Step into the graceful world of Kathak, one of South Asian classical dance traditions. In each class, students will develop a strong foundation in rhythm, footwork, posture, hand gestures, spins, facial expression, and storytelling, while learning to coordinate movement with music and taal. Classes are designed to progressively build balance, confidence, coordination, musicality, and expressive movement, while also introducing students to the cultural richness and artistic discipline of Kathak. Whether beginning for the first time or building on prior experience, students can expect a structured, engaging, and joyful learning experience.

Classes begin Saturday, September 12th, 2026. Complimentary trial class available. Book Trial →

Kids: (4+)

Saturdays, 9.30 - 10.30 AM

Adults:

Saturdays, 10.30 - 11.30 AM

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

About the Instructor

Ms.Athena Nair 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, learning from her Guru, Pandit Chitresh Das, and his students. She has been a kathak instructor of all ages for 5 years, and previously taught at Noorani Dance. She is a yoga instructor with UPF Cal. Additionally, Athena has learned and performed Hindustani, South Asian semi-classical, and Western musical theatre and pop. Athena is passionate about teaching with a joyful, mindful, and body positive approach.

Explore More at UPF Cal

Interested in discovering more opportunities for you or your family? Explore UPF Cal programs in Yoga, Meditation, Bhagavad Gita, Kalari Payattu, Kathak, Slokas & Mantra chanting, Hindustani Music, Mridangam, and more for children, youth, and adults.

Explore All Programs →

General Instructions:

Dress Code: Wear comfortable clothes, preferably white that allows free body movement. No shorts, sleeveless, capri’s & tights.Try to avoid zippers and big buttons in the shirts & pants. Braided hair. (Avoid big hairpins, clips & bracelets/ jewelry)

Bring along: Sweat towel & Water bottle

Drop-off & Pick-up: Students are required to arrive 5 to 10 min earlier to the class and should be picked within 5 mins after the class is over.

2026-27 Holidays:

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 the class a makeup class will be determined by the student’s instructor.

Makeup class: UPF may offer an online makeup class but it is not guaranteed due to limited class schedules.

Class Optimization:The maximum capacity for each class is 12 students. In the event that there are not enough students enrolled in a particular class, we may need to combine similar age age group classes or transfer your child to another class with the same age group at a different time. If the new schedule is not feasible for you, we will issue a refund for your payment.

Enrollment Cancellation Policy: At UPF, we understand that plans can change. We accept cancellation, but kindly ask that parents notify us via email at [email protected] at least 30 days in advance.

Vacation Pause Policy: Memberships may be paused for extended vacations with at least 30 days notice. A $15/month maintenance fee applies during the pause period. The remaining balance will be refunded to the card on file. To request a pause, contact via emai [email protected] or text 408-638-6743

Please note that our payments are processed through third party merchant services. Therefore, it is crucial to provide us with sufficient notice to ensure we can stop your recurring payment. If we do not receive your cancellation request 30 days prior, your card may still be charged for the next billing cycle.

Free Trial Available

New to the program? Experience a class before enrolling. We offer a complimentary trial class for new students so you can meet the instructor, experience the learning environment, and see if the program is the right fit for you or your child.

Book Trial →

Registration Form

I acknowledge and grant Universal Peace Foundation California and their representatives permission to use my child/children's image, voice, and recordings in various formats, including video and still images. I understand that this content may be copied, exhibited, published, or distributed without any expectation of compensation. I acknowledge that these recordings may be displayed online or in public, and this permission has no time limit. This release specifically applies to the recordings of the session listed on this document. I have read and understood this release and agree to its terms. I release Universal Peace Foundation California and its representatives from any claims related to the legitimate use of these materials.
PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ASSUMPTION OF RISK & RELEASE OF LIABILITY I understand and acknowledge that participation in Yoga, Meditation, Kalaripayattu, Kathak, Music, Bhagavad Gita, Mantra chanting, and other cultural, educational, wellness, or physical activities offered by Universal Peace Foundation California (“UPF Cal”) may involve physical movement and other activities that carry inherent risks, including the possibility of physical injury.I voluntarily choose to participate, or authorize my child to participate, and knowingly assume the risks ordinarily associated with such participation.I represent that I, or my child, am reasonably able to participate in the selected program. I agree to disclose to UPF Cal any known medical condition, injury, physical limitation, or other circumstance that may reasonably affect safe participation. I understand that it is my responsibility to consult an appropriate healthcare professional regarding any concerns about participation.In consideration of being permitted to participate in programs offered or sponsored by UPF Cal, I hereby release and discharge Universal Peace Foundation California and its directors, officers, instructors, employees, volunteers, and authorized representatives from claims arising from the ordinary risks of participation or ordinary negligence, to the fullest extent permitted by California law.This release does not apply to gross negligence, willful misconduct, or any other liability that cannot legally be waived.If I am signing on behalf of a minor child, I represent that I am the child's parent or legal guardian and have authority to provide this consent and authorization for the child's participation. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF PROGRAM PURPOSE I understand that UPF Cal's yoga, meditation, spiritual, cultural, and educational programs are offered for purposes including physical and mental well-being, self-awareness, inner peace, personal development, and the cultivation of Santhosam — inner contentment and well-being.I understand that these programs are educational and spiritual in nature and are not a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, psychotherapy, or other professional healthcare. CONFIDENTIALITY OF DESIGNATED PRACTICES & MATERIALS I understand that certain meditation practices, spiritual techniques, instructional methods, course materials, recordings, and teachings provided by UPF Cal may be designated as being for the participant's personal practice and learning.I agree not to teach, reproduce, record, distribute, publish, or disclose any technique or instructional material specifically identified by UPF Cal as confidential or restricted, without prior written authorization from UPF Cal.  ACKNOWLEDGMENT  I confirm that I have read and understood this Participant Acknowledgment, Assumption of Risk, Release of Liability, and Confidentiality Agreement. I have had the opportunity to ask questions before agreeing to its terms, and I voluntarily consent to participation for myself and/or my child.
I fully understand and agree to receive Email/Phone calls/SMS messages from Universal Peace Foundation California for communicating like class timings changes due to weather or other reasons, new/upcoming events, UPF India programs and important announcements. Unless otherwise required by law, I understand that UPF Cal never shares any contact info to anyone outside of the organization for any marketing purposes.
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