Featured Bharatanatyam Performances & Choreography
A look at my journey, from the technical precision of Nritta to the emotional depth of Abhinaya. This is a collection of my favorite moments on stage, choreographed by my guru, Sri P. Praveen Kumar.
This single spotlight captures the essence of a live performance. It's in these quiet, focused moments on stage that I feel the story comes through the most, a blend of preparation and pure emotion.
The prelude to an abhinaya piece is all about finding the character's inner dialogue. This is a glimpse into that process, a moment of conversation through expression before the music even begins, based on the beautiful choreography of my guru.
This is a throwback to a performance that is very close to my heart. The energy of a live show is unmatched, and this jathi, choreographed by my guru, is all about channeling that power into precise, fast-paced Bharatanatyam footwork and movement.
A moment of gratitude and joy on stage. This pose from my performance 'Viśvambhara' captures the energy of dancing to a live music ensemble, a truly special experience conceptualized by my guru, Sri P. Praveen Kumar.
Exploring the 'rasa' or emotion of Bhaya (fear) was one of the most challenging yet freeing experiences. It's in these deep dives into complex emotions that I find the true power of abhinaya and dramatic expression.
There is nothing like the energy of dancing to live music. This is a peek into a rehearsal in Chennai, where the vocals, mridangam, and flute bring the choreography to life. It's this synergy that makes a performance truly special.
Dance is a powerful way to tell stories, even for modern brands. Here, I'm interpreting the story of Queen Lokmahadevi through the rasa of Shringara (love and beauty) for a collaboration, blending classical dance with contemporary storytelling.
A little bit about me and my journey. Dance is more than just what I do; it's a mix of sweat, practice, and a lot of joy. It has shaped who I am, and I wouldn't trade this journey for anything.
About Featured
When I perform, I am usually balancing a lot, including the technical demands of Nritta, the emotional storytelling of Abhinaya, and the logistics of a live ensemble. My favorite shows happen when we have a full live orchestra, like violin and mridangam, because the energy on stage changes completely when the dancers and musicians react to each other in real-time. If you are looking for a show, we can keep it intimate with a solo act or scale it up to a group production.
My approach to Bharatanatyam is rooted in two decades of training under my guru, Sri P. Praveen Kumar. While I hold onto the traditional Margam repertoire, I also enjoy adapting these pieces for different stages, whether it is a corporate brand launch, a wedding, or a formal arts festival.
What makes my performances different is the mix of perspectives I bring. My background as an actor helps me delve deeper into the expressive side of dance, or Abhinaya, making the mythological themes feel more grounded and human. I do not just perform; I curate the experience. For a 75-minute full Margam, I bring a 4-piece professional ensemble, but for smaller inaugurations, I have high-energy solo invocation sets that fit perfectly into tight schedules.
I am based in Bengaluru and Chennai, but I frequently travel across India to perform. Every event is a collaboration, so I spend time before the date understanding the vibe you want, whether it is traditional, glamorous, or focused on a specific mythological theme like the divine feminine. If you have a vision, let us chat about how we can bring it to life on stage.
Shreema Upadhyaya
Hi, I am Shreema. I have been learning Bharatanatyam since I was four, and today, I bring those decades of training to stages across India. I love blending the discipline of my guru's choreography with my experiences as an actor to create performances that feel both timeless and deeply human.
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Tell me what kind of event you are planning so I can help you find the right setup.
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