Bharatanatyam Choreography
Available across London
I create Bharatanatyam choreography using rare poetry and ancient texts, working closely with dancers and musicians to build custom pieces and full productions that go beyond traditional themes.
Pricing Guide
Bespoke Solo Performance Commission
Core Creative Development
- Literary Research: Sourcing of rare texts (Tamil, Sanskrit, Pali, or Marathi) and decoding philosophical meanings for the theme.
- Original Music Composition: Collaboration with composers to create Raga/Tala structure, including composition of Jathis (rhythmic interludes) and Swara patterns.
- Choreography: Approximately 15-20 hours of hybrid instruction to set the unique movement vocabulary.
Technical & Material Assets
- Nattuvangam Script: Detailed PDF of rhythmic script and notations for the live orchestra.
- Practice Assets: Raw practice audio track (mp3) and a lyrics meaning guide for Abhinaya.
Aesthetic Guidance
- Styling Consultation: Recommendations on costume color palette (earthy tones/contrast borders).
- Lighting Concept: A basic cue sheet for lighting designers to achieve a theatrical look.
End-to-End Thematic Production
Conceptualisation & Direction
- Script Development: Creation of a cohesive narrative arc, weaving multiple texts and character arcs.
- Music Direction: Conceptualizing the soundscape and supervising the music composition process for emotional resonance.
- Visual Direction: Creation of a mood board covering stage minimalism, props, and costume design logic.
Choreography & Training
- Ensemble Work: Setting complex spatial formations and synchronized movement for group dancers.
- Movement Vocabulary: Teaching non-standard adavus blending classical grammar with contemporary kinetics.
- Rehearsals: Scheduled block hours for teaching and cleaning choreography (intensive residency format).
Production Technicals
- Lighting Design: A professional-grade lighting script (side lighting, gobos, color washes).
- Orchestra Coordination: Briefing live musicians on specific dynamics and silence requirements.
- Supervision: Presence and direction during technical run-throughs and dress rehearsals.
Existing Repertoire Masterclass
Training & Instruction
- Private Sessions: 6 to 8 hours of dedicated one-on-one instruction.
- Nuance Correction: Detailed focus on Abhinaya (facial expression) and body mechanics to match the original aesthetic.
Materials
- Music Track: Licensed use of the existing audio track for performance purposes.
- Reference Video: Access to a recording of the piece for personal practice.
- Lyrics Sheet: Translation and meaning of the Sahitya.
Performance Rights
- Usage License: Permission to perform the specific item on stage with mandatory credits to the choreographer and composer.
About Bharatanatyam Choreography
For me, choreography is less about just steps and more about sparking something real between idea, dancer, and audience. Every piece I create is a search for new ways to turn unheard stories into movement that actually feels alive.
How I Approach Choreography
- I’m always drawn to rare poetry and voices that usually stay in the background, like bhakti saints and women poets from back in the day.
- Love getting into the heart of ancient languages—Pāli, Marathi, Tamil—and finding what still hits hard today.
- My process is sab kuch milake (truly collaborative). We’ll go deep into the text, build the story together, and work with musicians to make music that fits the emotion, not just the rhythm.
What I Can Offer
- Custom solo Bharatanatyam pieces for dancers who want something that feels personal and different.
- Big, full-length productions—think start-to-finish: script, music, movement, all shaped around the core idea.
- I like to shake up the traditional margam, bringing in new texts or modern vibes for anyone ready to explore.
A Peek at My Work
I’ve created projects like Abandhana, based on 6th-century Pāli poetry about Buddhist nuns, and VitthāMāi, which dives into gender and devotion through Marathi abhangs. Each one is about finding stories that matter and letting them move us—literally.
Meet your Expert
Divya Ravi
322 connects in last 3 months
My Story
Dance isn’t just steps for me, it’s how I live and listen. I’m always digging into old poetry, especially by women whose words got lost over centuries. My project 'Akhyāt – Ākhyānā' (Narratives of the Unheard) is all about bringing those voices out. Once, I performed a piece about the lotus flower wearing my grandma Kamala’s saree—felt right, you know? Art and life, it’s all mixed up. I’m vegan, I hike, I find stories everywhere.
My Work
Bharatanatyam Solo & Thematic Productions - I offer Bharatanatyam solo shows, thematic dance-theatre like Buddhist Nuns dance-theatre, and choreography.
Research-Driven Artistic Process - I dive into old texts—Marathi Abhangs, Pāli poems—and collaborate with musicians to create something real.
Transforming Poetry Into Dance - Expect performances that turn poetic ideas, like female poets Bharatanatyam, into emotional experiences.
Creative Process Dance Workshops - My workshops are for all levels, focused on your creative journey, not just the final dance.
