Mythological Epics Retold Through Classical and Martial Dance
I bring India's ancient epics to life on stage, fusing the martial power of Mayurbhanj Chhau with classical grace to narrate stories like the Ramayana and Maheswara.
A vibrant group pose from our production 'Maheswara'. This piece is a tribute to Lord Shiva and blends the masculine energy of Chhau with the grace of Bharatanatyam.
A performance of 'Mahishasur Mardini' in the Mayurbhanj Chhau style. This piece depicts the fierce battle between Goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasur.
A clip from 'Maheswara', showing the dynamic interplay between male and female dancers. The choreography fuses Chhau and Bharatanatyam to tell the stories of Shiva.
A performance of 'Aigirinandini', a powerful piece celebrating the divine feminine, or Shakti. The choreography uses the strong, grounded movements of Mayurbhanj Chhau.
A close-up of a dancer portraying Lord Krishna, complete with a feathered headpiece. My work often involves detailed character studies from Hindu mythology.
A Mayurbhanj Chhau performance by my female students. This piece, telling the story of Mahishasur Mardini, showcases the power and grace of the feminine form in a martial style.
A clip from our production 'Shakti', where male dancers use swords to perform an intense, warrior-like sequence from Mayurbhanj Chhau.
About this collection
To truly narrate a mythological epic on stage, I balance the raw, masculine energy of Mayurbhanj Chhau with the disciplined grace of classical forms like Bharatanatyam. It is not just about the steps, but the visual storytelling—the way a trishul is held or the precise moment a battle sequence shifts into a moment of divine peace—that creates the narrative impact for the audience.
My approach to these productions is rooted in authentic technique rather than superficial spectacle. In works like 'Maheswara' and 'Shakti', we use the martial foundations of Mayurbhanj Chhau to depict the fierce energy of Rudra Tandav, then seamlessly transition into the rhythmic storytelling of classical Indian dance. This contrast is intentional, designed to keep the audience engaged through changing intensities and emotions.
For grand mythological productions, such as our 'Ramayana the Musical', we scale the performance to match the narrative. This includes coordinating large troupes of 18 to 22 artists, managing complex theatrical lighting, and ensuring each prop—from the bows of warriors to the crowns of deities—is used to enhance the historical context. We handle everything from the choreography and audio mixing to the staging requirements for festivals, schools, or corporate cultural showcases.
Because we focus on traditional forms, our work is well-suited for organizations that want to present Indian heritage with dignity and artistic integrity. Whether you are planning an inaugural opening act or a full-length 60-minute production, my troupe works to ensure the performance resonates with the gravity and beauty of the original text.
Rakesh Sai Babu
I am Rakesh Sai Babu. My foundation, Trikayaa, is built on the belief that dance is a spiritual practice, a way to channel ancient energy for modern audiences. Whether it is a tribute to Shiva or a retelling of the Ramayana, I focus on our 'Virasat'—our shared heritage—blending martial power and classical beauty to make every performance a living story.
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Explore other choreography styles and thematic productions I offer.
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