Cultural Diplomacy and Bharatanatyam Workshops
Dance is a universal language that bridges borders. I facilitate cultural exchanges through workshops and choreographed productions that unite diverse art forms, traditions, and perspectives.
A joyful group photo after a collaborative workshop with the Embassy of Colombia and the salsa group 'Ensalsate'. We explored the fusion of salsa with Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Chhau.
With Angelica, the coordinator from the Colombian Embassy. Here we are demonstrating the 'mudras' or hand gestures of Bharatanatyam, sharing the intricate language of our classical dance.
Speaking at the National Day ceremony of the Embassy of Chile. I was invited to present a specially choreographed performance inspired by a student exchange program between Triveni Kala Sangam and a dance troupe from Chile.
My disciples performing the piece I choreographed for the Chilean National Day. The performance was a fusion of Indian and Chilean cultural motifs, celebrating the friendship between our nations.
A formal photograph with dignitaries and my dancers at the Embassy of Chile event. These collaborations are a wonderful way to represent Indian culture on a global stage.
Being felicitated at the inaugural 'Kala Sangam' function at Raja Mansingh Tomar's Sangeeth evam Kala Vidyalaya in Gwalior. I also conducted workshops for students across various art departments, fostering a great amalgamation of our culture.
About Cultural Diplomacy & Workshops
When I design a workshop or a diplomatic performance, I do not look for simple parallels. I look for the underlying grammar of movement that exists across borders. My process involves researching the partner culture—like the rhythm of Chilean dance or the flair of salsa—and finding where it resonates with the deep-rooted adavus of Bharatanatyam, creating a performance that honors both heritages equally.
Bridging Cultures Through Movement
My work in cultural diplomacy is built on the belief that classical dance is a conversation. Whether I am collaborating with an embassy or conducting a workshop at Triveni Kala Sangam, the goal is to foster a genuine exchange.
Past Collaborations
I have had the honor of presenting work for international forums, such as the Chilean National Day ceremony, where we created a fusion performance inspired by a student exchange program. These projects require more than just choreography. They demand an understanding of history and mutual respect.
Workshop Approach
In my workshops, I focus on:
- Foundational Technique: Bringing the discipline of the Kalakshetra style to students of all backgrounds.
- Cross-Cultural Dialogue: Blending Bharatanatyam with other forms like salsa, Chhau, or Kuchipudi to demonstrate how different traditions communicate.
- Conceptual Depth: Moving beyond steps to explain the 'mudras' (hand gestures) and the storytelling aspect of Indian dance.
Whether you are an educational institution looking to host a seminar or an organization planning a cross-cultural event, I invite you to reach out. Let us use dance to tell a story that connects our cultures.
Jayalakshmi Eshwar
I am Jayalakshmi Eshwar. My work at Triveni Kala Sangam and beyond is dedicated to building bridges through dance, connecting the classical Bharatanatyam I learned at Kalakshetra with diverse global cultures. Whether it is a formal diplomatic event or an educational workshop, I focus on the authentic exchange of movement and rhythm.
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