---
title: "Kathak Mythological Storytelling & Abhinaya Choreography"
description: "Learn authentic Kathak mythological storytelling through Abhinaya. I offer specialized choreography for solo and group performances in the Lucknow Gharana style."
canonical: https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak/kathak-choreography/mythological-storytelling-abhinaya
last_updated: 2026-02-09
---

# Mythological Storytelling and Abhinaya Choreography

Tribe Verified · Graded Doordarshan Kathak Artist

By [Garvita Sharma](https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak) · Online sessions available; Studio and on-location choreography in Delhi NCR & Mumbai · ₹7,500 Per Composition (estimate)

Part of [Kathak Choreography](https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak/kathak-choreography). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak/kathak-choreography/gallery)

Bringing Indian mythology to life through the subtle grace of Abhinaya and the traditional Lucknow Gharana style.

## Photos and videos

- [Video: This piece, 'Kanha Khelon Kahan Aisi Hori', is a composition by Pt. Birju Maharaj ji. I am portraying Radha, who questions Krishna about where he played Holi without her, expressing a mix of complaint and longing.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/36593647-b658-4860-9312-17f0dc4f1075)
- ![Portraying Radha Rani on stage for the first time was a deeply spiritual experience. Here, I am seated, lost in the thoughts of Krishna, wearing a costume graciously given to me by my guru, Saswati didi.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0ce48e1d-ee9d-41e8-aceb-4919f710c62b)
- ![As Radha, every gesture is filled with meaning. This pose, with hands held in a specific mudra, conveys a sense of devotion and surrender, central to the character's relationship with Krishna.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/69664036-e7e4-4b1a-801d-b5800e48288a)
- ![In this moment of abhinaya, I express Radha's longing and her conversation with Krishna. The art of storytelling in Kathak lies in conveying complex emotions through subtle and graceful movements.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a1562b0e-01ff-4cf3-8add-5d2fa2b261a0)
- ![A side profile capturing a moment of contemplation as Radha. The costume, jewellery, and hairstyle are all integral parts of building the character for a stage production.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b1134ca3-4574-4522-94eb-170144663a86)
- [Video: This choreography depicts the festival of Holi, where Radha hopes to play with colors with her beloved Shyam. The movements express the joy, playfulness, and anticipation associated with the festival.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7ad6b691-42d6-4d50-8b17-5578e3ae6ffc)
- [Video: A glimpse from the 'Krishn-Raas' production, performed under the guidance of my gurus. This piece captures the divine and mystical atmosphere of Krishna's celestial dance with the gopis.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/16039664-f686-48ef-82eb-0a26c82bf098)
- ![A beautiful moment captured from the production 'Krishna Katha'. Here, I am portraying a gopi, adorned in traditional attire, listening to the tales of Krishna's divine play.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/691c3a03-2e3f-4a1a-9231-593b7a8ca3bc)
- [Video: In Kathak, we tell stories. This choreography depicts two scenes: one of sakhis going to the river Yamuna, and another of Krishna's playful teasing, known as 'chhed chhad'. This showcases the narrative aspect of my work.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/018fd5d3-9de3-4da2-88ad-581ae1bb8870)

## About Mythological Storytelling (Abhinaya)

I focus on the nuance of *Abhinaya*, or the art of expression. Whether you are learning a Thumri or preparing a stage production, my process begins by understanding the emotion behind the *sahitya* (lyrics) so your movements naturally convey the story rather than just executing steps.

### The Lucknow Gharana Approach
In my choreography, storytelling is not merely acting. It is a deep, internal process of embodying the character. Whether we are portraying the playful teasing of Krishna or the longing of Radha, we work on *nayan-abhinaya* (expression through eyes) and *hastak* (hand gestures) to ensure the narrative reaches the audience's heart.

### How We Build a Performance
When we work together, we don't just pick a song and move to it. We look at the context of the mythology. 

*   **The Sahitya:** We analyze the poetry and lyrics to understand the 'rasa' (essence) of the piece.
*   **Stage Presence:** For those preparing for competitions or stage productions, I provide guidance on costume, fabric flow, and jewelry placement. These elements are not just for aesthetic; they are part of the *Aharya* (costume design) that helps the audience connect with the character instantly.
*   **Technical Precision:** We marry this storytelling with the rhythmic constraints of Kathak, ensuring that even in moments of high emotion, the *taal* (rhythmic cycle) remains intact.

### My Philosophy
I believe that dance is a form of prayer. Whether you are a student or a performer, my goal is to guide you in finding that *guru kripa* (blessings of the teacher) in your own movement. My packages include video breakdowns and, for those focusing on competition, dedicated rehearsals to polish these expressions for the stage.

## About Garvita Sharma

Kathak is not just my profession, it is a divine connection I inherited from my Gurus, Pandit Birju Maharaj ji and Saswati Sen Didi. Every piece I choreograph is rooted in the tradition of the Lucknow Gharana, seeking to express the stories of Radha and Krishna through deep, heartfelt devotion.

[See all of Garvita Sharma's services](https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak)

## More from Kathak Choreography by Garvita Sharma

- [Featured](https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak/kathak-choreography/featured)
- [Solo Recitals & Professional Milestones](https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak/kathak-choreography/solo-recitals-professional-milestones)
- [Technical Choreography (Nritta)](https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak/kathak-choreography/technical-choreography-nritta)
- [Student Success & Group Choreography](https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak/kathak-choreography/student-success-group-choreography)
- [The Guru-Shishya Parampara](https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak/kathak-choreography/the-guru-shishya-parampara)
- [Artistic Portraits](https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak/kathak-choreography/artistic-portraits)

## More services by Garvita Sharma

- [Kathak Classes & Workshops](https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak/kathak-classes-workshops)
- [Dance Competition Judging](https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak/dance-competition-judging)
- [Kathak Performances](https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak/kathak-performances)

## Similar work from other experts

- [Kathak Abhinaya: Storytelling through Expression](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/choreography-performance-services/the-art-of-abhinaya-storytelling-expression) by Eshani Sathe · Choreography & Performance Services · Takes projects in Mumbai, Pune, and across India
- [Spiritual and Mythological Dance Performances](https://mytribe.in/bijal.dedhia.79/dance-performance-choreography/spiritual-mythological-performances) by Bijal Dedhia · Dance Performance & Choreography · Studio in Kandivali East; Travels across India for events
- [Mythological Dance & Devotional Choreography](https://mytribe.in/akshatha.pai23/dance-choreography-for-events-competitions/dance-of-the-divine-mythological-storytelling) by Nritya Gurukul · Dance Choreography for Events & Competitions · Studio sessions in Sector 82, Noida & travels to venues across Delhi NCR
- [Mastering Kathak Abhinay and Expressive Dance](https://mytribe.in/pooja_pant_kathak/kathak-classes/the-soul-of-kathak-abhinay-music) by Pooja Pant · Kathak Classes · Online classes via Zoom & In-person across Mumbai
- [Thematic Bharatanatyam Solo Productions](https://mytribe.in/himanshusrivastavaa/educational-workshops-lectures/solo-dance-productions) by Himanshu Srivastava · Educational Workshops & Lectures · Available online and in-person across India
- [Kathak Solo and Group Choreographies](https://mytribe.in/sattvatischoolofdance/kathak-dance-classes-workshops/my-artistry-solo-group-choreographies) by Sohini Karanth · Kathak Dance Classes & Workshops · Classes at 3 locations in Bengaluru & Online

## Book

To book Garvita Sharma, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Namaskar%2C%20I%20am%20interested%20in%20your%20Kathak%20choreography%20for%20mythological%20storytelling.%20Could%20you%20please%20share%20details%20on%20how%20to%20get%20started%3F)
