Bharatanatyam Workshops & Training
Available across Cologne
I teach Bharatanatyam through hands-on workshops that focus on technique, storytelling, body conditioning, and creative choreography, with options for both short-term and long-term mentorship online or in-person.
Pricing Guide
In-Person Weekend Masterclass
Core Training Format
- Schedule: 2 consecutive days (Saturday and Sunday), totaling 8 to 10 hours of instruction.
- Curriculum: Deep dive into specific compositions like rare Padams or technical Nritta sequences.
- Technique: Deconstruction of Adavus with a focus on somatic awareness and geometry.
- Context: Scholarly breakdown of literary context (Sahitya) including translations of rare texts.
Live Elements & Venue
- Accompaniment: Sessions conducted with live Mridangist or Vocalist for precise rhythm training.
- Infrastructure: Hosted at premium studios with sprung-wood flooring to prevent injury.
Student Resources
- Materials: Exclusive audio tracks recorded for the workshop and PDF scripts.
- Interaction: Post-workshop Q&A on artistic process and career navigation.
4-Week Virtual Technique Series
Course Structure
- Duration: 4-week module with 8 live interactive sessions via Zoom.
- Schedule: Twice weekly classes of 90 minutes each (12 total contact hours).
- Routine: 20 minutes of conditioning/yoga, 40 minutes of technical drills, and 30 minutes of Abhinaya or choreography.
Digital Support
- Feedback: Real-time spot corrections during the live feed.
- Access: Cloud access to class recordings provided for 1 week post-session.
- Materials: Digital distribution of lyrics, meaning notes, and theory.
Private Artist Mentorship
Customized Coaching
- Duration: Single 75-minute private session.
- Focus: Tailored agenda to clean specific dance pieces or refine facial expression micro-movements.
- Technique: Rigorous critique of form, limb perfection (Angashuddhi), and rhythm clarity.
Strategic Output
- Consultation: Advice on repertoire selection suited to specific body language.
- Review: Verbal feedback on costuming and stage presence for specific items.
- Recording: Permission granted to record the session for personal practice.
About Bharatanatyam Workshops & Training
My Approach
For me, dance isn’t just steps and practice - it’s a whole way of seeing and living. I teach Bharatanatyam as a journey, not a checklist. We work with riyaz (dedicated practice), turning poetry and ideas into movement that actually tells a story. The vibe? Open, collaborative, sometimes a bit geeky about research and literature, but never just about performing for an audience.
What We Dive Into
- Foundations: Strong focus on Adavu basics, Nritta (pure dance), and the nitty-gritty of body conditioning. If you’re after solid Bharatanatyam body conditioning or want to nail the rhythm, you’ll get it here.
- Abhinaya: The heart of it all - the art of bringing stories to life. We use everything from Marathi Abhangs to Tamil poetry. You’ll learn to feel and show those emotions, not just mimic them.
- Creative Process: This isn’t just about learning what’s already there. If you’re keen on devising your own piece (Kalam), you’ll get to explore Bharatanatyam choreography techniques and actually try creating something unique.
How Workshops Go
Sessions are pretty immersive. We dance, talk, sing, and get into the history behind what we’re doing. Some are one-day crash courses, others go deeper over a few days. You can join online or in-person (I’ve got students from Chennai makkal (folks) to London and Berlin).
For the Serious Ones
If you’re up for long-term work, mentorship is a big part of what I do. I’ve seen dancers grow with me over years, not just months. It’s intense, but if you want to live and breathe this art, that’s the path.
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.
