Started in 1994, Tarana Dance Academy is the oldest and largest kathak dance school in the chicagoland area. Today, it offers various forms of dance training to aspiring youths and adults. It emphasizes on self-discipline, confidence, physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
For kathak students, Tarana Dance Academy has a structured 7 year curriculum. This curriculum and training is based on the course structure taught at Ghandharva Vidyalaya,Bombay,India.
In order to graduate,students are required to pass examination at the end of each year. After successful completion of seven year training, students qualify to graduate with Rangmanch Visharad.
Tarana Dance Academy had its first Rangmanch Kathak Visharad (Graduation) in 2005. It was also first Rangmanch Visharad in the Chicagoland area.
Workshops for the enrichment of students are regularly conducted by expert choreoghraphers from India and United States, in the areas of Kathak, Folk dance, Bollywood dancing and other popular forms.