A Legacy of Dance: Traditional Bharatanatyam Performances
My dance is my mother’s living legacy. When I perform, I am simply continuing the beautiful, intricate compositions she created, keeping the spirit of her Bharatanatyam alive on stage.
A cherished memory with my mother. Her presence is a constant source of strength and inspiration for me, and her influence is woven into every step I take.
Three generations of our family, with my mother at the center. Her artistic legacy continues through me and inspires the next generation of dancers in our family.
I feel my mother's arms around me in this photograph. Her love and guidance shaped me not only as a dancer but as a person, and I miss her dearly.
This is a portrait of my mother, Smt. Jamuna Krishnan, in my home. She was a master choreographer and composer, and I feel it is my duty to ensure her immense contribution to Bharatanatyam is always acknowledged and remembered.
This is me with my dearest Amma, my mother and guru Smt. Jamuna Krishnan. Her teachings are my foundation, and her spirit is with me every time I step on stage. My dance is my way of keeping her beautiful legacy alive.
About A Legacy of Dance: My Mother, My Guru
The Bharatanatyam you see here is not just about technique; it is a story told from start to finish. Unlike many modern performances where music, choreography, and concept are outsourced, my mother, Smt. Jamuna Krishnan, designed every element herself. This means when I perform, I am presenting a singular, cohesive vision—from the poetry and research to the final rhythmic pulse.
When people ask about my dance, I tell them it is a conversation across time. My mother was a pioneer in bringing the soulful verses of North Indian bhakti poets into the Bharatanatyam repertoire. Her work was distinctive because she handled the research into the poetry, the musical composition, and the dance choreography herself. Today, it is rare to find such a holistic approach where one person crafts the entire experience.
Why this matters for your event
You are not just booking a performance; you are witnessing a lineage. Whether it is a solo recital or a group ensemble with my students at Kalangan, we perform with live music—Carnatic vocals, mridangam, flute, and nattuvangam—because the music is the breath of the dance. It transforms a standard event into something deeply felt.
Whether it is a 90-minute traditional margam for a concert or a curated thematic piece for an intimate home gathering, my focus remains on the Abhinaya—the art of expression. I do not just teach steps; I teach how to tell a story through the eyes and hands. If you are looking for a performance that holds heart, history, and the discipline of a 35-year journey, let us talk.
Ragini Chandershekar
I am Ragini, and at Kalangan, dance is simply our way of keeping love and history alive. I carry my mother’s teachings in every mudra, and I love sharing this warmth with anyone who wants to learn or host a truly authentic performance.
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