Bharatanatyam Dance Performances
Available across India
I perform Bharatanatyam by blending traditional technique with stories from old poetry and research, sharing real narratives with live musicians in any space.
Pricing Guide
Solo Chamber Performance (Live Audio)
Performance Scope
- Duration: 30 to 45 minutes of curated Bharatanatyam.
- Repertoire: 2-3 pieces including an invocation and an expressive Padam or Abhang.
- Context: Artist provides spoken English introductions before each piece.
Musical Accompaniment
- Ensemble: 2 live support artists (Vocalist and Nattuvangam).
- Audio: Live acoustic performance suitable for chamber settings.
Aesthetics
- Costume: Authentic Kanjivaram silk drapery and traditional temple jewelry.
- Makeup: Professional stage makeup suitable for close-range viewing.
Full Traditional Margam Concert
Performance Scope
- Duration: 75 to 90 minutes.
- Structure: Traditional Margam format including Alarippu, Jatiswaram, Varnam, Padams, and Thillana.
- Artist: Solo performance by Divya Ravi.
Live Orchestra
- Ensemble: 4 to 5 professional musicians.
- Composition: Nattuvangam, Vocalist, Mridangam, and Violin or Flute.
- Technical: Includes a mandatory 60-minute sound check.
Stagecraft
- Lighting: Specific lighting plot with warm/cool transitions.
- Wardrobe: Includes one costume change interval if program design permits.
Thematic Dance-Theatre Production
Production Scope
- Content: Curated thematic work (Choices include Abandhana, VitthaMai, or Navarasa).
- Narrative: Blends spoken word, poetry (Pali, Marathi, or Tamil), and dance.
- Instrumentation: Specialized accompanying artists (may include non-traditional instruments like Cello alongside classical elements).
Production Values
- Lighting: Includes a dedicated Lighting Designer to execute pre-programmed theatrical effects (silhouettes, fog, mood lighting).
- Visuals: Projection mapping or backdrop visuals if venue infrastructure supports it.
Engagement
- Interaction: Post-performance Q&A session with the artist regarding research and themes.
About Bharatanatyam Dance Performances
Why I Dance
Dance is my way of digging into stories that often get lost - especially the forgotten voices of women from the past. I find myself jumping into old Pāli, Marathi, and Tamil poetry, looking for moments that still hit hard today. Sometimes the search is messy, but when I get to share these stories on stage, it all feels worth it.
What You’ll See
I perform everywhere - big sabhas, small baithaks, even spaces that aren’t meant for dance. Each show feels different, like a new conversation.
- Traditional Solo (Margam): Pure Bharatanatyam, with pieces taught by my Gurus and some of my own. There’s a mix of sharp technique and raw abhinaya (expression).
- Thematic Productions: Here’s where I dig deep. I’ve explored Buddhist nuns’ poetry (Abandhana), women’s writing across centuries (Akhyat Ākhyānā), and even looked at Vitthala as a mother (VitthāMāi). These are narrative Bharatanatyam storytelling pieces, mixing dance, research, and poetry.
My Process
Usually, I start with a poem or a story. Before dancing, I talk a bit about what’s behind the piece - makes things less abstract, especially for folks new to classical dance. Love, bhakti, feminism, spirituality - I try not to shy away from real emotion.
Not a Solo Act
Honestly, it’s never just me. My team of musicians brings the performances alive - their energy is everything. Couldn’t do it without them.
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.
