Bharatanatyam Solo Performances and Rehearsals
From intimate studio rehearsals to the grand stage, every performance is my offering of love, devotion, and the rich legacy of my mother, Guru Smt. Jamuna Krishnan.
A dynamic pose from my solo performance, "MOHAM". This posture requires balance, strength, and grace, capturing the technical precision that is the foundation of Bharatanatyam.
Lost in the emotion of the dance during my performance of "MOHAM". This is the essence of abhinaya, where the dancer becomes the character, feeling and expressing every part of the story.
Sweat and more sweat as we near a performance. This is a rehearsal for "MOHAM", a piece that holds deep meaning for me, connecting me to my beloved gurus who are no longer with me.
A candid moment captured from the wings by one of my students. This is a Meera Bhajan, a piece I have performed countless times, yet it feels new and emotional every single time.
An expressive moment on stage, reaching out to the audience. The goal of every performance is to forge a deep connection and take the audience on a journey through storytelling.
A moment of devotion and surrender during a performance. The upward gaze and open hands signify an offering to the divine, a central theme in many classical Indian dance compositions.
A black and white shot capturing the timelessness of Bharatanatyam. The intricate hand mudra and joyful expression are elements that have been passed down through generations of dancers.
A glimpse of my rehearsal for "MOHAM", a performance exploring tales of love and longing. The studio is my sacred space for practice, where I refine every movement and emotion before taking it to the stage.
Dancing to a beautiful Dasara Pada in my home studio. This piece gives me goosebumps every time, filled with so much bhakti and surrender. This is the beauty of "Moham", the longing for the divine.
Rehearsing a Pushpanjali, an invocatory piece that begins a performance. This one is special, composed by Vidwan Rajkumar Bharathi, and it speaks of the longing for the beautiful Lord of Udupi, Sri Krishna.
About My Performances: Practice & Stage
My studio in Dwarka is a sanctuary for practice, featuring professional sprung wooden flooring to protect your joints during rigorous rehearsals. Whether we are drilling the technical footwork for a Varnam or exploring the emotive depth of a Meera Bhajan, this space is where the performance takes shape long before we reach the stage.
For me, Bharatanatyam is not just about what the audience sees under the stage lights. It is about the years of practice, the connection to my gurus, and the quiet moments in the studio. My performance series, such as 'Moham', explores stories of love and longing, but it is built on the foundation of rigorous training.
Why the Studio Environment Matters
When I dance, I need to feel grounded. That is why I designed the Kalangan studio with sprung wooden flooring. If you are learning with me, you will notice that this isn't just for comfort. It is essential for absorbing the impact of intense footwork and preventing injuries, especially when we are preparing for long solo recitals.
My Performance Philosophy
Every performance I undertake, whether it is for an SPIC MACAY concert or an intimate family event, is treated with the same devotion. My approach relies on:
- Abhinaya: I believe the eyes and the face tell a story that feet alone cannot. We spend a lot of time in the studio breaking down the narrative of a piece so that it feels like a real conversation with the audience.
- Musicality: I collaborate with talented musicians who understand the nuance of my mother’s compositions, ensuring the Nattuvangam and vocals are perfectly synced with my movements.
- Legacy: I perform rare compositions passed down from Guru Smt. Jamuna Krishnan. These pieces are precious to me, and sharing them is my way of keeping her art alive.
I often receive queries about my availability for events or how I prepare for solo stage shows. The key is in the rehearsal. I am happy to open my studio space for those who want to understand the effort that goes into a professional Bharatanatyam performance in Delhi.
Ragini Chandershekar
I am Ragini Chandershekar. For me, dance is a conversation, a way to keep my mother’s legacy alive, and a constant practice of love. Whether I am rehearsing in my home studio or performing on a stage, I bring my whole heart to every step.
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