The two-year (four-semester) Master of Performing Arts (MPA) in Dance (Bharatanatyam) is a rigorous postgraduate programme that integrates deep theoretical knowledge with sustained practical training. The curriculum introduces learners to Indian culture and aesthetics, art history, key dimensions of Indology, classical literature, sculpture, manuscripts and epigraphy, as well as traditional dance–drama theatres, folk and theatre traditions, and allied resources. Foundational exposure to Indian music theory and the aesthetics of the proscenium stage further strengthens interdisciplinary understanding.
Practical instruction is delivered holistically, with focused training in the Bharatanatyam repertoire rooted in the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka paramparas. Through this balanced approach, the programme cultivates technical proficiency, interpretative depth, and a refined aesthetic sensibility, enabling students to engage critically and creatively with India’s classical performing arts traditions.
Pedagogy of the Programme
Each semester of the Program covers both theory and practical syllabi. The Program also offers Department-specific Electives and Open Electives, as well as Certificate courses that cover significant aspects of dance. The students are also trained in communication and presentation skills through class presentations and assignments. The students are well-trained in impactful performances through classroom productions, individual ensemble concerts, and practical lessons, and they also hone effective analytical and writing skills through the research methodology while they work on their Master’s dissertation in the fourth semester.
National Education Policy (NEP)
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, introduced by the Government of India, aims to transform the country's educational landscape by fostering an inclusive, flexible, and holistic approach to education. JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), recognised for its commitment to academic excellence and innovation, has embraced the NEP 2020 with a strategic focus on implementing its core principles and recommendations.
Duration: 2 years - 4 semesters
Total Credits: 88 Credits
A student who has passed a 3-year undergraduate degree (level 5.5, a total of 120 credits) shall be eligible for admission to 2-year MPA programmes.
Preference will be given to candidates who have secured at least 50% marks (45% marks in case of candidates belonging to the reserved category) in the qualifying examination.
NOTE: However, students who have not studied the requisite courses from the discipline related to the respective programmes will have to undertake the prescribed bridge course(s).
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A blend of both conventional techniques and modern technology used in the courses equips the student with practical learning. Lectures and masterclasses conducted by experts in the field of music encourage students to initiate their dance productions and participate in various events, conferences, masterclasses, and concerts. At the end of the program, the students will be able to:
Experience Career Enhancement Programs tailored to enrich dance skills. Our innovative course offers students opportunities to expand their cultural horizons while honing professional expertise. Gain hands-on experience, industry insights, and mentorship to thrive in diverse sectors, empowering you for a successful career journey in this dynamic field.
Graduates of the Master of Performing Arts (MPA) in Dance (Bharatanatyam) are well-prepared for diverse and evolving professional pathways, including:
Classical Performance and Artistic Practice
Graduates shape and sustain the living tradition of Bharatanatyam through advanced solo and ensemble performance practices. They interpret classical repertoires with aesthetic rigour, engage audiences across proscenium, temple, and alternative performance spaces, and contribute to the cultural continuity of Indian classical dance while responding thoughtfully to contemporary contexts. Their work upholds artistic integrity, lineage awareness, and ethical performance practices within India and globally.
Choreography, Creative Direction, and Production
Drawing on strong theoretical grounding and embodied practice, graduates design original choreographic works and curate dance productions that translate classical grammar into innovative performance narratives. They collaborate across visual design, and digital media, assuming responsibility for artistic direction, rehearsal processes, and production ethics, while contributing to the evolving language of Indian dance.
Teaching, Pedagogy, and Arts Education
Graduates advance dance education by designing structured curricula, delivering rigorous instruction, and mentoring learners across formal institutions, community academies, and cultural organisations. They apply pedagogical principles aligned with NEP 2020, foster inclusive learning environments, and contribute to the intergenerational transmission of Bharatanatyam through ethical, research-informed teaching practices.
Research, Documentation, and Cultural Scholarship
Equipped with research literacy, graduates analyse, document, and interpret dance, and allied art forms within historical, aesthetic, and socio-cultural frameworks. They contribute to academic research, archival initiatives, and cultural documentation, supporting evidence-based discourse in performing arts scholarship, heritage preservation, and interdisciplinary studies.
Arts Entrepreneurship, Cultural Leadership, and Independent Practice
Graduates design and manage sustainable artistic careers by initiating dance companies, cultural enterprises, and independent performance projects. They navigate funding, audience development, and professional networks while balancing creative vision with organisational responsibility, thereby strengthening the cultural ecosystem and expanding access to classical arts.
Digital Engagement, Outreach, and Cultural Advocacy
With an awareness of digital tools and contemporary media, graduates translate classical dance knowledge for broader audiences through digital platforms, lecture-demonstrations, and community outreach. They advocate for the relevance of Bharatanatyam in modern society, contribute to cultural literacy, and support ethical representation of traditional art forms in digital and public domains.
Collectively, these pathways enable graduates to remain adaptable, reflective, and professionally resilient, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the evolving cultural, educational, and creative landscapes throughout their careers.
The MPA in Bharatanāṭyam is a postgraduate programme designed to provide advanced training in performance, theory, history, pedagogy, choreography, research, and allied aspects of Bharatanāṭyam. The programme integrates practical training with academic and research-oriented study.
Applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree in Bharatanāṭyam, performing arts, or a related discipline are eligible. Candidates with substantial professional training or performance experience may also be considered, subject to university norms and evaluation.
Yes. As this is a postgraduate programme, prior training in Bharatanāṭyam is essential. Students are expected to have a foundational understanding of technique, repertoire, and basic theory.
The programme covers Nṛtta, Nṛtya, Abhinaya, Naṭyasastra and allied texts, Karnataka parampara, repertoire studies, choreography, research methodology, performance practice, and contemporary applications of Bharatanatyam.
The programme maintains a balanced approach. While practical training and performance form a significant component, theoretical understanding, research skills, and critical thinking are equally emphasized.
Students will be trained in traditional Bharatanaṭyam repertoire such as alaṟippu, jatisvara, sabdam, varṇa, padam, javali, tillana, and thematic compositions, along with region specific and parampara based items.
Yes. Research is an integral part of the programme. Students are introduced to research methodology, documentation practices, and academic writing, culminating in a dissertation or research-based project.
Yes. Students are encouraged to participate in internal and external performances, lecture demonstrations, workshops, and a final solo or group presentation as part of their academic requirements.
Yes. The programme includes training in choreography, creative exploration, thematic work, and contemporary interpretations while remaining rooted in classical frameworks.
Graduates may pursue careers as performers, teachers, choreographers, researchers, arts administrators, cultural entrepreneurs, curriculum designers, or pursue doctoral studies in performing arts.