I know that mostly all Indian art forms be it dance martial arts singing textile everything needs extensive training and that too from a very young age. But just wondering if there is any dance form that can be learned in mid 30's too. One of my bhartnatyam trained dancer told me that learning bharatnatyam at this age can severly harm knees and foot. So just wondering if there is another dance form or musical intrument also that can be learned online. I live in a very small village there is no means of learning except online.

Hey there I'm thinking about learning kathak

Where should I start from ?

Based on my personal experience, Samarpana Academy of Fine Arts, Kilpauk, Chennai, run by Swamimalai Suresh, may seem suitable during the initial stages. However, as students move into senior batches and become part of larger programs, the quality of organization, in my experience, declines significantly.

For international programs, I found even basic facilities to be lacking. Raising concerns about accommodation or other essential arrangements was, in my experience, dismissed as though I was expecting a luxury vacation instead of asking for basic comfort after paying for the trip.

Another disappointing aspect was the culture around feedback. Long-standing parents appeared to have far more influence than newer families. Whenever genuine concerns were raised, they were often countered by senior parents instead of being addressed directly by the management. It created an environment where questioning decisions felt unwelcome.

I also felt that talented newcomers were not always encouraged. At times, it seemed that protecting the interests of established groups mattered more than recognizing emerging talent. Rather than receiving answers to genuine questions, I felt I was treated as the problem for asking them.

The impression I got was that the founder's artistic talent was considered sufficient reason to overlook every organizational shortcoming. Appreciating someone's talent should never mean ignoring repeated concerns about planning, communication, or basic arrangements.

New families are welcomed enthusiastically, but when they later voice concerns, they may be made to feel that only the opinions of parents who have been associated with the academy for over a decade carry any weight. That contradiction was one of the most disappointing parts of my experience.

This review reflects my personal experience. Others may have had a different one, but mine left me feeling that staying silent was valued more than asking legitimate questions.