Devadasi Mandira
Where every word is a song; and every step a dance.
Little Devadasi’s
Homeschool Enrichment Program
Our Devadasi Dance classes offer a structured home school enviroment where children learn about the diverse world cultural’s through dance, music, storytelling and movement. Each class includes a balance of reading, movement, creative play, artistic projects, and practical life activities.
The Little Devadasi program, is a creative arts-based program rooted in cultural and spiritual traditions designed to complement home education while supporting the development of each child through expression and hands on learning.
Devadasi Dance Mandira
Where children’s spiritual and creative development are nurtured through movement, storytelling, art and creativity, inspired by the rich spiritual traditions of India.
WHY THIS APPROACH MATTERS
Young children learn best through experience, movement, and imagination, not just sitting and passively listening.
In our Little Devadasi program, we embrace a natural learning approach where storytelling, dance, and song become powerful tools for growth and development in small micrschool sized groups.
Through movement, children strengthen coordination, focus, and body awareness.
Through storytelling, they build imagination, language skills, and emotional understanding.
Through music and song, they develop rhythm, memory, listening skills, and confidence.
This approach supports the whole child, helping them feel engaged, expressive, and connected to themselves and the world at large. It allows children to absorb lessons in a joyful and meaningful way, while developing skills that carry into all areas of life.
Cirriculum
Our Little Devadasi’s program is centered on creative arts as a primary mode of learning. We offer a nurturing environment where children grow through movement, storytelling, play, and hands-on experiences. Rather than focusing on traditional academics, we emphasize creativity, expression, and whole-child development.
This is a supplemental program for home-school students.
Regular weekly classes are designed to meet home-school enrichment standards, integrating physical education, performing arts, cultural studies, and emotional well-being.
📖 Reading, Storytelling & Creative Expression
Dance and movement are at the heart of our program. Children develop coordination, rhythm, balance, and body awareness through guided instruction and expressive movement. This also supports confidence, focus, and emotional expression in a joyful and engaging way.
Movement and Dance – Core Focus
Through dance and guided movement, children develop coordination, balance, rhythm, and body awareness. Movement also supports focus, confidence, and healthy physical development in a joyful and expressive way.
Play & Creative Exploration
Play is a vital part of learning. Children participate in imaginative play, games, and creative activities that support social development, problem-solving, and self-expression in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Food Prep & Practical Life Skills
At the end of each class, children take part in simple, hands-on vegetarian cooking prep activities that build independence, responsibility, and real-world skills. These experiences encourage healthy habits. They also get to enjoy eating their delicious creations.
Program Structure
Each session follows a consistent and balanced flow to support learning, engagement, and routine:
- Movement & Dance (Physical Education)
- Creative Play & Social Learning
- Cooking & Practical Life Skills
- Reading & Art skills
This structure provides children with a well-rounded experience that supports both academic development and real-world skills in a nurturing, small-group environment.
Learning Approach
Our curriculum is gentle, flexible, and rooted in real-life experiences. We emphasize:
- Small group learning (Maximum 10 students per class)
- Hands-on, creative artistic activities
- Confidence and independence
- A love for learning through visceral experience
Annual recital and Winter Showcase
As part of our program students will prepare to perform on stage. This is a powerful confidence building skill that gives true achievement to the child and their families.
Student Book Project
- As part of our program children will create their own illustrated books and increase their storytelling and artistic abilities. This process will build creativity and confidence by giving them a meaningful sense of accomplishment.
Learning Outcomes
TChildren in our program develop
Children in our program develop:
- Early reading and writing skills
- Listening and comprehension
- Coordination and physical development
- Social and communication skills
- Creativity and self-expression
- Confidence, focus, and independence
Who We Serve
- Homeschool families
- Children ages 5-9
- Small group learning environment (10 Students max per class)
Our program is especially supportive of young girls developing confidence and creative expression, while welcoming all children in a respectful and inclusive environment.
Program Enviroment
- A safe, supervised small-group setting
- A respectful and nurturing atmosphere
- Gentle guidance and structured activities
- Open communication with parents
👩 ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Little Devadasi’s is a homeschool enrichment program focused on creative arts, movement, and whole-child development. Our goal is to provide a supportive space where children can grow in confidence, creativity, and connection through meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.
📝 ENROLLMENT
We are currently accepting a limited number of students to maintain a small, personalized learning environment.
👉 Apply for Enrollment
👉 Contact us to learn more
Director
Lila-Svarupini (Alexis Fitch)
Dedicated mother of four, Lila-Svarupini is an experienced creative arts and dance teacher with a passion for nurturing children through movement, storytelling, and expressive learning.
Beginning ballet at the age of three, she discovered early on the power of movement as a form of expression. By age eleven, she was already assisting as a junior instructor, beginning her journey in guiding others through dance.
After stepping away from dance for a period of life experience and personal growth, she returned to her roots with a deeper appreciation for its ability to bring balance, healing, and joy. This renewed connection now informs the heart of her teaching.
With years of hands-on experience guiding children in both home and group settings, she brings a natural, intuitive approach that supports each child’s unique development. Her work focuses on helping students build confidence, coordination, creativity, and emotional awareness in a safe and supportive environment.
Drawing from a deep appreciation for culture, movement, and meaningful storytelling, she has developed a program that allows children to learn through experience rather than pressure- encouraging joy, connection, and a genuine love for learning.
At the heart of Little Devadasi’s is a commitment to creating a peaceful, nurturing space where children feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow.
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“Supporting children to learn to love who they are is the duty of all sentient beings.”
-Lila-Svarupini
Little Devadasi’s
Curriculum Outline
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Foundations of Odissi
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Basic exercises (chowka and tribhangi)
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Postures
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Hand gestures (mudras) and foot positions
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Abhinaya (facial & emotional expressions)
- Introduction to tala (rhythm cycles) with clapping and recitation
- Cultural story telling
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Learning Outcomes
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Improved coordination, confidence, and focus
- Musical enrichment, study of numerical beats/tala
- Physical and mental strength
- Stamina building
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Weekly Group Classses
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Little Devadasi’s Hoeschool enrichment program (For ages 5-12) Monday’s and Friday’s 10am-2pm
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Level 1- Monday evenings 5-7pm
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Level 2- Sunday 11-12:30pm
- Level 3- Sunday 9:30-11am
Educational Benefits
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Physical Education: posture, flexibility, stamina, balance
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Performing Arts: rhythm, expression, storytelling
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Cultural Studies: Indian heritage, Sanskrit terms, devotional practice
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Emotional Well-Being: safe body connection, self-confidence, healing through movement
Little Devadasi Dance classes are structured as a formal educational program in classical Indian dance, aligning with arts, cultural studies, and physical education requirements for home school students. Invoices are provided on a monthly basis.
By enrolling in Devadasi Dance Mandira families receive quality arts education and connect with a living tradition where dance becomes both discipline and devotion, supporting each student’s growth and confidence.
Devadasi Dance Mandira
Devadasi Dance Mandira is dedicated to preserving and sharing the sacred tradition of Odissi, a devotional art form that began as an offering in the temples of Lord Jagannath in Puri. Rooted in the lineage of the Maharis, the temple dancers of Odisha, and later carried forward by the Gotipuas and the great revival masters like Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, Odissi remains a living bridge between art and devotion. Our mission is to uphold this heritage as both a cultural treasure and a pathway of healing, embodiment, and spiritual connection.
Lila-Svarupini, a disciple of Guru Sujata Mohapatra in the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra lineage. Her personal journey- from healing through Odissi to becoming a performer and teacher, reflects the essence of what Devadasi Dance Mandira stands for: dance as prayer, movement as medicine, and tradition as a living gift to the next generation.
Please visit devadasimandira.com for information on classes for ages 16 and up.