With the initiation ceremony the students are put through an arduous course of training commencing with Dandi Haramba (or Pa Haramba or Pa Saraba), bar exercises using a built Dandiyama; similar to the barre used in Ballet dance. There are 12 exercises to learn in Dandi Haramba and once completed, students are deemed to have acquired the rhythm and poise that is required and typical in the dance forms.  

The students will then move on to learn the steps to Goda Haramba (or Goda Saraba), which are off-the-bar exercises consisting of 12 steps. The graceful hand movements, jumps, rapid turns and spins, the lithe swinging movement of the body above the hips and synchronisation of the eyes with the hand movements are the most important aspects of training accomplished by the students through the Goda Haramba. 

The Vattam dance, the traditional circular dance compositions, intricate footwork and singing to the accompaniment of dance constitute the next course of studies. Once this is completed, the students are allowed to perform as a Naiyadi dancer. 

A Naiyadi dancer may be called an undergraduate and is entitled to an attire without the full trappings of the Kandyan dancer's costume.

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