Bharatanatyam & Bombeyaata: Unique Dance-Puppetry Performances
I blend the ancient movements of Bharatanatyam with the traditional Kannada string puppetry of Bombeyaata. It is a dialogue between the dancer and the puppet, creating a magical theatrical experience for families and cultural festivals.
The official poster for 'Rukmini Parinaya', my dance-puppetry performance for the NMACC Bachpan festival. This show is specially designed to bring joy and stories to young audiences.
A behind-the-scenes look at my travel and performance for the Bachpan Festival. This clip shows the journey and a glimpse of the 'Rukmini Parinaya' show, where dance and puppetry come together.
A teaser for my performance 'Sutradhāri Vaidharbi', which combines Bharatanatyam and Bombeyaata. It shows the rehearsal process with the musicians and my interaction with the beautiful Krishna puppet.
An invitation to the two special kids' shows of 'Rukmini Parinaya' in Bengaluru and Mumbai. This unique format of storytelling is a magical experience for the whole family.
A joyful moment on stage with the Krishna puppet during 'Rukmini Parinaya'. My brother Prakruti brings the puppet to life, and together we enact the story of Krishna and Rukmini.
A trailer for 'Rukmini Parinaya', which introduces the story and the unique blend of a live dancer interacting with traditional string puppets to narrate the tale.
A beautiful moment from 'Giridhar Nagar ki Meera', another production where I use puppetry to tell stories. Here, I portray Meerabai with the puppets representing her beloved Giridhar Gopala.
About this collection
Bringing these puppets to life requires specific stage depth to accommodate the strings while I move alongside them. When you book this performance, I ensure the technical setup is seamless, so the interaction between my abhinaya and the puppet's gestures feels organic and natural, not just a technical performance.
The fusion of dance and puppetry—Bombeyaata—is a tradition I hold close to my heart. Unlike a standard recital, this performance is a conversation between the living artist and the wooden puppet, representing the bond between the devotee and the Lord.
The setup is distinct. We require a specialized stage layout that allows space for the puppet strings, handled by an expert puppeteer like my brother, Prakruti. This isn't just a dance show; it is theatre. It involves synchronizing my emotional expression with the subtle, rhythmic movements of the puppets to create a cohesive narrative.
Whether it is a production like 'Rukmini Parinaya' or other Puranic tales, this format is exceptionally popular with children and family audiences. It strips away the formality often associated with traditional dance, using the visual element of the puppets to invite even the youngest audience members into the story. We handle the transport and careful handling of these heritage puppets, so you do not have to worry about the logistics. If you are planning a cultural event, school festival, or family gathering, this performance adds a layer of depth that leaves a lasting impression.
Divya Hoskere
Dance is my path, and storytelling is my language. When I merge my Bharatanatyam movements with traditional Bombeyaata puppets, I am not just performing—I am sharing a conversation between the human and the divine.
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