Bharatanatyam is an ancient Indian classical dance form that requires years of rigorous training to master its elaborate footwork and intricate rhythmic patterns. The motivation for this study stems from the necessity to enhance Bharatanatyam's learning and practising experience in today’s modern era. While rich in cultural heritage, traditional teaching methods often fall short in providing individualised feedback and support, making integrating technology an essential step towards modernising and improving educational outcomes in this field. This study acknowledges the transformative impact of technology in enhancing training across various artistic fields, notably in music education, where digital tools and interactive platforms have significantly improved learning outcomes. Such advancements underscore the gap in Indian classical dance education, particularly Bharatanatyam, where technological interventions remain underexplored. This study follows a user-centred design methodology, employing contextual inquiry and empathy mapping as primary methods. Analysing data from 53 students’ in-person interviews and 43 students’ survey responses, we were able to identify the main challenges that students face: maintaining proper posture, achieving rhythm accuracy, and the absence of personalised feedback during practice. This formed the basis for a design brief, leading to an ideation exercise involving methods like the Five Whys, Crazy 8 s, and brainstorming. Motivated by the need for a novel technological solution that would respect and align with the traditional values and ethics inherent in Bharatanatyam, several possibilities were explored. The most promising concept is that of a smart anklet, paired with a mobile application, providing real-time, personalised and haptic feedback to Bharatanatyam learners. This paper contributes to the discourse on integrating technology with traditional arts education, fostering a future where cultural preservation and educational innovation intersect.