Indian classical dance

Kathak Classes in San Jose

Rhythm, footwork, spins, and storytelling in one of South Asia’s classical dance traditions, for kids 4+ and adults.

Learn Kathak, Indian classical dance, UPF Cal

Indian classical dance

Kathak Classes in San Jose

Rhythm, footwork, spins, and storytelling in one of South Asia’s classical dance traditions, for kids 4+ and adults.

Learn Kathak, Indian classical dance, UPF Cal

Step into the graceful world of Kathak

Students build a strong foundation in Kathak while learning to coordinate movement with music and taal. Whether they’re beginning for the first time or building on prior experience, they can expect a structured, engaging, and joyful class.

Rhythm, footwork, and posture

Hand gestures, spins, and facial expression

Storytelling through dance

Balance, confidence, coordination, and musicality

Children learning Kathak with their teacher

Kathak at UPF Cal

Classes also introduce the cultural richness and artistic discipline of Kathak.

Kids 4+ and adults

Kids: Saturdays, 9:30–10:30 AM
Adults: Saturdays, 10:30–11:30 AM

UPF Cal Center, 5369 Camden Ave, Ste 280, San Jose, CA 95124

$105 per month

Now in session: classes began Saturday, September 12, 2026.

We offer a complimentary trial class for new students, so you can meet the instructor, see the class, and decide whether it’s the right fit.

Meet Your Instructor

Athena Nair

Instructor

Athena is a Kathak dancer, multi-genre vocalist, and yoga instructor with a B.S. in psychology from Tufts University. She has trained in Kathak for nearly 20 years with her Guru, Pandit Chitresh Das, and his students, and has taught Kathak to all ages for 5 years, previously at Noorani Dance. She is also a yoga instructor with UPF Cal and has performed Hindustani, South Asian semi-classical, and Western musical theater and pop. She teaches with a joyful, mindful, and body-positive approach.

Enroll

Ready to join? Complete the form below to enroll.

Not sure yet? Book a free trial class first.

General Instructions

Dress code: Comfortable clothes that allow free movement, preferably white. No shorts, sleeveless tops, capris, or tights. Avoid zippers and big buttons. Hair braided; no big hairpins, clips, bracelets, or jewelry.

Bring along: A sweat towel and a water bottle.

Drop-off and pick-up: Please arrive 5–10 minutes before class and pick up within 5 minutes after it ends.

2026–27 Holidays (no class)

Sep 7 · Labor Day

Nov 23–29 · Thanksgiving break

Dec 21–Jan 4 · Christmas / New Year break

Feb 13–19 · Winter break

Apr 10–16 · Spring break

May 30 · Memorial Day

Policies

Class cancellation: If UPF cancels a class, the student’s instructor will set a makeup class.

Makeup class: UPF may offer an online makeup class, but it isn’t guaranteed because class schedules are limited.

Class size: Each class holds up to 12 students. If a class doesn’t have enough students, we may combine similar age groups or move your child to another class for the same age group at a different time. If the new time doesn’t work for you, we’ll refund your payment.

Enrollment cancellation: Plans change, and we accept cancellations. Please email accounts@upfcal.org at least 30 days in advance.

Vacation pause: Memberships can be paused for extended vacations with at least 30 days’ notice. A $15/month maintenance fee applies during the pause, and the remaining balance is refunded to the card on file. To request a pause, email accounts@upfcal.org or text 408-638-6743.

Recurring payments: Payments are processed by a third-party merchant service, so we need notice to stop a recurring payment. If we don’t receive your cancellation 30 days before the next billing cycle, your card may still be charged for it.