Nrityasewa: Bharatanatyam Dance Offerings in Sacred Temples
For me, dance is not just a performance; it is nrityasewa—a humble offering. I present my Bharatanatyam productions at sacred sites, most notably in the lanes of Vrindavan, allowing the history and spirit of these spaces to shape the narrative of every piece I dance.
An invitation to my *nritya-seva* (dance offering) at the Shri Radha Raman Raasmandal in Vrindavan. It is a profound experience to perform "The Abandoned Gopi" before His divine auspices in the city where the story originates.
A few blessed moments from my performance at the Radha Raman Raasmandal in Vrindavan. Dancing in this sacred space, surrounded by pillars adorned with flowers, is an offering of pure devotion.
A poster for "Nrityarpan," a dance offering in Vrindavan on the auspicious evening of Bhairav Jayanti. My heart spills with joy each time the city calls me to dance in the land of Gopeshwar Mahadev.
It was an absolute bliss to present a rare composition on Gopishwar Mahadev in Vrindavan. This performance tells the story of Lord Shiva bedecked as a Gopi to witness the divine Raas of Krishna.
A devotee sings with deep emotion (*bhaav*) in the courtyard of the Shree Radharaman temple in Vrindavan. Witnessing such pure devotion is a constant source of inspiration for my own artistic offerings.
A performance at the Vrindavan Chandra Bhaan Tilak temple. In the background, you can get a *darshan* of the inner sanctum, a truly divine setting for this Ashtapadi performance.
The spirit dances in the wild to the inner divine. These are fleeting moments from the ancient Pataleshwar temple in Pune, a space carved from rock that resonates with spiritual energy.
About Nrityasewa: Offerings in Sacred Spaces
When I perform in temples like the Shri Radha Raman Raasmandal, the dynamic changes entirely. I am not dancing for a ticketed audience, but within the vibration of a living space. If you are looking to host a performance that resonates with traditional spiritual values, I bring the entire setup—backtrack, narrative context, and the dance—to your chosen location.
Dancing with the Divine
My approach to nrityasewa is rooted in the belief that space is an active participant in performance. Whether it is the ancient stone of the Pataleshwar temple in Pune or the vibrant, flower-adorned pillars of Vrindavan, the architecture dictates the movement. My choreography does not ignore these surroundings; it breathes with them.
What I Bring to Your Space
I treat every invitation to perform at a temple or sacred site as a duty. To ensure the integrity of the performance is maintained, I manage the following:
- Contextual Narrative: I introduce the piece with brief insights into the mythology—be it the story of the Abandoned Gopi or Gopishwar Mahadev—so the audience understands the deeper philosophical layers.
- Technical Support: While I provide high-quality backing tracks, I coordinate with the host to ensure the PA system is suitable for the venue's acoustics, ensuring the music complements the space rather than overpowering it.
- Adaptability: Temple spaces often present unique constraints regarding stage size and lighting. My style of Bharatanatyam is designed to be mobile, allowing me to perform in intimate courtyards or larger temple halls without losing the essence of the storytelling.
Hosting a Performance
I am based in Delhi but travel across India for temple performances. If you are a temple committee, a cultural trust, or an individual wanting to organize a dedicated dance offering, please reach out. We can discuss themes that align with your specific deity or seasonal festival. This is not just a show; it is an act of devotion, and I approach it with the same discipline I apply to my research and rehearsals.
Himanshu Srivastava
I am Dr. Himanshu Srivastava. I grew up in Prayagraj surrounded by dance, and today I carry those lessons into temples across India. I do not just dance; I tell stories through Bharatanatyam, breathing life into ancient mythology right where it belongs.
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