Exploring Indian Mythology Through Bharatanatyam & Fine Art
Welcome to my world where ancient mythology meets modern expression. I bridge the gap between research, dance, and fine art, inviting you to rediscover our timeless narratives through performance and conversation.
This poster for my solo production, "The Abandoned Gopi," captures the essence of my work: exploring lesser-known, poignant tales from our mythology. The performance delves into a rare story of Lord Shiva's transformation, a narrative of complete surrender and devotion.
A glimpse into "Shikhandi: The Inner Quest," a powerful production that explores themes of identity, gender, and self-acceptance through the story of a great warrior from the Mahabharata. The performance combines dynamic Bharatanatyam choreography with evocative Sanskrit verses.
This is a preview of "UN-EKLAVYA: The Riddle of the Thumb," a choreographic work that re-examines the famous story from the Mahabharata. It is a tale of courage, resilience, and choosing our battles wisely, told through the powerful vocabulary of Bharatanatyam.
My painting of Ardhanarishvara, the composite form of Shiva and Parvati. This piece explores the philosophy of duality and non-duality, questioning whether the vermillion of Shakti overpowers the ash of Shiva, or if they simply merge into one complete whole.
Sharing the joy of dance with young minds in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. My workshops for schools, often in smaller towns, focus on making Bharatanatyam and Indian mythology accessible and interactive, introducing basics like *mudras* and stories.
Delivering my "Drishya-Adrishya" (The Seen and Unseen) lecture in Mumbai. In these sessions, I guide participants to look beyond the obvious in mythological art and tales, uncovering the deeper layers of symbolism and philosophy.
I was deeply humbled and honored to be featured on the cover of Vrindavan Today. This was captured during a research trip for a festival, a journey that left me overwhelmed with new thoughts and inspirations from the sacred land of Vraj.
A moment from "Antardweep," a collaborative duet with Dr. Prachi Mehta, blending Bharatanatyam and Odissi. This production explores the idea of our ancient temples as not just places of worship, but as architectural codes guiding us to find divinity within.
About Featured
My work is never just a performance; it is a synthesis of rigorous research and intuitive expression. Whether I am exploring identity through a solo Bharatanatyam production like Shikhandi or detailing the symbolism of Ardhanarishvara on canvas, my goal is to make the profound philosophies of our ancestors feel immediate and deeply relevant to your own lived experience.
The Intersection of Research and Performance
I approach every project—be it a stage performance, a lecture-demonstration, or a painting—with the same foundational question: how does this ancient narrative resonate today? My methodology is rooted in my academic background, where I constantly study shastras, epics, and sculpture to inform the physical vocabulary of my dance.
My Core Offerings
- Thematic Bharatanatyam Productions: I move beyond traditional repertoire to present lesser-known narratives, such as the stories of Shikhandi or the transformative journey of the Gopis. These performances are designed for intimate settings and large proscenium stages alike.
- Lecture-Demonstrations: My 'Drishya-Adrishya' (Seen-Unseen) sessions are designed for audiences—from university students to seasoned rasikas—who want to look beyond the surface of mythological art. We analyze iconography, symbolism, and philosophy through a mix of oral discourse and live performance.
- Educational Outreach: I believe in the power of 'nrityasewa'—service through dance. My workshops for schools and colleges focus on making Indian art accessible, introducing young minds to basic mudras (hand gestures) and the contagious joy of classical movement.
- Visual Art: My painting practice is an extension of my choreography. Using Chola-inspired lines and Ajanta-style color palettes, I explore concepts of duality and non-duality, offering a visual lens into the stories I tell on stage.
How We Can Collaborate
I am based in Delhi and travel across India for in-person events. For organizations, educational institutions, or private gatherings, I offer hybrid configurations that blend academic discourse with live performance. If you are looking to bring a deeper, research-backed cultural experience to your venue, let us discuss how to tailor these narratives to your audience.
Himanshu Srivastava
I am Himanshu Srivastava. I grew up surrounded by the colors of Prayagraj and the discipline of Bharatanatyam, and today, I use that foundation to bridge the gap between ancient scriptures and modern curiosity. My work is a continuous offering—a nrityasewa—to the stories that have shaped our culture.
Explore my artistic services
Search for specific workshops, lecture-demonstrations, or performance inquiries.
More from Educational Workshops & Lectures by Himanshu Srivastava
More services by Himanshu Srivastava