Shringara Sharanagati: Classical Bharatanatyam Solo on Divine Love
My signature thematic production tells the enchanting love story of Krishna and the Gopikas. Through expressive abhinaya and intricate nritta, I bring these stories from the Srimad Bhagavatam to life with a full live orchestra.
An invitation to my solo thematic dance festival, Kalāmārga Nrityotsava, featuring my production 'Shringara Sharanagati'. This piece is about the surrender in love of the Gopikas to their beloved Sri Krishna.
A short excerpt from 'Shringara Sharanagati' where a Gopika tells a sweet lie to sneak away to meet Krishna. This piece highlights the playful storytelling and abhinaya that is central to my performances.
A moment of complete immersion in the story of Krishna and the Gopikas. Every performance is an ode to the hero of my heart, capturing the essence of love and devotion through the language of Bharatanatyam.
The dynamic energy of 'Shringara Sharanagati' captured in a single frame. This pose reflects the joyous abandon of the Gopikas as they dance for Krishna, a key element of the 'raas' lila.
A close-up capturing the 'shringara' or romantic love aspect of the performance. The dance is my conversation with Krishna, filled with expression and emotion.
When Krishna's divine flute plays, the mind lets go and the body begins to dance. This clip shows my interpretation of PuTiNa's poetry, using 'karanas' (dance units) to depict the soul surrendering to the divine song.
Portraying the playful and mischievous nature of the Gopikas is one of the most enjoyable parts of 'Shringara Sharanagati'. Here, I am enacting a moment of lighthearted fun from the story.
About this collection
My performances are always backed by a 5-piece live Carnatic orchestra, including a vocalist, mridangam, and nattuvangam. Unlike recorded music, this live ensemble allows me to improvise and respond to the energy of the venue in real time, ensuring that every show is a unique, spontaneous conversation between the dancer, the musicians, and the audience.
Shringara Sharanagati is more than just a dance recital; it is an exploration of the profound surrender of the Gopikas to their beloved Krishna. In this production, I weave together episodes from the Srimad Bhagavatam to illustrate the varied moods of devotion.
The Artistic Approach
Every performance is structured as a full Margam, featuring a blend of 'Nritta' (rhythmic, pure dance) and 'Abhinaya' (expressive storytelling). My style is defined by 'azhutham', or groundedness, and the inclusion of intricate 'karanas' derived from my study of the Natyashastra. Whether portraying the mischievous joy of a Gopika sneaking away or the quiet intensity of longing, the focus remains on authentic emotional connection.
Technical and Venue Requirements
To maintain the integrity of the live Carnatic orchestra, I require a stage with sufficient depth to accommodate the 5-piece ensemble and allow for fluid movement. The experience is enhanced by traditional attire, specifically premium Kanjeevaram or Ahimsa Silk costumes paired with temple jewelry, which brings the aesthetic of the Puranic stories to life.
While I am based in Bengaluru and perform across India, each production is tailored to the specific space. For intimate gatherings or large cultural festivals, the live music composition is adapted to ensure the energy of the flute and mridangam resonates perfectly with the audience. If you are planning an event, please reach out to discuss how we can adapt this narrative to your venue.
Divya Hoskere
For me, dance is simply a way to be silent and watch the world. My art is my bhakti, a humble offering shaped by the stories my Amma told me and the grace of my guru, Sri P. Praveen Kumar. I love sharing these ancient tales of Krishna and the Gopikas, finding moments of pure joy in every performance.
Looking for a different theme or performance style?
Explore other dance productions and services tailored for your event.
More from Bharatanatyam Dance Performances by Divya Hoskere