MEDIA, COMMUNICATION AND THE ARTS
Classical Dancer
Performs and teaches forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi or Kuchipudi.
Any Class 12 stream; years of dance training matter most Any time Self-employed
Facts checked 29/10/2026
Is this for me?
People in this work enjoy
- The chance to master a difficult art form over many years
- Performing on stage and connecting with an audience
- Passing on the tradition by teaching younger students
It may not suit you if you dislike
- Long years of daily practice before income is steady
- Irregular income and no fixed salary for many dancers
- Physical strain, travel and late evenings during shows
- Class 11–12 subjects
- Class 12 in any stream is the usual entry point for a university dance degree or the Kalakshetra diploma. Years of training under a recognised guru matter as much as school marks. Many courses also ask for a practical test in dance.
- First degree
- BPA (Dance), 4 years, under the NEP pattern at many universities. MPA (Dance), 2 years, for postgraduate study.
- Entrance exams
- No single national entry test. Kalakshetra selects students through a practical aptitude test and an interview. Universities set their own audition or interview.
- Licence or registration
- None needed to start working.
Open to every streamAny Class 12 stream; years of dance training matter most.Check your subjects against every career
What the work is like
Giving solo and group performances, teaching students, creating new choreography, working with musicians and stage crew, and travelling for shows and festivals.
A day in the work
A dancer usually starts with a warm-up and a practice session on technique, footwork and hand gestures. The middle of the day may go to teaching a batch of students or rehearsing a new piece with a musician. Evenings can bring a performance, a recital, or travel to another city. Some days are quiet, with time spent on research, costumes and planning.
The path, step by step
- Step 1 · Class 7–10Start regular training with a recognised guru and practise every day. If you are 10–14 and study in a recognised school, check the CCRT Cultural Talent Search Scholarship. It gives ₹3,600 a year plus reimbursement of guru fees up to ₹9,000 a year.
- Step 2 · Class 12Finish Class 12 in any stream. For the Kalakshetra four-year diploma, you must be between 17 and 25, have passed Class 12, and clear a practical aptitude test and an interview.
- Step 3 · 4 yearsJoin a BPA (Dance) degree. It runs for four years and is taught with a main form, such as Bharatanatyam. Ask each college which forms it teaches and what its audition involves.
- Step 4 · Optional, 2 yearsDo an MPA (Dance). Entry usually needs a bachelor's degree in dance, or a recognised equivalent diploma, with about 50% marks. Some colleges also want a guru's certificate of your training.
- Step 5 · After studyBuild a record of performances and students. Many dancers work on their own, giving recitals and classes. The Ministry of Culture's scholarship for young artists aged 18–25 is reported at ₹5,000 a month for two years. (reported — check with the official body)
Ways in
- Guru training pathTrain under a recognised guru from childhood and build up performances. No degree is compulsory to perform, but a degree can help with teaching posts and some jobs.
- Kalakshetra diplomaA full-time four-year diploma after Class 12 at Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai, for ages 17–25. It is selected by a practical test and interview.
- University degreeA BPA (Dance) of four years, then optionally an MPA (Dance) of two years at a university with a dance department.
Time and money
| Stage | Time | Government college or body | Private college | Help available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 11–12 (Kalakshetra diploma route: pass Class 12, age 17–25) | 2 years | Your school's fees | — | Kalakshetra scholarships for students from some north-eastern states (reported amounts not given) |
| Kalakshetra four-year diploma (after Class 12, selected by practical test and interview) | 4 years | Check the college's fee page | — | Kalakshetra scholarships for students from some north-eastern states |
| University route: BPA (Dance) degree after Class 12 | 4 years | Check the college's fee page | Check the college's fee page | — |
| Optional: MPA (Dance) postgraduate degree (needs about 50% in bachelor's in dance) | 2 years | Check the college's fee page | Check the college's fee page | — |
| After study: self-employed performing and teaching (no licence needed) | Ongoing; several years of practice before public performance | Free to start; no licence fee listed | — | Ministry of Culture young artists scholarship, reported at ₹5,000 a month for two years, ages 18–25 |
Total timeAbout 6 years after Class 12 (4-year BPA plus optional 2-year MPA)
Total costDepends mostly on the college you choose — compare fee pages.
Good to knowBefore Class 12, the CCRT scholarship (ages 10–14, recognised school) gives ₹3,600 a year plus guru fee reimbursement up to ₹9,000 a year.
Fees from: CCRT, Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme · Kalakshetra Foundation, Bharatanatyam admission. Fees change every year — check the college's own fee page before you pay.
What people earn
Earnings vary widely. Beginners often earn little from teaching and small shows, while established performers with strong reputations and steady students can earn much more. Location, the number of students, and whether you also teach in a college or school all make a big difference.
Myth and fact
Myth: You need a degree to become a classical dancer.
Fact: A dancer can perform and teach with years of guru training alone. A degree helps with some teaching posts, university work and formal recognition.
Try it now
- Class 7–9Ask your school whether it runs cultural or dance clubs. Learn the basic hand gestures and footwork from a local guru or a school teacher, and practise for 20 minutes a day.
- Class 10–12Read the Kalakshetra admission page to see the age, qualification and test process. Then practise a short solo item and ask your guru for feedback.Open link ↗
- College or afterWatch recorded performances of different classical forms and note how each one tells a story. Offer to help at a school or community cultural event to gain stage experience.
Good to know
- Forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi and Kuchipudi each have their own technique, music and repertoire. University courses often focus on one main form.
- Check that the college or university is recognised before you join. This matters if you want to move on to an MPA or teach in a formal setting.
- Training is often long and daily. Expect several years of practice before you perform in public or teach well.