Bharatanatyam Choreography
Chithkala School Of Dance
I choreograph Bharatanatyam pieces for solo dancers and group productions, working with live musicians and exploring both traditional and new themes through collaborative projects.
Pricing Guide
Single Item Choreography (Varnam/Thillana)
Creative Choreography
- Concept & Structure: Interpretation of lyrics, setting improvisational storytelling (Sancharis), and rhythmic patterns (Jathis).
- Customization: Tailoring the difficulty level and style (Abhinaya or Nritta) to the dancer's capability.
Instruction & Materials
- Studio Sessions: 10 to 12 hours of direct in-person teaching.
- Reference Material: Video recording of the choreography at practice speed and a written Nattuvangam script.
- Audio Support: Provision of a high-quality studio-recorded track (if available in library) or recording guidance.
Full Arangetram (Debut) Mentorship
Repertoire & Training
- Full Margam Curation: Selection and choreography of 7 to 8 traditional items including Alarippu, Jatiswaram, Varnam, and Thillana.
- Personal Coaching: 40 to 50 hours of one-on-one sessions to polish nuances, pure dance (Nritta), and expression (Abhinaya).
- Custom Centerpiece: Choreography of a bespoke 'Hero' Varnam adapted to the dancer's stamina.
Live Performance Support
- Live Nattuvangam: Praveen Kumar personally conducting the orchestra and wielding cymbals on the performance day.
- Orchestra Management: Selection and coordination with professional Carnatic musicians (Vocal, Mridangam, Flute, Violin).
- Grand Rehearsals: Conducting 2 full-dress rehearsals with the live orchestra before the final show.
Production Aesthetics
- Technical Design: Lighting cue sheets and costume color palette consultation for theatrical impact.
Group Production Choreography
Concept & Direction
- Theme Development: Creating a narrative arc based on Mythology, Social Issues, or Abstract concepts.
- Stage Geometry: Designing intricate formations, blocking, entries, and exits for 6 to 12 dancers.
- Visual Guide: Direction on prop usage and stage setup for theatrical effect.
Execution & Supervision
- Rehearsal Supervision: Leading 20 to 30 hours of group rehearsals to ensure synchronization (Angashuddhi).
- Musical Structure: Collaboration with composers to align music flow with the narrative.
- Final Checks: Supervision of the technical run-through and dress rehearsal.
About Bharatanatyam Choreography
How I Approach Choreography
Dance for me is all about exploring together. I stick close to Bharatanatyam’s roots—sharp footwork, layered abhinaya (expressions)—but I love twisting it a bit, finding new ways to tell old and new stories. I always work with a live music team because, honestly, the connection on stage between dancers and musicians is where the magic happens.
What I Offer
- Big Productions: I handle thematic Bharatanatyam productions from scratch—mythology, philosophy, even climate change or social themes. I’m known to show up with the latest ideas, even if I’m running late (Late adhru Latest agi bandhe!).
- Solo Dancers: If you’re prepping for your Rangaabhivandane (first solo), I mentor you through the whole journey, not just steps. I design your full Rangaabhivandane repertoire creation, focusing on what makes you unique. I also run workshops for advanced dancers who want to dig deep into intricate abhinaya choreography for solo dancers.
What My Work Looks Like
- Created Tyāgarāja Hṛt Sadana (dance theatre on Thyagaraja’s music)
- Climate change through Kalidasa’s Ritu Samhara (Ṛtú Vismruti)
- Explored the hero’s emotions in Sakha
- Mixed Bharatanatyam and contemporary in Tatsama Tadbhava
Why Collaborate With Me
Collab is everything—worked with other dance schools, puppeteers, and my Chithkala team. Always open to creative, collaborative Indian classical dance projects. If you love dance or want to push your own boundaries, let’s see what we can build together.
Meet your Expert
Praveen Kumar
106 connects in last 3 months
My Story
Namaskara! We are Chithkala School of Dance, led by Praveen Kumar in Bengaluru. Bharatanatyam is our heartbeat – performing, teaching, creating, it’s all one big family-pack for us. We love stories, digging into the hero’s journey, not just the heroine’s. Poetry, especially Kalidasa’s, fires up our imagination and movement. Art is ‘Shwasa Vishwasa’ (life breath) for us – no myths, just pure dance for everyone.
My Work
Bharatanatyam Performances & Ensemble Shows - We perform solo and group pieces, exploring themes like Sakha and Vani with deep emotion.
Nayaka-centric Choreography - Our work often dives into the hero’s emotions, blending Tanjur quartet repertoire and new ideas.
Chithkala School of Dance Classes - We teach all levels, celebrating each student’s energy and style in every composition.
Advanced Bharatanatyam Workshops - Workshops for intermediate and senior dancers, mastering studio-recorded Thillana and other elegant pieces.
