Dance and Puppetry Fusion Performances
I combine the grace of Bharatanatyam with the traditional Karnataka string puppetry of Bombeyaata to tell stories in a new way.
This is a glimpse into 'Rukmini Parinaya', a production that magically combines Bharatanatyam and Bombeyaata. It's a special offering where I, as the dancer, interact with string puppets who are characters in the story, creating a unique dance-theatre experience.
Here you can see the behind-the-scenes process of my dance and puppetry fusion. It shows the musicians, the puppeteer, and me working together to bring the story of 'Sutradhari Vaidharbi' to life. This is a great option for clients looking for original, collaborative work.
What a joy it is to dance with Krishna as Rukmini. This photo shows me interacting with the Krishna puppet, a moment where my dance and my family's art of puppetry come together. This is the kind of magical, narrative moment we can create together.
This video documents my travel and performance at the Bachpan Festival at NMACC, Mumbai. It shows the 'Rukmini Parinaya' dance and puppet show on stage, giving you an idea of how this unique fusion captivates audiences, especially children.
A trailer for 'Rukmini Parinaya', my dance and puppetry production. It gives you a feel for the narrative style, where I act as the storyteller, or 'sutradhar', weaving together a tale with my fellow puppet-actors.
Experiencing the divinity of Meerabai and her Giridhar Gopala in Dwaraka. This performance, 'Giridhar Nagar ki Meera', is another example of how I use puppetry to tell stories of deep devotion, blending my dance with the puppet's movements.
This poster for 'Rukmini Parinaya' at the NMACC Bachpan festival showcases my unique dance-puppetry performance. This service is perfect for cultural festivals, corporate events, and educational programs seeking an innovative take on Indian storytelling.
About this collection
When I perform, the puppet is not a prop but a full partner, reacting to my movements in real time. My collaboration with my family at Dhaatu Puppet Theater allows us to blend the rhythm of Bharatanatyam with the physical storytelling of Bombeyaata, creating a performance that invites the audience into a living myth.
My journey into dance and puppetry is a return to my roots. Growing up in the Dhaatu Puppet Theater, the rhythm of strings and the expression of abhinaya have always been intertwined for me. This fusion is not just about entertainment, it is a way to make classical narratives accessible and vibrant for modern audiences.
The Art of Fusion
In productions like 'Rukmini Parinaya', I take on the role of the sutradhar (storyteller), weaving between the audience and the puppet characters. This requires a specific kind of coordination. The music, the rhythmic jatis of Bharatanatyam, and the mechanical movement of the puppets must align perfectly to create a seamless world.
Perfect for Festivals & Schools
Because this format is inherently visual and interactive, it works particularly well for:
- Cultural festivals and children's programming
- Educational institutions looking for immersive storytelling
- Corporate events that want an out-of-the-box classical experience
I treat every show as a collaborative space. Whether you are looking for a short 15-minute piece or a full-length production, I work with a team of musicians and puppeteers to ensure the story resonates. If you are looking to create a performance that blends the spiritual depth of Bharatanatyam with the playful wonder of puppetry, let us talk about how we can build that together.
Divya Hoskere
I grew up surrounded by puppets at Dhaatu, and dance has always been my way of praying. Mixing these two worlds feels like coming home. I love bringing these stories to life for children and adults alike.
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