Pehchaan: Bharatanatyam Performances Exploring Identity
Pehchaan is where my identity meets my art. It is a thoughtful exploration of the dancer and the individual, using Bharatanatyam to ask questions that traditional performance often leaves unanswered.
A clip from my solo performance 'Pehchaan', which explores the theme of identity in art. The choreography is set to original Hindi poetry, showcasing my interest in creating new lyrical works for the Bharatanatyam repertoire.
A moment of contemplation from 'Pehchaan'. My solo work often grapples with the idea that art is not just something I do, but something that gives me purpose and shapes my identity.
This image captures a moment of imbalance, reflecting the internal struggle between comfort and growth as an artist. 'Pehchaan' was an exploration of these very moments of vulnerability and strength.
A joyful pose from 'Pehchaan'. The performance chronicles the journey of an artist, from surrendering to the form to finding a unique voice within it.
An expressive moment from 'Pehchaan', where I use abhinaya to convey the internal symphony of an artist's soul. The lighting design is crucial in my productions to enhance the emotional landscape of the performance.
This promotional video for 'Pehchaan' uses the metaphor of the Ship of Theseus to question the nature of identity. It reflects the philosophical inquiry that forms the foundation of my conceptual work.
The process of 'becoming' the dancer, or aharya, is a central theme in 'Pehchaan'. This video explores how the act of getting ready for a performance is a transformation in itself.
About this collection
When I perform 'Pehchaan,' I often think of the Ship of Theseus—if you replace every part of the ship over time, is it still the same vessel? That is how I view dance. In every piece, I am constantly questioning how much of my true self I bring to the stage and how much I transform to become the character. It is not just about executing the steps; it is about finding the vulnerability and honesty in that transformation.
My approach to performance is rooted in the belief that dance is a form of academic and philosophical inquiry. 'Pehchaan' is not merely a set of choreographies; it is a narrative journey that challenges the boundary between the performer and the person. I work with a team of live musicians and technicians to ensure that the lighting, audio, and spatial design are perfectly synchronized with the movement, creating an immersive experience for the audience.
Whether you are looking for a solo recital, a duet, or a large-scale ensemble production, my process remains the same. I start by researching the themes—whether drawing from Sangam poetry, mythology, or contemporary social issues—to build a unique script and storyboard. For larger productions, we focus on complex group formations and original music scores, ensuring the performance is fresh and meaningful. If you have an event and want a dance piece that tells a story and engages the audience intellectually, let’s talk about how we can build something substantial together.
Tanya Saxena
I am a dancer, but more importantly, an observer of life. For me, dance is not just movement; it is a dialogue with history, mythology, and my own internal questions. I work with fellow artists to bring these stories to life on stage.
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