Bharatanatyam Dance Performances
Available across India
I perform Bharatanatyam with live orchestra, blending traditional Margam recitals and original thematic solo acts based on deep research and rare stories.
Pricing Guide
Traditional Margam Recital
Core Performance
- Duration: 60 to 75 minutes.
- Format: Full Margam repertoire including Pushpanjali, Varnam, Padam, and Tillana.
- Style: Focus on pure dance technique (Nritta) and devotional expression (Bhakti).
Live Musical Ensemble
- 4-Piece Orchestra: Professional ensemble comprising a Vocalist, Mridangam (percussion), Violinist, and Nattuvangam.
- Composition: Performance on traditional Carnatic scores and rare poetry.
Visuals & Aesthetics
- Attire: Premium Kanjeevaram silk costumes, authentic temple jewelry, and ankle bells.
- Lighting: Basic lighting cues provided to the venue technician.
Logistics
- Includes travel for the artist and musicians within city limits.
Signature Thematic Production
Core Performance
- Duration: 75 to 90 minutes.
- Theme: Choice of research-backed productions (The Abandoned Gopi, Shikhandi, or Un-Eklavya).
- Context: Includes English/Hindi introductions to explain the mythology to the audience.
Premium Musical Ensemble
- 5-Piece Orchestra: Vocalist, Mridangam, Violin or Flute, Veena, and Nattuvangam.
- Score: Performed on custom-composed original music specific to the production.
Production & Aesthetics
- Lighting Design: Includes a dedicated lighting technician to execute theatrical scripts (spotlights/shadows).
- Styling: Production-specific costumes (e.g., tribal gear, veils), props, and specialized character makeup.
- Crew: Includes a makeup artist and costume helper.
Logistics
- Includes team transport within Delhi NCR.
Curated Guest Performance
Core Performance
- Duration: 20 to 30 minutes.
- Content: 2-3 high-energy or visual storytelling pieces tailored for diverse/non-classical audiences.
- Engagement: Includes a brief verbal introduction to the art form.
Musical Accompaniment
- Setup: Minimal live support (1-2 artists like Nattuvangam/Vocal) for cues.
- Option: Can be performed on high-quality studio tracks if venue logistics require.
Visuals
- Attire: Full professional Bharatanatyam stage costume and makeup.
Logistics
- Includes local travel for the compact team.
About Bharatanatyam Dance Performances
I see Bharatanatyam as a way to blend scholarship with performance, always searching for a meeting point between deep research and the instinct of dance. For me, each stage is a place to bring forgotten stories and big questions to life - sometimes ancient, sometimes painfully relevant today.
What I Perform
- Two main types: unique thematic solo productions and full traditional Margam recital.
- Thematic shows dig into lesser-known legends, like Shiva as the abandoned gopi or the journey of Shikhandi. These aren’t just stories; I look for what they mean for us right now.
- My Margam recitals give the complete classical experience, from invocation to Tillana. I mix rare compositions with classics, so even regular rasikas find something new.
My Style
- Every performance is backed by years of study - I research sculpture, philosophy, and old texts to shape my pieces.
- Always with a live orchestra (nattuvangam, mridangam, violin, flute, vocals) - no compromise here. The jugalbandi between music and movement is everything.
- My approach to abhinaya is straightforward but intense. I love digging into the emotional core, not just the surface.
Where I Perform
- Based in Delhi, but I travel all over India - Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata and more. NCR shows are frequent, but I’m open to performing anywhere, even outside India.
Some stories are uncomfortable, some uplifting. My job is to offer both - as a dancer, and a storyteller.
Meet your Expert
Himanshu Srivastava
61 connects in last 3 months
My Story
Namaskar, I’m Himanshu. Grew up in Prayagraj, surrounded by dance and colors. My gurus—especially my mother, Smt. Kamalini Nagarajan Dutt—shaped everything I do. Lost her, but her lessons walk with me. I see Bharatanatyam and painting as one big sangam, mixing Chola lines, Ajanta colors, and Phad technique. My Ph.D. even tied dance to sculpture. I dance, paint, and research to keep Amma’s vision alive. Art is my way to ask, ‘when next?’
My Work
What I Offer - Thematic Bharatanatyam productions (solo, duet, collaborations), painting exhibitions with art talks, and research-based workshops on Indian art and mythology.
My Approach - It’s never just about performing. I dig into shastras, epics—stories like Shikhandi and Ras-E-Raskhan—then shape them for today.
Art Meets Dance - My painting style—Chola-inspired lines, Ajanta colors—feeds my choreography. Both arts live together at @thenatyachitra.
Stories Close to Me - Solo acts like Shikhandi and UnEklavya aren’t just tales, but questions. I want audiences to feel, to think, to connect.
