Bharatanatyam Performance, Education, and Mentorship
I bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern audiences, whether on stage or in the classroom. This collection offers a glimpse into my work as a dancer, mentor, and advocate for arts education across India.
Addressing the valedictory session of a dance workshop at Gargi College, Delhi University. It was a joy to speak with students and teachers about how to truly enjoy and appreciate our classical dance forms.
Leading a 'Varnam Immersive' workshop at my studio, Natya Vriksha. These sessions are about deep engagement, tuning the mind and body to craft abhinaya with both economy and intensity of bhava.
Lighting the ceremonial lamp to inaugurate the Annual Summer Staff Seminar at Springdales School. I delivered the keynote address on "Learning to Dream with the Arts" to over 250 teachers.
Demonstrating a piece during my 'RASA SUTRA' lecture at Calcutta University. These lecture-demonstrations are a way for me to unpack the layers of meaning in Sanskrit poetry through the language of Bharatanatyam.
With the talented dancers of "Songs of the Millstone," a production I conceptualised and directed for the Serendipity Arts Festival. This project was a dream to bring the worlds of classical and folk traditions together.
As part of the jury for the Classical Mentorship Grant at the Serendipity Arts Festival, with the presenting artists. It is heartening to see new manifestations of the Guru-Shishya Parampara.
Receiving the 'Sanskrit Sanskriti Samman' from the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calcutta. It is a profound honour to be recognized for my work in connecting Sanskrit with Bharatanatyam.
My op-ed in The Indian Express on the importance of arts education. I believe our focus must be on nurturing 'rasikas', those who appreciate art, not just creating more performers.
About Featured
When I engage with schools or corporate teams, I avoid dry lectures in favour of active dialogue. Whether I am breaking down the subtle abhinaya [expression] in a Varnam for advanced dancers or explaining the basics of rhythm to students, my goal is always to create rasikas [art appreciators] who can truly connect with the soul of our traditions.
My work extends far beyond the stage. At Natya Vriksha, I believe that the arts provide a vital foundation for holistic development, which is why I devote much of my time to lecture-demonstrations and immersive workshops.
The Philosophy of Lec-Dems
I design my lecture-demonstrations to move away from passive observation. Whether I am at a university like Calcutta University or a school like Springdales, I use these sessions to peel back the layers of our classical repertoire. By combining performance excerpts with clear explanations, I make the complexities of rhythm [tala] and expression [bhava] accessible to those new to the art form.
Immersive Pedagogy
My masterclasses and workshops, such as the 'Varnam Immersive', are about deep engagement. These sessions focus on the rigour of body and mind tuning, helping dancers understand that abhinaya is not just about facial movement but about internalising emotion. We explore the specific technical demands of a piece, ensuring that students walk away with a functional understanding of our classical grammar.
Beyond the Studio
I am deeply invested in projects that highlight social narratives through dance. Productions like 'Songs of the Millstone' allow me to blend classical technique with folk themes, proving that tradition can be a powerful lens for examining contemporary life. My role as an educator is not just to produce performers, but to build a community of informed, passionate individuals who carry this legacy forward.
Similar work from other experts
Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe
Bharatanatyam Performances and Classical Dance Productions
7
A look into my Bharatanatyam practice and research
8
Featured Bharatanatyam Performances and Classical Dance Training
8
Featured Bharatanatyam Performances & Choreography
Sharat Prabhath: Kathak Dance & Harikatha Performances
8
Bharatanatyam Performances and Professional Training
More from Educational Workshops & Speaking Engagements by Geeta Chandran
More services by Geeta Chandran