Learn Rare Bharatanatyam Compositions from the Jamuna Krishnan Legacy
My mother, Smt. Jamuna Krishnan, created treasures by setting North Indian bhakti poetry to Bharatanatyam. I teach these rare compositions exactly as she envisioned them, preserving a piece of our dance history for you to learn.
This is a post from my heart about my Amma's legacy. Her compositions, which brought North Indian bhakti poetry into Bharatanatyam, are treasures. It is my life's work to ensure her name and contribution are always acknowledged and her art continues to live on.
This is my Amma, my guru, Smt. Jamuna Krishnan. Everything I am as a dancer comes from her. Her legacy lives on through the rare compositions she created, which I am blessed to pass on to the next generation.
A precious memory with my mother and my niece. Three generations connected by the love for this art form. The traditions and values passed down through family are the foundation of my dance and my teaching.
The pain of loss never truly heals. This is a birthday tribute to my beautiful mother. The love and lessons she gave me are what I pour back into my dance and share with my students every day.
A birthday wish for the forever queen of my heart. I carry my Amma and Appa with me in every performance. When I teach her compositions, I feel her presence, guiding me and my students.
About this collection
When you learn these compositions, you aren't just memorizing steps. We sit together in the studio and break down the sahitya (lyrics) and the specific bhavas (emotions) my mother intended. You will need to bring patience, as we focus on the subtle eye movements and the historical context behind every verse, ensuring you truly embody the story rather than just performing it.
Why these compositions are unique
Most modern dance routines separate the music, the lyrics, and the choreography, outsourcing each part. My mother, Smt. Jamuna Krishnan, worked differently. She was a giant because she approached each piece holistically—selecting the verse, researching the mythology, composing the music, and choreographing the dance herself. When you learn a piece from her repertoire, you are getting the full, original vision.
What to expect in class
Learning these items is not about quick results. It is about understanding the bhakti tradition.
- Detailed Sahitya Breakdown: We spend time understanding the poetry of Surdas, Vidyapati, and others, so you know exactly what you are expressing.
- Micro-Expression Training: My mother’s style requires intense focus on the eyes and face. We will spend hours in the studio refining these subtle shifts.
- Historical Context: I share the stories behind these pieces—why she chose a specific line of poetry or a certain rhythm.
Who this is for
These sessions are for students who have a solid foundation in Bharatanatyam adavus and are looking to deepen their artistry. If you are tired of generic items and want to perform something with soul, history, and a distinct narrative, these legacy compositions will be a rewarding challenge. We usually start with a consultation to see which piece matches your emotional range and technical ability.
Ragini Chandershekar
I'm Ragini, and at Kalangan, dance is a conversation across generations. I teach exactly what my mother, Smt. Jamuna Krishnan, passed down to me—not just the steps, but the deep emotional weight of her bhakti compositions. If you want to dance with history, I am here to guide you.
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