC | £175

Smt. SAJALI ROY

ABOUT
Smt. Sajali Roy has been teaching at The Bhavan since 2005. Her gurus include the late Dr. Jamini Nath Ganguly, late Dr. Biman Mukhopadhay, Pt. Ajoy Chakraborty and Jharna Banerjee. She has directed and performed shows across India, Bangladesh, and in the UK. A qualified Sangeet Prabhakar (teacher), she teaches Bengali song-forms such as Rabindrasangeet, Nazrul Geeti, Dwijendra Geeti, Atul Prasadi, Rajnikanth and Raag Pradhan.

19 Jul - 01 Aug
Intermediate
Fees: £140
Sat & Sun 10:30 - 12:30
Wed 18:00 - 19:00

Advanced
Fees: £140 
Sat & Sun 13:30 - 15:30
Wed 19:00 - 20:00
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LANGUAGES

SPOKEN HINDI | 

Smt. INDU BAROT

ABOUT
Smt. Indu Barot has a master’s in Sanskrit and in Computer Science. She writes poetry, articles and stories, and is also a translator of Hindi, Sanskrit ad English works. She is the resident teacher for Hindi language at The Bhavan.


ABOUT THE COURSE
14 Jul - 25 Jul (Online course - weekdays only)
Fees: £100 for 10 lessons
10:00 - 11:00am, Mon - Fri


*THIS COURSE IS ONLINE ONLY

OTHER SPECIAL SHORT COURSES
INDIAN BLOCK PRINTING

INDIAN BLOCK PRINTING | Sat 19 JULY | £40( includes materials)

HANNA WHITEMAN

Come join us in a fun 2 hour workshop exploring Indian Block print. We will learn about Linoleum block printing and create our own botanical design, which we will carve onto Lino using specialist cutting tools. We will print out pattern onto linen fabric to create a decorative placemat to take home! This workshop is suitable for ages 8+ and adults. Children under 16 will need an adult accompaniment. No prior knowledge is necessary. All materials will be provided. (Email curator@bhavan.net for questions)

Hanna Whiteman is a London-based print designer passionate about sustainability and inspired by a profound love for nature. Her designs celebrate the organic beauty of plants and flowers while reflecting her commitment to eco-friendly practices. Hanna is an experienced educator and the founder of Studio Hache.

DATES
Sat 19 July 
12pm - 2pm
£40 (includes materials)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Which Class is for me?

Most full-time subjects will be running three levels of instruction depending on your previous experience:
Intermediate - Minimum 2 years training
Advanced - Between 2-4 years training
Master - At least 4 years training, strong performers & professionals

Dates and Timings

In person registrations - SAT 19 July | 1.30 pm - 4.30 pm
Intensive - Sun 20 JULY Onwards

Finale Events: Sat 9 & Sun 10 August 2025

Please see general TIMETABLE below.
Odissi, Bengali  Music, Hindi and Kuchipudi courses have different timings, kindly 
check the specific subjects to confirm.

SOME SUBJECTS HAVE ONLINE OPTION AVAILABLE. KINDLY CHECK THE INDIVIDUAL SUBJECTS  TO SEE THE AVAILABILITY.

BHAVAN EVENTS

BROWSE THROUGH OUR SPECIALLY CURATED EVENTS, PERFORMANCES, WORKSHOPS, AND EXHIBITIONS TO MARK OUR GOLDEN JUBILEE YEAR
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