From first class to final rehearsal — Bharatanatyam practice sarees in silk cotton and Kanchipuram silk, stitched with care since 1967. Comfortable for daily classes. Beautiful enough for recitals.
The fabric of your practice saree affects comfort, durability, and how it moves during class. We offer three options to suit different needs and budgets.
The go-to fabric for daily practice. Silk cotton combines the look of silk with the breathability of cotton — comfortable for long class hours, easy to wash, and durable enough for years of regular use. Available in a wide range of traditional dance colours.
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For students who want the same quality in practice as on stage. Kanchipuram silk practice sarees are ideal for recitals, margam performances, and competitions — the full silk sheen at a practice-appropriate style and price point.
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Pre-stitched with the front pleat already in place — no draping required. Perfect for young students and beginners who are still learning the saree drape. Available in silk cotton and in standard sizes from kids to adults.
Shop Readymade →The Bharatanatyam saree drape is different from everyday saree draping — the front fan pleat is the key element that defines the classical dance silhouette.
Make 7–9 neat pleats at the front (about 5 inches wide each) and tuck them into the waist at the navel — this creates the signature fan that opens during adavus.
Wrap the remaining saree around the waist from right to left, keeping it flat and secure. Tuck firmly into the underskirt/pavadai all the way around.
Bring the pallu (end of the saree) from behind and drape over the left shoulder. Pin securely at the shoulder so it stays in place during vigorous movement.
Use safety pins at the waist and shoulder. Test the drape with a few adavus — the front pleat should open and fall back cleanly. Adjust if needed before class.
Prefer a pre-stitched saree with no draping required?
Shop Readymade Stitched SareesThe practice sarees that dance schools across the globe keep coming back to.
Bestseller
Classic red in durable silk cotton — the most popular choice for daily classes. Easy to wash and maintains colour through regular use.
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Class Favourite
Vibrant emerald green in silk cotton. Lightweight, comfortable, and the perfect everyday class saree for dancers of all levels.
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Ready to Wear
Pre-pleated and stitched — just step in and go. Ideal for young dancers and students who prefer not to drape daily.
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Kids
Lightweight silk cotton practice sarees for children from age 3 upwards. Easy to wear, easy to wash, and in all the classic dance colours.
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Recital Grade
Pure Kanchipuram silk for dancers who want stage quality in practice. Perfect for margam, recitals, and competitions.
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School Pack
Bulk packs for dance schools — practice sarees in a uniform colour for the whole class. Contact us for school pricing.
View & BuyWith the right care, a silk cotton practice saree will last years of daily use.
Wash silk cotton sarees in cold water with mild detergent. Avoid machine washing — the agitation can loosen the weave and fade the colour prematurely.
Always dry in shade — direct sunlight fades silk cotton colours. Hang flat or fold to avoid creases at the pleat line.
Iron on medium-low heat while slightly damp. Use a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the saree to protect the surface sheen of the silk cotton.
Since 1967, Shanthi Tailors has been the trusted source for Bharatanatyam practice sarees, stage costumes, and dance accessories for thousands of dancers across 100+ countries. From Chennai dance schools to international academies, our practice sarees have been part of millions of classes, rehearsals, and first performances.
Visit Shanthi TailorsA Bharatanatyam practice saree is worn during daily dance classes instead of the full stage costume. Made from silk cotton, it is lighter, more comfortable, and easier to maintain than Kanchipuram silk. It allows students to practice all adavus and footwork comfortably without wearing out their expensive stage costume.
Practice sarees are made from silk cotton — a blend that gives the look of silk with the breathability and durability of cotton. We also offer practice sarees in Kanchipuram silk for margam and recital use. We do not use polyester or low-quality synthetic fabrics.
The saree is draped with a fan pleat (kuchchi) tucked at the front of the waist, the body wrapped around and tucked securely, and the pallu pinned over the left shoulder. The front pleat opens during adavus. For easier daily use, we also offer pre-stitched (readymade) practice sarees with the pleat already in place.
A practice saree is worn for daily classes — simpler, in a lighter fabric (silk cotton), and more affordable. A stage costume is the full Bharatanatyam dress for performances — Kanchipuram or Dharmavaram silk with rich zari borders, worn with the complete jewellery set. Most dancers own both.
Yes! We ship to 100+ countries including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, UAE, and across Europe. Orders are carefully packed and arrive within 7–14 business days internationally, with full tracking.
Yes. We offer both unstitched sarees and pre-stitched readymade practice sarees with the front pleat already sewn in. Pre-stitched sarees are especially popular for children and beginners who prefer not to drape the saree from scratch every class.
Silk cotton and Kanchipuram silk — readymade and custom, for kids and adults
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