Bharatanatyam Performances and Arangetram Highlights
A curated selection of my work with Natya Vriksha, showcasing the journey from the quiet discipline of our studio to the vibrant energy of the professional stage.
A student's arangetram is a culmination of years of dedication. Here, my shishya Anvita Jain performs on stage, supported by the live orchestra and my guidance from the wings. This moment captures the essence of our shared journey in dance.
Abhinaya, or expression, is the soul of Bharatanatyam. In this performance, I am narrating a lullaby from the perspective of Mother Yashoda telling baby Krishna the story of the Ramayana, a piece that requires deep emotional interpretation and storytelling.
The guru-shishya parampara is built on respect and blessings. This quiet moment backstage, where my student Anvita seeks blessings before her arangetram, is a sacred part of our tradition and the bond we share.
Our studio is a space of collective energy and learning. This video shows a 'Varnam Immersive' session where we, as a group, delve into the nuances of a complex piece, tuning our bodies and minds to the music and bhava together.
A portrait of pride and accomplishment. Standing with my shishya Anvita Jain after her successful arangetram is a moment of immense joy for me as a guru. It reflects the beautiful outcome of our shared hard work and dedication.
A solo performance is a moment of deep connection with the art and the audience. This excerpt from a piece titled "Spring" showcases the blend of intricate footwork and expressive abhinaya that we explore in our choreography.
The Gejjai Puja is a vital ceremony we conduct before an arangetram. Here, the ghungroos, or ankle bells, are sanctified, seeking divine blessings for the dancer's debut. It is a beautiful ritual that grounds us in our tradition.
Every expression, or bhava, tells a story. This close up from a performance at Sunder Nagar Nursery captures the intensity and focus required to convey complex emotions through the subtle art of abhinaya.
About Featured
When you step into our Gulmohar Park studio, you are engaging in a dialogue with tradition. Whether we are preparing for an Arangetram or diving into the subtle emotions of Abhinaya, my focus remains on the guru-shishya parampara. It is a bond that ensures you are supported from your first class, where we build your foundation through yoga conditioning and Adavus, to your final bow on stage.
Bharatanatyam is far more than a sequence of steps. In my classes, we treat dance as a rigorous form of prayer and philosophy. We do not just perform; we tell stories.
The Art of Abhinaya
Abhinaya is the soul of our training. I guide students to move beyond the physical movements to explore the 'bhava' or emotion behind the performance. Whether interpreting the love of Radha or the devotion of a lullaby, we focus on the narrative power of the dancer. This technique is integrated into every lesson, ensuring that even beginners learn to find their own voice through expression.
The Arangetram Journey
The Arangetram is a milestone, a graduation of sorts that marks a dancer's readiness. My role is to shepherd you through this complex process. We handle everything from the Gejjai Puja, where we sanctify the ghungroos, to the logistics of the live Carnatic orchestra and stagecraft. I believe that an Arangetram should reflect the work of the teacher, which is why I personally oversee the choreography and performance readiness.
A Disciplined Space
We train in a space equipped with sprung wooden flooring, specifically designed for knee safety and endurance. My pedagogy blends classical rigour with modern understanding. You will find that our practice sessions are disciplined—we train hard—but this discipline is the very source of our creative freedom. We welcome students from all backgrounds, provided you bring a heart ready to learn.
Geeta Chandran
I am Geeta Chandran. To me, Bharatanatyam is not merely a dance form, it is a way to connect with our cultural roots. Through Natya Vriksha, I guide students—regardless of their background—to find their own voice through the rhythm and discipline of this sacred tradition.
Explore more of our work
Search for specific dance styles, performance details, or training programs.
More from Bharatanatyam Training & Mentorship by Geeta Chandran