Mohiniyattam Stage Performances and Productions
Every stage performance is a 'samarpanam'—a humble offering of dance. Explore our journey through traditional solos and ensemble productions that bring the grace and storytelling of Mohiniyattam to life.
A powerful moment of expression captured in black and white during a 'sevakkalam' performance at Sreeramaswami temple. The intensity in the eyes and posture conveys the deep narrative of the dance.
Our student Soumya in a moment of graceful movement during her solo performance at Jalahalli Ayyappa Temple in Bangalore. We encourage and celebrate our students' individual artistic journeys.
A dynamic pose from a solo Mohiniyattam recital, highlighting the unique costume and fluid body language characteristic of the art form.
A gesture of offering during a temple performance. The traditional attire, with its iconic pleated fan, adds to the visual poetry of the dance.
The hands and face work in harmony to tell a story. This is a moment of 'abhinaya' or expression from a student's solo recital.
A black and white portrait from a performance, focusing on the subtle smile and emotive power of the dancer's expression.
A striking pose filled with intent and emotion. Every performance is an opportunity to connect with the 'rasikas' (audience) on a spiritual level.
Our Guru, Vinaya Narayanan, performing at the Anubhava art experience. This piece explored the theme of 'Tradition and Transition', blending classical Mohiniyattam with fresh interpretations.
A full-stage view of a performance, showing the dancer's command over the space and the graceful flow of the Mohiniyattam costume.
The dancer's expression and posture convey a specific moment in the story, a testament to the detailed training in 'abhinaya' we provide.
About Stage Performances & 'Samarpanam'
Our performances go beyond simple choreography. Whether it is a traditional temple 'sevakkalam' or an experimental piece like 'Uthara', we focus on the deep narrative connection between the dancer and the 'rasika' (audience). When we prepare for a stage show, we manage everything from the live orchestra coordination to the intricate makeup and costume draping, ensuring the production remains authentic to the Bharati Shivaji style we follow.
Mohiniyattam is a dance of the soul, and our stage productions are designed to reflect that. We do not just teach steps; we train for the stage. Our collective has performed at diverse venues across Bangalore, from intimate temple settings like the Jalahalli Ayyappa Temple to larger cultural events and retreats like The School of Ancient Wisdom.
Our Artistic Approach
We follow the Bharati Shivaji style, which is known for its graceful swaying movements known as 'Andolika' and emotive storytelling through 'Abhinaya'. When we curate a performance, we carefully consider the theme, the music, and the space. For our production 'Uthara,' we blended experimental elements with classical roots, a balance we love to explore to keep the tradition relevant while honoring its core.
Performance & Production Services
If you are looking to host a traditional Mohiniyattam recital or need an ensemble for a cultural event, we provide a full-scale experience. This includes coordination with vocalists, Mridangam, and flute players, ensuring the live music matches the mood of the dance.
We also guide our students through the Arangetram process—their solo debut. This is a major milestone that involves months of rigorous training, choreography customization, and technical stage management. We handle the green room, the orchestra, and the flow of the event so the dancer can focus entirely on the 'samarpanam'.
Our Philosophy
Dance is energy. Whether performing for a large crowd or a small gathering, our goal is to lose the dancer and leave only the dance. We invite you to be a part of these moments, whether as an audience member, a student, or a collaborator.
Samarpana
We are Samarpana, a community of dancers and musicians based in Bangalore. Since 2018, we have been coming together to study, rehearse, and perform Mohiniyattam under the guidance of our Guru, Vinaya. To us, dance is not just performance—it is a shared, soulful journey.
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