Oxana Banshikova and Kirsten Newell are both prominent Bharatanatyam artists living in Edinburgh. Under the Cosmic Dance umbrella (established in Hong Kong in 2009) they have joined their efforts in growing and popularizing Bharatanatyam in its traditional and modern form in Scotland.
As Kalakshetra graduates and trained under the best artists in this field, they share 20 years of teaching and performing experience.
Oxana and Kirsten are striving to promote and grow innovative and high quality South Asian Dance through their collaborative and independent work in UK and abroad.
They have trained numerous successful dancers both in Hong Kong and UK and keep mentoring them as well as supporting and nurturing new talented students.
Cosmic Dance offers Bharatnatyam grade classes for kids and adults as well as Classical repertoire and fusion choreography courses.
Check out the range of classes they offer for everyone from beginners to advanced level dancers via classes page, find out what's coming up soon on the Events page, or learn more about our Productions. Don't hesitate to get in touch via email or social media if you have any questions.
"Whenever we encounter wonderful performances such as Cosmic Dance Recital, we need to acknowledge the daily dedication of the dancers behind the scenes. It is through their passion and persistence that traditional dance could be infused with the deepest emotions and continually improved in the 21st Century"
Review by Wangxiu Cheng, December 2022 (Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland)
New classes starting from August 31st, 2024
! We are looking for dancers to join our company performing group - 5 + years of dance experience is required.
- Bharatanatyam Grade 1 (kids 7 and up) - Fridays 5.15-6.16pm. In this class we will be teaching OFAAL syllabus with an option to pass grade exams. Importance will be given to both practical and theoretical aspects with home work and extra practice outside the regular classes.
- Conditioning class for adults (Cosmic Dance therapy class) - Saturdays 8.30-9.45am. This class is a gentle flow exercise based on yoga, pilates and variety of South Asian classical dance styles. We flow with the music following simple repetitive routines that will build your balance, strength and stamina. No dance experience required.
- Bharatanatyam adult beginner - Saturdays 10.30-11.30am. Everyone is welcome in this class wether you are 18 or 60, wether you had no dance experience previously or had learned Bharatanatyam as a child and want to come back to this practice. We will be doing strengthening exercises, learning basics and putting new steps into choreography. This class is a safe and welcoming space to follow your dance dreams.
- Grade 3, Saturdays, 12.30 - 1.30pm
- Grade 4, Saturdays, 11.30 - 12.30pm
- Advances choreography/performing group class for teens and adults, Fridays 8pm-9.30pm
- Theory and Thalam online classes (grade practice)
! We are looking for dancers to join our company performing group - 5 + years of dance experience is required.