Behind the Scenes of Bharatanatyam Rehearsals
A performance is the culmination of unseen dedication. Step into the Natya Vriksha studio to see the rigour, collaboration, and constant refinement that happens before the curtain rises.
A rehearsal for 'Kavya Katha' in Jaipur. These informal sessions are crucial for refining the abhinaya and ensuring that every gesture and expression is perfectly tuned before the performance.
A morning rehearsal, revisiting pieces with a new set of musicians. An artist's journey is one of constant challenge and adaptation, and these sessions are where we find new creative pathways together.
The final touches. A makeup artist carefully prepares my student Stuti Mukherjee for her arangetram. This pre-performance ritual is a quiet, focused time of transformation.
A cherished moment backstage with my student Stuti Mukherjee just before her arangetram. It is a moment of blessing and encouragement, marking the culmination of our shared journey in the guru-shishya parampara.
Preparing for a programme in Bhopal. The studio is where I work through the choreography, ensuring every movement is precise and imbued with meaning. This is the foundation of every successful performance.
Backstage at our 'Abhyaas' showcase is a learning experience for everyone. Here, senior students and teachers help the younger shishyas with their costumes, a beautiful example of our dance family supporting each other.
The green room before a show is a hive of activity. Dancers help each other with costumes and jewelry, creating a wonderful atmosphere of camaraderie and shared purpose.
A senior student helps a junior dancer with his costume belt. These moments of mentorship are an important part of the learning process at Natya Vriksha, fostering a sense of responsibility and community.
A dancer takes a final look in the mirror before going on stage. This is a moment of quiet focus, a final check to ensure every detail of the costume, hair, and makeup is perfect.
The intricate process of getting ready for a performance. A student helps another with her hair and costume, a common sight in the bustling energy of the green room.
About Behind the Scenes: The Practice and The Process
One detail you will not see from the audience is how closely I work with my live musicians during practice. It is not just about learning steps, but about a constant, live conversation between the mridangam, the violin, and my movement. When you hire us for a production, that exact, spontaneous synergy is what we bring to your stage, not a pre-recorded track.
The rehearsal studio is my sanctuary... it is where the real work of dance happens. While a performance is polished and external, the studio is raw, messy, and deeply focused. This is where we engage in riyaaz, the daily practice that keeps the body and mind sharp.
My teaching style is rooted in the guru-shishya parampara, a tradition that goes beyond simple instruction. In the studio, you will see me working with my students as they prepare for their Arangetram. This is not just a dance debut; it is the final validation of years of training. We spend months on the smallest details—the placement of a foot, the nuance of an abhinaya (expression), and the synchronicity required for a group production.
For my group pieces, like 'Songs of the Millstone', the process is even more collaborative. I bring together dancers, musicians, and narrators to blur the lines between classical and folk traditions. We are constantly experimenting. If you join us for a workshop or a production, you are not just booking a dancer; you are stepping into a process that honors the history of the art form while constantly searching for new creative pathways.
Geeta Chandran
I am Geeta Chandran, and I find my truest joy in the studio. Whether I am mentoring a student for their Arangetram or choreographing a new piece with my collective, this is where the real work happens.
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