FAQ
What is the Value of getting certification from this program?
Students of Bharathanatyam spend years learning the art and perfecting the practices and mostly perform the Arangetram” which is a graduation performance. This process might typically take about 6 to 7 years for a student. If a student were to pursue studies during this time
Is this certification given only by Alagappa University from India or is it affiliated with universities in the USA as well?
Currently the degrees are given through Alagappa University. However we are working with the US department of Education to get the program accredited as actively seeking affiliation with established US universities. We hope to receive the affiliation by next year.
What is the value of accreditation to US universities?
It shows recognition of the student’s hard work over the past years learning the art andobtaining credits towards a degree program at the University. It will also make the student’sresume more impressive.
What types of learning aids are supplied?
On enrollment in a specific program:Specific text books will be provided that elaborate on the various concepts and techniques of Bharathanatyam. Additionally interactive DVDs are provided to enhance the practical aspects studied through the books. The DVDs vividly describe the precise execution of this art and provide a valuable aid to help students practice what they have learnt at the dance centers.
Is a particular dance style forced onto students who join the course?
The Curriculum has been designed in cooperation with a group of eminent dance teachers with varied dance styles. Therefore no particular style is forced on the student.
What are the roles of APAA Authorized Certification Centers (APAC)?
To provide training and guidance to enrolled students to fulfill requirements of the respective program. The APAC will also help students prepare for the examinations. To conduct proctored examinations and send test papers to APAA.To record on DVD the practical exams and send to APAA for evaluation.
Can a student withdraw from a course after enrollment?
If a student withdraws from a course no refund will be provided. If a student does not rejoin a course within a one year period, registration has to be completed again.
What are the requirements to enroll in the Certificate program?
Enrollment in the Certificate Program is open to all students, but to obtain a Certificate within one year a student would be required to have 2 to 3 years prior experience in Bharathanatyam, as the practical requirement for the Certificate program requires knowledge in specifi c dance routines such as Alarippu, Kavithuvam and Sabdham.
Can a student register for the Degree program directly if he / she has completed Arangetram?
No, in accordance with University guidelines a student is required to complete and pass all the required courses in the Certificate Program and then complete the same in the Associate Degree Program.To acknowledge time spent learning the art and staging an Arangetram, students are permitted to take the courses on a FAST TRACK basis so that they can complete the Certifi cate and the Associate Degree in a shorter time period (for example in 6 months) On successful completion of the coursework, which includes all theory exams, a student will be accepted in to the Diploma program and will be exempt from practical work provided they are able to demonstrate knowledge of the required practical work for the Certifi cate and Associate Degree programs
Where are the programs offered?
The APAA programs are offered though APAA Authorized centers (APAC), which have been previously evaluated by APAA based on their stringent guidelines and certified to offer the program. All such centers are stated and updated on the APAA website on a regular basis.
Who will teach the textbook material?
Dance Centers (APACs) will set up a study outline. It is up to the students to interact with the dance center and complete the study materials before the exams. Any questions can be asked to the teachers in the dance center or the students can ask questions online and our professional staff will respond to queries.
Can I get the model question papers?
Yes, sample questions have been sent on the APAA website to provide students a flavor of questions that will be asked in the exams. User ID, you can login and access to the sample questions.
If we relocate to another city are the credits transferable?
As long as the students decide to stay within the APAA system, all the credits are transferable to APAA authorized dance centers all over the country. It is our fervent goal to establish authorized dance centers in all the major cities.
I am not able to complete the practical for the Certificate course in 1 year? What do I do?
For students who are not able to complete the dances within the 1 year time period, they can work with the dance center at a slower pace and complete the requirements.
What if I don’t want to pay for the DVD’s in each of the courses?
The DVD’s are mandatory. It is part of the coursework and it provides a basic outline of what is required of students in the practical exams. Any one item should be performed from the DVD for certificate and Associate program and any two item should be performed for Diploma and Degree Program.
Kalaimamani Dr.M.S. Sarala
Kalaimamani Dr.M.S.Sarala is an accomplished dancer who is a disciple of Smt.K.J.Sarasa and Padma Bhushan Dr. Padma Subramaniam. She received her Doctorate Degree in dancing from Annamalai University, Tamilnadu, India. She started dancing at the age of 14 and has given numerous performances in India and abroad.She created and choreographed the dance and music for the dance drama Ekalaivan” which has been an outstanding success with a strong message to the audience to broaden their outlook towards society. She has participated in many conferences and given lectures both in India and abroad.She is a Visiting Professor of Fine Arts at the Alagappa University Karaikudi and a member of the Management Board of CECRI Kendra Vidhayalaya