--- title: "Bharatanatyam Choreography & Rehearsal Process in Bengaluru" description: "Explore the creative process of Bharatanatyam artist Praveen Kumar. See how choreography and live music come together in our Bengaluru dance studio." canonical: https://mytribe.in/praveenkumardance/bharatanatyam-performances/the-journey-of-creation-rehearsals-workshops last_updated: 2025-09-07 --- # Bharatanatyam Choreography & Rehearsal Process Tribe Verified · Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee based in Bengaluru. By [Praveen Kumar](https://mytribe.in/praveenkumardance) · Performs across Bengaluru & travels pan-India · ₹75K Per Performance (60 - 90 Minutes) (estimate) Part of [Bharatanatyam Performances](https://mytribe.in/praveenkumardance/bharatanatyam-performances). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/praveenkumardance/bharatanatyam-performances/gallery) The stage performance is just the final chapter of a long journey. Here is a glimpse into how I craft my work, from the first spark of an idea to the final studio rehearsal. ## Photos and videos - [Video: Here I am in my studio, sharing the concept behind a new work, "Shwasa Vishwasa." This is where the ideas begin, exploring themes of connection and companionship before they ever reach the stage.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0279d33f-6686-4ff7-ba08-4d9d534afd25) - [Video: A look inside a rehearsal in Columbus, Ohio. We are crafting a program on Devi for an exclusive performance with a live orchestra, a process that involves intense collaboration and dedication.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/14a57b5e-29ac-4603-bec7-ebe325ba0189) - [Video: Rehearsing with my musicians for the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Annual Festival. This process of syncing the dance with the live music is crucial for a seamless performance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/24a6874b-a092-4e08-a7bd-17984b1d0c6c) - [Video: Preparing for "VANI," a homage to the goddess Saraswati. This rehearsal footage shows the initial stages of choreographing and setting the movements to the music.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5253650d-fc51-4607-b093-ee6d5154f2ba) - [Video: A quick invitation and a glimpse of rehearsal for the Madras Music Academy Dance Festival. The studio is where we put in the hours to perfect every detail before the main event.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5f33753b-bfe6-4c19-bde2-180263c2f1c1) - [Video: Rehearsing in New York for the Dancing the Gods festival. It's always a pleasure to work with wonderful musicians, both local and those who travel with me, to create something beautiful.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5f392da1-5945-4171-91ab-a90cd2be1907) - [Video: Inviting rasikas to "Vaageya Manjari," a performance with my students. This clip shows us rehearsing together, exploring the compositions of great Vaageyakaras.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/63b8db1f-1ecc-484d-870a-6fe40b78e462) - [Video: Explaining the concept of a Nindā stuti I am exploring for the Aharnish festival. This piece delves into the complex emotions of a father's concern for his daughter.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6d6ff548-30b0-4294-8e87-1acdf50b3d2c) - [Video: A proud moment, inviting everyone to both my own performance and my student Meenakshi's arangetram. It is a joy to see the art form being passed on to the next generation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/89c874c9-c7d2-4a99-85c1-9064c76f3edf) - [Video: A quick tour and sound check at the McConnell Arts Center in Ohio. Preparing the space and coordinating with the musicians on site is a key part of the pre-performance process.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/af127b9f-4fe9-4cbc-b0bc-59b2c1deb9b2) - [Video: A "Quick Bite" interview with Smaran, where I discuss my approach to dance, choreography, and the themes behind my work "SAKHA." It's always a pleasure to share my thoughts on the art form.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cc7d7566-b28b-4b73-b1e0-81d3c66b29a5) - [Video: Sharing my thoughts on the Dvaita philosophy of Sri Madhvacharya. This video gives some context to the thematic work I am preparing for the Natyarangam festival.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/db87c305-ebee-45cf-a45e-c4a5a89078ce) - [Video: A casual moment in the studio with my students. These informal sessions are just as important as the structured rehearsals for building a strong ensemble.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e3eaef85-d325-42a3-b3dd-0afa2340074a) - [Video: Discussing the concept for "Ṛtu Vismruti," our production on climate change. The creative process begins with an idea, which we then explore through movement and music.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f2ed4ddd-b79e-4b30-8d79-dc23a27459d2) - [Video: Rehearsing with the full music ensemble for a recital in Coimbatore. This is where we fine tune the performance, ensuring every beat and note is perfectly aligned.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ff2e1dee-4789-4d1c-bfdc-56113071ce69) ## About The Journey of Creation: Rehearsals & Workshops For me, the stage performance is only the final step of a long journey. My rehearsals are rarely solitary affairs; they are intense, collaborative sessions with my ensemble and musicians. We spend hours syncing the footwork with the mridangam and flute, because I believe the energy of a live orchestra is what truly completes the movement, not just the dancer. ### Behind the Movement Art is Shwasa Vishwasa, or life breath, for me. When I am in the studio, whether it is for a solo Nayaka-centric piece or a grand ensemble production, the process is consistent. We start with the core emotion or concept—be it the complex feelings of a father in a Nindā stuti or the climate themes in 'Ṛtu Vismruti'—and build the vocabulary of movement around it. ### The Role of Live Music I rarely practice or perform to recorded tracks. My rehearsals involve a live orchestra—vocalist, nattuvangam, mridangam, and flute. This interaction is crucial. The musicians respond to my footwork, and I adapt to their rhythm in real-time. This dialogue between the dancer and the Carnatic ensemble is the heartbeat of my work. It creates a space where improvisation happens, ensuring that no two performances are exactly the same. ### My Workshop Approach When I conduct workshops or train my students at Chithkala, I focus on the same rigour. We do not just learn steps; we explore the 'why'. We dive into the Tanjur quartet repertoire, discuss the poetry of Kalidasa, and ensure that every student understands how to hold the space. ### Preparing for Your Event When you see these photos from my studio, you are seeing the effort that goes into ensuring your event is not just a show, but a meaningful experience. Whether we are preparing for a festival like the Madras Music Academy or a private recital in Bengaluru, the commitment to authenticity remains the same. If you are looking for choreography that respects the nuances of Carnatic music and carries a deep, emotional narrative, this is where we begin. ## About Praveen Kumar Namaskara. I am Praveen Kumar. For me, teaching, performing, and choreographing are not separate tasks; they are all one family pack. I believe in the magic of live music and work with my ensemble to ensure every performance feels alive, whether we are in a studio or on a festival stage. [See all of Praveen Kumar's services](https://mytribe.in/praveenkumardance) ## More from Bharatanatyam Performances by Praveen Kumar - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/praveenkumardance/bharatanatyam-performances/featured) - [Solo Recitals: The Nayaka's Voice](https://mytribe.in/praveenkumardance/bharatanatyam-performances/solo-recitals-the-nayaka-s-voice) - [Chithkala Ensemble: Theatrical Productions](https://mytribe.in/praveenkumardance/bharatanatyam-performances/chithkala-ensemble-theatrical-productions) - [Collaborative & Experimental Works](https://mytribe.in/praveenkumardance/bharatanatyam-performances/collaborative-experimental-works) - [The Soul of the Performance: Live Orchestra](https://mytribe.in/praveenkumardance/bharatanatyam-performances/the-soul-of-the-performance-live-orchestra) - [On Tour: Sharing Art Across the Globe](https://mytribe.in/praveenkumardance/bharatanatyam-performances/on-tour-sharing-art-across-the-globe) ## More services by Praveen Kumar - [Bharatanatyam Choreography](https://mytribe.in/praveenkumardance/bharatanatyam-choreography) - [Bharatanatyam Training & Workshops](https://mytribe.in/praveenkumardance/bharatanatyam-training-workshops) ## Similar work from other experts - [Behind the Curtain: The Creative Process of Bharatanatyam](https://mytribe.in/adithya.pv/bharatanatyam-choreography/the-creative-process-behind-the-curtain) by Adithya · Bharatanatyam Choreography · Studio in NRI Layout; Travels across Bengaluru & India - [Behind the Scenes of Bharatanatyam Choreography](https://mytribe.in/indirakadambi/bharatanatyam-performance-choreography/the-creative-process-behind-the-scenes) by Indira Kadambi · Bharatanatyam Performance & Choreography · Based in Jigani, Bengaluru; Travels across India for shows - [Behind the Scenes of a Bharatanatyam Performance](https://mytribe.in/divya_takatarikitatom/bharatanatyam-performances/the-journey-to-the-stage) by Divya Srikanth · Bharatanatyam Performances · Performs across Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kerala - [Behind the Scenes: Bharatanatyam Rehearsals & Process](https://mytribe.in/shreema_upadhyaya/live-dance-performances/the-studio-rehearsals-the-creative-process) by Shreema Upadhyaya · Live Dance Performances · Performs in Bengaluru, Chennai & across India - [Behind the Scenes: The Bharatanatyam Creative Process](https://mytribe.in/delhidancer/dance-production-choreography/behind-the-scenes-the-creative-process) by Tanya Saxena · Dance Production & Choreography · Takes projects across Delhi NCR and pan-India - [Behind the Curtain: Bharatanatyam Practice and Creative Process](https://mytribe.in/sushmithasuresh93/bharatanatyam-performance-choreography/behind-the-curtain-practice-process) by Sushmitha Suresh · Bharatanatyam Performance & Choreography · Travels for performances in Bengaluru & Chennai; Online choreography available ## Book To book Praveen Kumar, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Namaskara%20Praveen%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20rehearsal%20clips%20on%20mytribe%20and%20would%20like%20to%20know%20more%20about%20your%20Bharatanatyam%20workshops.)