Bharatanatyam Workshops & Educational Lecture-Demonstrations
I see dance as a form of scholarship. My workshops and lecture-demonstrations bridge the gap between ancient tradition and contemporary inquiry, designed for students, rasikas, and institutions across India.
A poster for my Bharatanatyam workshop and demonstration in the Kumaon Region, presented by SPIC MACAY. It is a joy to take our cultural heritage to far-off lands and share it with children.
Into the arms of the mountains. Performing for students in Uttarakhand as part of a SPIC MACAY tour. The joy of sharing our art with young, curious minds is unparalleled.
I was honored to be part of this distinguished panel for a World Dance Day celebration in Trichy. We navigated the dual realities of 21st-century performances, discussing the space between stage and screen, tradition and innovation.
It was an honor to deliver a lecture titled "Drishya-Adrishya" (The Seen and the Unseen) at the Shanmukhananda Sangeetha Sabha in Mumbai. This initiative to bring more artistic thought to rasikas and students is truly commendable.
An invitation to my lecture-demonstration "Drishya-Adrishya" in Mumbai. This workshop engages the mind to see the unseen pages of our cultural heritage, decoding mythological tales through art and dance.
It was a delight to speak on "liberal arts" and perform at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Seeing a government university recognize dance as a subject is a dream come true and a step towards a sustainable curriculum for the arts.
An invitation to perform at the Yuva Mukulam festival at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this festival celebrating the spirit of youth in the arts.
A promotion for the 40th Natyakala conference, curated by my guru Smt. Rama Vaidyanathan. The theme was "ROOTS," and I was excited to be part of this annual congregation of arts and minds.
A clip from a SPIC MACAY workshop for Kendriya Vidyalaya students in Uttarakhand. Here, I am performing a piece on Ganesha, a favorite among children, set to the verses of Saint Tulasidas.
About Workshops, Lec-Dems & Educational Outreach
When I conduct these sessions, I do not just demonstrate technique. I use my research in sculpture and old texts to show students how a single movement in Bharatanatyam mirrors the static beauty of an ancient temple carving. Whether for university students or seasoned rasikas, I focus on the intersection of mythology, philosophy, and rhythm, ensuring participants leave with a deeper understanding of the 'why' behind the 'what'.
Bridging Tradition and Scholarship
I believe that classical dance is not merely a performance art but a vessel for deep inquiry. My lecture-demonstrations, such as 'Drishya-Adrishya' (The Seen and the Unseen), are curated to move beyond the stage. I engage audiences by exploring the philosophical layers of Indian mythology, decoding the visual language of our heritage, and discussing how these timeless narratives remain relevant in a modern context.
Types of Outreach
- Educational Lecture-Demonstrations: I tailor these for universities, schools, and cultural sabhas. These sessions blend live performance with an academic breakdown of the art form, covering topics from the Natyashastra to the nuances of Abhinaya.
- Thematic Workshops: These are hands-on sessions for students of dance. We focus on the precision of movement, the anatomy of rhythm, and the emotional core of storytelling.
- Institutional Collaborations: I have had the privilege of touring with SPIC MACAY, taking the rich cultural heritage of Bharatanatyam to far-off lands, including the Kumaon region. It is my endeavor to help institutions build a sustainable curriculum that recognizes the arts as a serious subject of study.
Why Book a Session?
If you represent an educational institution, a cultural committee, or an arts organization, I invite you to host a session that encourages critical thinking through dance. I provide comprehensive modules that can be adapted for diverse groups, whether they are classical dance students or individuals new to Indian arts.
Himanshu Srivastava
I am Himanshu. My days are split between the rehearsal studio and the archives, and I find the most joy when I can share that bridge with others. I do not believe in teaching dance as a routine; I teach it as a conversation with our history.
Looking for other artistic offerings?
Explore the other dimensions of my classical dance practice and artistic work.
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