A look into my Bharatanatyam practice and research
A selection of moments that define my artistic journey, from intensive technical practice to the quiet research that fuels my storytelling on stage.
A moment of elevation during the Soorya Parampara Festival. For me, Bharatanatyam is not just about staying grounded; it's also about finding that split second of flight. This dynamic Nritta pose captures the physical rigor and energy that is central to my body conditioning workshops.
The essence of Abhinaya is conveying a universe of emotion through the eyes. This is a moment of intense focus from a performance, channeling the narrative of the poetry. In my Abhinaya workshops, we work on accessing and portraying these deep emotional states authentically.
The energy in a room full of dancers learning together is incredible. This video shows a snippet from a workshop in the UK, where we worked on a complex rhythmic sequence. My training sessions focus on building stamina and precision as a group, creating a supportive environment for everyone to grow.
What does 'Riyaz' or dedicated practice truly mean? In this short film for the "Raaz Riyaaz Ka" series, I share my personal philosophy. For me, practice extends beyond the studio; it includes reading, researching, and teaching, all of which holistically feed my artistic journey.
A moment of receiving blessings from my teacher, Mavin Khoo. The Guru-Shishya Parampara, the lineage of teacher and student, is the foundation of my practice. This tradition of learning and mentorship is what I strive to pass on to my own students.
This poster announces one of my favorite workshops: "Learn an Abhang, Devise a Kalam." It combines two key aspects of my teaching: exploring rich poetic traditions like Marathi Abhangs and empowering dancers to develop their own choreographic voice.
A glimpse into my personal practice space, where I explore the nuances of Pali poetry from the Therigatha. The library in the background is as much a part of my dance as the floor I practice on. This is where research and movement come together before they are shared in a workshop or on stage.
About this collection
I approach Bharatanatyam as a research-led practice. Whether we are drilling Adavus or deconstructing Pāli poetry for Abhinaya, every movement is rooted in the history of the text we are interpreting.
My dance is an ongoing conversation with the past. I do not just teach steps, I invite students into the Riyaz, the dedicated, messy, and rewarding process of bringing ancient voices back to life. You will see this in how I balance rigorous Nritta, or pure dance, with the emotional nuance of Abhinaya.
Research-Led Choreography
My project, Akhyāt – Ākhyānā, grew from years of studying Pāli and Marathi texts. When you work with me, we look at the why before the how. We break down literary context, translate rare manuscripts, and then find the physical language to express that specific emotion.
Training for All Levels
Whether you are in Bengaluru, Chennai, or visiting my workshops in London and Berlin, the structure remains consistent. We focus on somatic awareness and body conditioning to ensure you are dancing with intelligence, not just muscle memory. My workshops are designed to be immersive, balancing technical precision with the joy of discovery. If you are ready to move beyond the syllabus and find your own artistic voice, let us talk.
Divya Ravi
I am a Bharatanatyam artist who believes dance is a way of living and listening. My studio space is full of books as much as it is full of movement, and I love helping students find their own creative voice through research and rigorous practice.
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