Thematic Bharatanatyam Group Productions
We bring complex narratives to life through the Natya Vriksha Dance Collective, blending classical Bharatanatyam with powerful social themes and live orchestral accompaniment.
A glimpse of my solo performance within the 'Kavya Katha' production in Jaipur. The stark lighting focuses attention on the dancer, allowing the poetry to unfold through pure movement and expression on a minimalist stage.
The rehearsal studio is where the magic begins. This is a glimpse into our practice for 'Kavya Katha' with the Natya Vriksha Dance Collective. These hours of dedicated abhyaas are essential to refine the choreography and build the collective spirit before we take the stage.
The energy of a group performance is truly unique. This is my Natya Vriksha Dance Collective performing 'Sadaaneera', a production centered on the theme of water. Achieving this level of synchronicity and shared expression requires immense dedication and teamwork from my shishyas.
Performing 'Sadaaneera' at the iconic Bharat Bhavan in Bhopal was a special experience. The intimate setting allowed for a deep connection with the audience as we explored the theme of water through dance.
Media coverage for 'Songs of the Millstone' in Goa's 'Heraldo' newspaper. The article highlights our performance as a tribute to the unpaid domestic labour of women, a central theme of this production.
An announcement for 'Samhita', a Natya Vriksha Dance Collective performance in Bangalore. This production explores my choreographic works on the theme of "Tradition and Abstraction," showcasing the versatility of Bharatanatyam.
A powerful moment from 'Songs of the Millstone'. The performance focuses on the bhava, or inner feelings, of working women, and this image captures a moment of shared experience and storytelling.
The dancers in 'Songs of the Millstone' listen intently, embodying the characters of women whose stories are often unheard. The production uses simple, earthy costumes to keep the focus on the narrative and emotion.
'Songs of the Millstone' is a production very close to my heart, giving voice to the stories of working women. Here, my dancers and I embody the spirit of these unsung heroines, blending folk traditions with the vocabulary of classical dance to create a powerful narrative.
The dramatic lighting in 'Songs of the Millstone' helps to create a poignant atmosphere. Here, the dancers are captured in a moment of quiet reflection, their expressions conveying the weight of their stories.
About Thematic Productions
Beyond the solo recital, our group productions are immersive narratives where the Natya Vriksha Dance Collective and our live orchestra become a single entity. We do not simply dance; we explore themes like the dignity of labor in 'Songs of the Millstone' or the urgency of water conservation in 'Sadaaneera', demanding that our audience listen with their eyes as much as their ears.
Our thematic productions are born from a desire to blur the boundaries between classical rigour and contemporary storytelling. When we take the stage, the dance is supported by a full 5-to-6 member musical ensemble providing live audio, which ensures that the performance remains fluid and responsive to the dancers' movements.
Why Choose Our Productions
- Depth and Narrative: Whether exploring the poetry of Kalidasa or the strength of working women, every production is deeply researched and designed to provoke thought.
- The Live Element: We never use recorded tracks. The interplay between the vocalist, mridangam, violin, and flute provides a heartbeat that makes every performance unique to its venue.
- Visual Authenticity: From the stylized backdrops to our designer costumes and professional lighting scripts, we ensure the aesthetic matches the thematic weight of the performance.
Practical Considerations
We view each venue as a partner. Whether it is a heritage site, a college auditorium, or a festival stage, our team of 15 to 18 members—including dancers, musicians, and technicians—arrives prepared to adapt our choreography to the space. We require a wooden stage for safety and specific lighting rigs to properly highlight the abhinaya, or facial expressions, of the dancers. This technical discipline ensures that the philosophy of the dance is never lost in the execution.
Geeta Chandran
We founded Natya Vriksha to keep the guru-shishya parampara vibrant and relevant today. When we lead our dancers on stage, we are not just performing steps; we are telling stories that bridge the gap between ancient philosophy and the modern human condition.
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More from Bharatanatyam Performances by Geeta Chandran