My Parampara: The Kalakshetra Lineage
A glimpse into the roots of my dance journey, the teachings of my guru, and the traditional values I bring to every class in Delhi.
A treasured photograph of my Arangetram at Kalakshetra with my dear 'Attai', Guru Rukmini Devi Arundale. I share this in her memory on her 120th birth anniversary, forever grateful for her guidance.
This beautiful painting by Rajeev captures the essence of my teacher, Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale. She transformed Bharatanatyam, and her teachings remain my guiding light.
A portrait of me in full Bharatanatyam attire, demonstrating a 'mudra'. This image represents my identity as a performer and teacher, carrying forward the aesthetics and discipline of the Kalakshetra style.
A beautiful memory from the Festival of India in the former USSR. This archival footage shows me explaining and demonstrating the storytelling aspect of Bharatanatyam, including the concepts of Tandava and Lasya.
More memories from my performance tour in the USSR. In this clip, I explain the language of 'mudras' and demonstrate how they are used to narrate stories, such as the tale of Lord Shiva Nataraja.
A photograph from my early years, receiving an award from the esteemed Dr. S. Radhakrishnan. This moment was a great encouragement for me as a young artist.
During a visit to my alma mater, Kalakshetra, I placed my four instructional books at the feet of the Ganesha statue under the great Banyan tree. It was a symbolic offering of my work back to its source.
A wonderful reunion with my batchmates at Kalakshetra, standing before the sculpture of our idol and mentor, Rukmini Devi Arundale. Visiting the campus always feels like coming home.
This video shows a 'jhati', which is a combination of adavus or steps, danced to rhythmic drum syllables. This is an excerpt from a recorded performance, showcasing the pure dance or 'nritta' aspect of Bharatanatyam.
About My Parampara: Lineage & Legacy
True Bharatanatyam is not just movement; it is a conversation with the past. When you see these images, you are seeing the direct lineage of the Kalakshetra style. My training under the legendary Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale defined my entire artistic life. This legacy is not something I keep in a book; it is the foundation of every adavu (footwork), every mudra (hand gesture), and every student showcase I conduct at Triveni Kala Sangam today.
The Guru-Shishya Parampara is more than a teaching method; it is a transfer of consciousness from master to student. At my studio, I do not just teach steps. I teach the discipline that my guru, Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale, instilled in me during my years at Kalakshetra.
Why the Lineage Matters
In a world where dance is often reduced to quick routines and social media trends, the Kalakshetra style offers a return to precision and aesthetic purity. When you join my classes, you are entering a space where we respect the 'Talam' (rhythm) and 'Abhinaya' (expression) as sacred tools.
What Students Can Expect
- Foundation First: Whether you are an adult learner or a child, we start with the basics of posture and adavus. You will learn the why behind every movement, not just the how.
- Structured Progression: We move from basic grammar to complex choreographies in a group environment that encourages peer learning.
- Authenticity: My teaching resources, including my books and card games, are designed to demystify the complex theory of classical dance, making it accessible while keeping it authentic.
Learning dance is a long-term commitment. It requires patience, discipline, and a willingness to understand the history embedded in our movements. If you are looking for a place to learn Bharatanatyam in Delhi that respects both tradition and the individual learner, I invite you to step into our studio at Triveni Kala Sangam.
Jayalakshmi Eshwar
I am Jayalakshmi Eshwar. My life has been a devotion to the Kalakshetra tradition, a bond forged in Chennai and carried forward in my Delhi studio. Every class I teach is a tribute to my guru, aiming to keep this beautiful heritage alive for a new generation.
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