--- title: "Classical Dance Archives: A Journey Through Time with Nirupama Rajendra" description: "Explore the archival collection of Kathak and Bharathanatyam performances by Nirupama Rajendra. Discover the beauty of classical dance history and our traditional training programs in Bengaluru." canonical: https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra/dance-training-programs/from-the-archives last_updated: 2025-09-08 --- # From the Archives: A Journey into Classical Dance History Tribe Verified · 30 years of classical dance heritage By [Nirupama Rajendra](https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra) · Classes online and at studio in Basavanagudi · ₹3,000 per workshop (estimate) Part of [Dance Training Programs](https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra/dance-training-programs). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra/dance-training-programs/gallery) These glimpses into the past hold more than just old footage. They capture the discipline and the profound lessons passed down through the Guru Parampara over three decades of my journey. ## Photos and videos - [Video: There was a special magic in the era of black and white visuals. Sharing these pictures from the archives brings back joyful memories of my early days in dance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6e40df24-c89d-4400-a667-b5cc8dc3cf09) - [Video: A treasure from 33 years ago. This clip of me performing a Panchanadai Tillana was recorded from a Doordarshan telecast on a VHS tape, a beautiful reminder of my Guru Narmada's magical choreography.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bf7a848d-f30d-4547-a212-52a551a6c915) ## About From the Archives Revisiting moments like my 33-year-old performance of the Panchanadai Tillana, recorded on VHS, reveals the foundational rigor instilled in me by my Guru Narmada. It is not just about the technical perfection of those days, but the quiet wisdom and devotion that continues to shape our current pedagogy at Abhinava Dance Company. Looking back at these black and white archives, I am reminded that dance is not a pursuit of the present moment alone. It is a long, continuous dialogue with the past. The grainy footage of Doordarshan broadcasts and the echoes of singers like Smt. Saroja Natarajan are not merely memories. They are the bedrock of the technique we teach today. ### Why Archival Study Matters In our classes at Basavanagudi and Rajajinagar, we do not just teach steps. We study the aesthetic history, or Rasa, that makes an item like a Tillana come alive. When students watch these older performances, they begin to understand how the internal landscape of the dancer changes the external movement. It teaches patience, the importance of musicality, and the necessity of surrendering to the art form. ### The Legacy Continues My own training was defined by the Guru-Shishya tradition. Today, I aim to create the same space for you. Whether you are exploring our Kathak footwork, Bharathanatyam abhinaya, or the specialized Natyashastra Karanas in our masterclasses, the goal remains the same: to find joy and connection in the movement. If these archives resonate with you, I invite you to join our community. Whether you are a beginner taking your first step or a seasoned dancer returning to your roots, there is a place for you to grow within our studio environment. ## About Nirupama Rajendra For me, dance is a conversation with the divine, a discipline that has been my home for thirty years. I am Nirupama Rajendra, and through the Abhinava Dance Company, I carry forward the timeless wisdom gifted to me by my Gurus. [See all of Nirupama Rajendra's services](https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra) ## More from Dance Training Programs by Nirupama Rajendra - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra/dance-training-programs/featured) - [Join Our Dance Family: Classes for All](https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra/dance-training-programs/join-our-dance-family-classes-for-all) - [Student Journeys: From First Steps to Solo Debuts](https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra/dance-training-programs/student-journeys-from-first-steps-to-solo-debuts) - [Advanced Learning: Masterclasses & Workshops](https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra/dance-training-programs/advanced-learning-masterclasses-workshops) - [Abhinava on Stage: Productions & Performances](https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra/dance-training-programs/abhinava-on-stage-productions-performances) - [Our Legacy: Awards & The Guru Parampara](https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra/dance-training-programs/our-legacy-awards-the-guru-parampara) ## More services by Nirupama Rajendra - [Dance Choreography Services](https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra/dance-choreography-services) - [Classical Dance Performances & Productions](https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra/classical-dance-performances-productions) ## Similar work from other experts - [My Bharatanatyam Performances and Artistic Journey](https://mytribe.in/shreyasigopinath/bharatanatyam-dance-classes/my-performances-journey) by Shreyasi Gopinath · Bharatanatyam Dance Classes · Online classes and at studios in Gurugram & New Delhi - [Bharatanatyam Performance and Technique Highlights](https://mytribe.in/navya_shree_k_n/bharatanatyam-training-mentorship/featured) by Navyashree K N · Bharatanatyam Training & Mentorship · Classes at Naagarabhaavi studio - [Bharatanatyam Performances and Classical Training](https://mytribe.in/divthedancer/bharatanatyam-classes-workshops/featured) by Divya Hoskere · Bharatanatyam Classes & Workshops · Classes at Kanakapura Road, Bengaluru - [Bharatanatyam Performances and Choreography](https://mytribe.in/indirakadambi/indian-classical-arts-training/my-journey-in-dance) by Indira Kadambi · Indian Classical Arts Training · Classes at Ambalam Foundation, Jigani; Training available across Bengaluru - [A Journey Through Karnataka's Folk Dance Traditions](https://mytribe.in/snehakappanna/folk-dance-consultancy-curation/my-journey-roots-milestones) by Sneha Kappanna · Folk Dance Consultancy & Curation · Consultations in JP Nagar; Projects across India - [Featured Classical Dance Performances and Classes](https://mytribe.in/natesha-nrithyalaya/bharatanatyam-carnatic-music-classes/featured) by Natesha Nrithyalaya · Bharatanatyam & Carnatic Music Classes · Classes at studio in Kalkere ## Book To book Nirupama Rajendra, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Namaste%2C%20I%20was%20watching%20your%20archival%20videos%20and%20loved%20the%20traditional%20style.%20I%20would%20like%20to%20know%20more%20about%20joining%20your%20dance%20classes.)