Tribe Verified

Five Decades of Bharatanatyam: My Journey and Milestones

byJayalakshmi EshwarPerforms across India; Based at Triveni Kala Sangam, New DelhiStarts from₹85,000 Per PerformanceView full gallery

Dance is a lifelong conversation with tradition. Over the last fifty years, my path has been shaped by the teachings of Rukmini Devi Arundale at Kalakshetra and the beautiful stages I have shared with audiences worldwide. Here is a look at the milestones that define my artistic journey.

A collage that holds deep meaning for me. It shows me receiving the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, alongside a photo of my guru Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale, to whom I dedicate this honor.

A memorable day at the Kala Sangam in Gwalior, where I was invited as an expert to conduct a workshop. It was a wonderful amalgamation of culture, where I had the opportunity to interact with scholars and students from various art forms.

The 'Golden Gungroo Award' I was honored to receive from Dance India Magazine on International Dance Day. A single ghungroo (ankle bell) represents a universe of rhythm, and this award is very special to me.

At the International Dance Day Awards ceremony by The Dance India magazine. It is always heartening to be in the company of fellow artists and patrons of the arts.

A precious black and white photograph from early in my career, receiving an award from the esteemed Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, the former President of India.

I was delighted to be felicitated by the Delhi Tamil Sangam alongside other Sangeet Natak Akademi awardees. It was an honor to share the stage with such distinguished artists from different fields of music and drama.

Lighting the lamp at the Delhi Tamil Sangam felicitation ceremony. This traditional act symbolizes the dispelling of darkness and the invocation of auspicious beginnings, a sentiment that resonates deeply with my art.

A beautiful memory from the Festival of India in the former USSR. In this clip, I am explaining the meaning of different mudras to the audience, bridging cultural divides through the universal language of dance.

Another clip from my performance in the USSR, where I explain and demonstrate the story of Lord Shiva Nataraja through dance. The immense love for Indian culture I experienced there is a memory I will always cherish.

About A Legacy of Art: My Journey and Accolades

When I receive an award, it isn't a final destination; it is a moment to pause and reflect on the lineage of my Guru, Rukmini Devi Arundale. These photos represent the 'Guru-Shishya Parampara'—the direct transmission of knowledge that defines my life. If you are looking to understand the technical nuances of Bharatanatyam or are considering an authentic classical performance for a cultural event, I invite you to reach out and discuss how we can bring this heritage to your occasion.

Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee since 2021 — Approved by the tribe
J

Jayalakshmi Eshwar

Performs across India; Based at Triveni Kala Sangam, New DelhiStarts from ₹85,000 Per Performance

I have spent over five decades living and breathing Bharatanatyam, shaped by the grace of Kalakshetra and the guidance of my mentor, Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale. Today, I continue to perform, teach, and push the boundaries of what this art form can be, whether it is through traditional solo recitals or multimedia productions with my troupe, Abhinayaa.

Similar work from other experts

Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe

A portrait from my performance at the Namaste France festival in Paris. It was an immense honor to represent Indian culture on an international stage, an opportunity for which I am deeply grateful.8

My Bharatanatyam Performances and Artistic Journey

S
Shreyasi GopinathOnline classes and at studios in Gurugram & New Delhi
Receiving the UPASANA SAMMAN from senior Odissi dancer Geeta Mahalik, alongside retired Supreme Court Judge Shri Arijit Pasayat. It is an honor to be recognized by my peers.23
A moment of mutual respect with Shri Arijit Pasayat after receiving the award. Such honors are a source of great encouragement.
Being draped with a shawl by the esteemed dancer Geeta Mahalik as part of the felicitation. These traditional gestures of honor are deeply meaningful.
Sharing a light moment on stage with senior dancer Madhavi Mudgal during the Upasana Samman ceremony.

Accolades and Artistic Recognition

G
Geeta ChandranIn-person training at Natya Vriksha Dance Company, Gulmohar Park, New Delhi
19
Posing with my certificate and my guru, Sri P. Praveen Kumar. His guidance and blessings are the reason for every achievement, and I'm so happy to make him proud.
The official announcement for my solo Bharatanatyam performance at The Music Academy Madras, presented by HCL Concerts. It's always an honor to perform on this stage.
The poster for the Music Academy's Mid-Year Dance Festival. I was so excited to be performing a full Margam with a live orchestra at this wonderful event.

Awards and Career Milestones

S
Shreema UpadhyayaPerforms in Bengaluru, Chennai & across India
17
This captures my perspective as a teacher. While my students feel the thrill of performing, I feel the quiet responsibility of ensuring they are confident and supported every step of the way.
For my students, it's about looking stunning in their costumes. For me, it's about ensuring every thread and accessory is perfect, so that nothing distracts from their performance.

My Bharatanatyam Teaching Journey: Tradition and Personalized Learning

P
Preetha ArunStudio in Whitefield, travels across Bengaluru & available online
The nameplate for 'Divya Space' at the Mahagami Gurukul. Seeing this was a deeply moving experience, a testament to the beautiful vision of this incredible arts institution.6
A close up of the traditional head ornaments and makeup for a Bharatanatyam performance. The process of getting ready, or 'aharya abhinaya', is a meditative ritual in itself, helping me transform into the character I am about to portray.
Humbled to receive the 'Natya Ratna' award at the Trinity Arts Festival. Such recognition is an impetus to continue serving the art form with honesty and dedication.
The serene entrance to Mahagami Gurukul in Aurangabad. Spaces like these, where every element breathes art, are a profound source of inspiration and a reminder of the holistic nature of a life in the arts.

Artistic Milestones and Recognitions in Bharatanatyam

D
Divya RaviOnline classes; Workshops in London, India & Europe
The sacred tradition of lighting the lamp before a performance. Here, I am at the debut recital of my dear student Ambili Krishnan, a moment filled with blessings and hope.32
Another view of the lamp lighting ceremony for Ambili's Margam. This ritual sanctifies the stage and marks the beginning of a student's formal journey as a performer.
A candid moment of joy and pride with my student Ambili Krishnan after her successful debut performance.
The wonderful live orchestra that supported Ambili Krishnan's debut. A dancer is always supported by a team of talented musicians, and I am grateful for mine.

Bharatanatyam Student Recitals & Performances by Ambalam Foundation

I
Indira KadambiBased in Jigani, Bengaluru; Travels across India for shows

More from Bharatanatyam Performances by Jayalakshmi Eshwar

FeaturedFuturistic Fusions: Bharatanatyam with AI & VFXCultural Narratives: Weaving Stories Through DanceThe Solo Recital: An Intimate DialogueAuthor and Educator

More services by Jayalakshmi Eshwar

Dance Education & TrainingChoreography & Dance Production
  1. Home
  2. Jayalakshmi Eshwar
  3. Bharatanatyam Performances
  4. A Legacy of Art: My Journey and Accolades