--- title: "Abhinaya Dance Performances by Shreema Upadhyaya" description: "Book expressive Bharatanatyam and abhinaya dance performances for your event. Shreema Upadhyaya blends classical storytelling with modern emotional depth." canonical: https://mytribe.in/shreema_upadhyaya/live-dance-performances/the-art-of-expression-abhinaya last_updated: 2025-09-13 --- # The Art of Abhinaya: Expressive Dance Performances Tribe Verified · Performing across India and international stages. By [Shreema Upadhyaya](https://mytribe.in/shreema_upadhyaya) · Performs in Bengaluru, Chennai & across India · ₹25K Per Performance (10-15 mins) (estimate) Part of [Live Dance Performances](https://mytribe.in/shreema_upadhyaya/live-dance-performances). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/shreema_upadhyaya/live-dance-performances/gallery) Dance is more than movement; it is about bringing emotions to life. Through abhinaya, I transform stories into felt experiences, blending classical tradition with a modern, relatable perspective. ## Photos and videos - ![This is the face of pure fear, or 'Bhaya Rasa'. It was a surprisingly difficult emotion to tap into, but letting go and expressing it fully was an incredibly freeing experience as an artist.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4c430f11-fa18-4f09-af3d-70a08684888f) - ![A close-up capturing a moment of intense emotion. Abhinaya is about using your face and body to tell a story without words, making the audience feel what the character feels.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/16a1d167-8dcc-4be8-9fc1-b2c5817b41a0) - ![The physical manifestation of fear and despair. Exploring the depths of such a powerful emotion requires complete vulnerability, and it's a core part of my training in abhinaya.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d85674a5-14cd-4143-a886-f499b015a6f6) - ![Another angle from my exploration of 'Bhaya Rasa'. The goal is to embody the emotion so completely that it's believable from every perspective, drawing the audience into the story.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7e90c4ea-564f-42bf-be0d-83d9d3d0069d) - ![A moment of vulnerability and fear, captured during an abhinaya workshop. This kind of emotional exploration is key to growing as a performer and storyteller.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ef8d0cb2-2899-4588-9dd6-51512a98e830) - ![A playful and expressive moment from a performance at Natanakairali. Abhinaya isn't just about intense emotions; it can also be about joy, mischief, and love.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/243c8846-8af4-42c0-b5f5-8d3b05fa0f0a) - ![A cheeky expression during a performance. This shows the lighter side of abhinaya, where I can portray characters with a bit of wit and personality.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6d5fd667-6e94-43b2-906b-b4e389fa304f) - ![Another playful moment from the Natanakairali performance. Connecting with the audience through these relatable, human expressions is one of the most rewarding parts of dancing.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bf1fd566-7565-489f-8c8f-d3300a352c64) - ![A moment of quiet reflection and emotion. The ability to convey subtle feelings is just as important as expressing grand ones in the art of abhinaya.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f6a89a3d-b6c6-4b30-a7d2-7c421ed67dbf) - ![A classic pose from a Bharatanatyam recital, filled with expression. The slight smile and hand gesture combine to tell a part of the story.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4e81bc35-4286-4888-9393-c28e79f1fda3) - ![A joyful and open expression, inviting the audience into the performance. My goal is to make classical dance feel accessible and full of life.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ad805533-9eee-4f81-bc38-b1527380689b) - ![A still from my Bharatanatyam performance at Navarasotsava. This pose captures a moment of storytelling, where the hands, eyes, and expression all work together.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/103bcbf3-ed2b-45e7-8be5-d7df490126a8) - ![A similar pose from the Navarasotsava performance, showing a different nuance in expression. Each movement, no matter how small, can change the meaning of the story.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/54a9d68d-dd75-4746-b46f-bc779ef35569) - ![The beauty of Bharatanatyam lies in its combination of strong postures and delicate expressions. This photo from Natanakairali captures that balance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/986717b0-4a6f-4a44-b528-8e01296ca58d) - ![A graceful pose from a solo recital. The focus here is on the subtle storytelling through hand gestures and facial expression, which is the heart of abhinaya.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dd57b903-44b7-4a6c-afd6-7e003a7fbe01) - ![A powerful stance from a performance at Natanakairali. This pose conveys a sense of strength and determination, showing the range of characters I can portray.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/59e48a26-9433-48a5-afc2-77a6dd592e5f) - ![A dynamic pose from the same Natanakairali performance. The energy of the movement is balanced with a focused and expressive face.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6a223d25-3b02-402f-bd81-a491e90d3c40) - ![A classic Bharatanatyam pose that requires balance, strength, and grace. This is from a performance at Kottichetham Studio Theatre.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/82405cff-e470-48de-9052-be78db55eebf) - ![A foundational 'aramandi' or half-seated pose, which is central to Bharatanatyam. It's a position of stability from which all movements flow.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9a27094a-e5b0-44d1-8b79-749acd778314) - ![A gentle and devotional pose from a performance. This showcases the softer, more lyrical side of Bharatanatyam storytelling.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9a717ebb-4940-4aa1-9c36-6559b91e677e) - ![A pose that combines balance and extension, creating a beautiful line. This is from a performance at the Navarasotsava festival.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/aa3c4c4a-9b4f-48b1-816e-adb9e0a3d3b4) - ![A strong, grounded pose that conveys authority and power. The versatility of Bharatanatyam allows for the expression of a wide spectrum of characters and emotions.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b0626978-2e38-463f-8341-1f72612f3b3f) - ![A joyful, energetic pose from a performance. I love moments like this that are full of life and movement.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/be8a85b2-1ece-486c-a14e-0cd8417ed5d3) - ![These images are part of my deep dive into 'Bhaya Rasa' or the emotion of fear. Each photo captures a different stage of this intense feeling, from apprehension to outright terror, showcasing the narrative range of abhinaya.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0988fcfb-762e-400a-be18-37b55d02184c) - ![These images are part of my deep dive into 'Bhaya Rasa' or the emotion of fear. Each photo captures a different stage of this intense feeling, from apprehension to outright terror, showcasing the narrative range of abhinaya.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/73f5616d-d5a4-4c4b-9e3e-223acc233a25) - ![These images are part of my deep dive into 'Bhaya Rasa' or the emotion of fear. Each photo captures a different stage of this intense feeling, from apprehension to outright terror, showcasing the narrative range of abhinaya.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/81152742-2d15-4b58-84c2-df0917413eea) - ![These images are part of my deep dive into 'Bhaya Rasa' or the emotion of fear. Each photo captures a different stage of this intense feeling, from apprehension to outright terror, showcasing the narrative range of abhinaya.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/959550a2-b1d4-41e2-99df-aadf04d5eafc) - ![These images are part of my deep dive into 'Bhaya Rasa' or the emotion of fear. Each photo captures a different stage of this intense feeling, from apprehension to apprehension to outright terror, showcasing the narrative range of abhinaya.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d026bb2e-225f-491a-b9f8-a600302fd679) - ![These images are part of my deep dive into 'Bhaya Rasa' or the emotion of fear. Each photo captures a different stage of this intense feeling, from apprehension to outright terror, showcasing the narrative range of abhinaya.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f95956c1-60a6-4840-b5e0-c1684b940344) ## About The Art of Expression: Abhinaya Whether I am performing for a brand launch or a private gathering, I do not just execute steps. I focus on bridging the gap for the audience, often providing English introductions so that the nuances of śṛṅgāra (love) or bhaya (fear) land exactly as intended, regardless of your familiarity with classical dance. Abhinaya is the heart of my dance practice. While the technical footwork catches the eye, it is the emotional expression—the abhinaya—that creates a lasting impression on the audience. My training, particularly under the guidance of Guru Venu G. and my long-term mentor Sri P. Praveen Kumar, centers on the Navarasa (the nine emotions). I treat every event as a unique stage to tell a story. When you see me perform themes like the divine feminine or mythological tales of Sita and Rama, you are seeing a blend of my classical roots and my experience in acting and modeling. I find that this duality allows me to tap into raw, human emotions—like the vulnerability of fear or the joy of mischief—and make them accessible to everyone in the room. ### How I customize for your event: * **Thematic Alignment:** I adapt my repertoire to suit the mood of your event. If it is a brand launch, we might focus on themes of strength or innovation. If it is a family celebration, we can explore lighter, joyous stories. * **Language & Engagement:** I provide context before performances, breaking down the story so that non-classical audiences feel invited into the experience rather than excluded. * **Technical Rigor:** Even when I am having fun with the character, the performance is built on years of rigorous training. You are getting a blend of professional-grade artistry and a personal touch that makes the performance feel less like a recital and more like a conversation. ## About Shreema Upadhyaya I’m Shreema, and for me, dancing isn't just about the physical steps; it's about the connection. My training helps me turn every piece into a story that feels personal, raw, and real, ensuring your event has a performance that truly speaks to your guests. [See all of Shreema Upadhyaya's services](https://mytribe.in/shreema_upadhyaya) ## More from Live Dance Performances by Shreema Upadhyaya - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/shreema_upadhyaya/live-dance-performances/featured) - [On the Stage: Solo Performances](https://mytribe.in/shreema_upadhyaya/live-dance-performances/on-the-stage-solo-performances) - [The Storyteller: Thematic & Mythological Dance](https://mytribe.in/shreema_upadhyaya/live-dance-performances/the-storyteller-thematic-mythological-dance) - [The Studio: Rehearsals & The Creative Process](https://mytribe.in/shreema_upadhyaya/live-dance-performances/the-studio-rehearsals-the-creative-process) - [Collaborations & On-Screen](https://mytribe.in/shreema_upadhyaya/live-dance-performances/collaborations-on-screen) - [My Journey: Awards & Announcements](https://mytribe.in/shreema_upadhyaya/live-dance-performances/my-journey-awards-announcements) ## More services by Shreema Upadhyaya - [Film & Television Acting](https://mytribe.in/shreema_upadhyaya/film-television-acting) - [Fashion & Brand Modeling](https://mytribe.in/shreema_upadhyaya/fashion-brand-modeling) ## Similar work from other experts - [Abhinaya & Bhava: The Soul of Storytelling](https://mytribe.in/divthedancer/dance-choreography-services/abhinaya-bhava-the-soul-of-storytelling) by Divya Hoskere · Dance Choreography Services · Studio at Kanakapura Road; Travels across India - [Expressive Storytelling & Abhinaya Dance Performances](https://mytribe.in/dancingadah/event-dance-performances/expressive-storytelling-abhinaya-bhaav) by Dancing Adah · Event Dance Performances · Performs at events across Bengaluru - [Mastering Abhinaya: The Art of Expression in Dance](https://mytribe.in/rhythmotionindia/semi-classical-fusion-dance/the-art-of-expression-abhinaya) by Rhythmotion · Semi-Classical & Fusion Dance · Online classes and at studio in Rustam Bagh Layout - [Mastering Abhinaya and Expressions in Bharatanatyam](https://mytribe.in/akshatha.pai23/bharatanatyam-classes/the-art-of-storytelling-abhinaya-expressions) by Nritya Gurukul · Bharatanatyam Classes · Online classes & studio sessions in Sector 82, Noida; accessible across Delhi NCR - [Bharatanatyam Performances & Theatrical Dance](https://mytribe.in/shreyasigopinath/dance-performances-productions/featured) by Shreyasi Gopinath · Dance Performances & Productions · Available for performances across Delhi NCR and India - [Bharatanatyam Solo Performances for Events](https://mytribe.in/nandita_kalaan/dance-performances/bharatanatyam-solo-stagecraft) by Nandita Kalaan · Dance Performances · Performs across Delhi NCR and travels pan-India ## Book To book Shreema Upadhyaya, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Shreema%2C%20I%20came%20across%20your%20work%20on%20your%20Abhinaya%20page.%20I'm%20interested%20in%20discussing%20a%20performance%20for%20an%20upcoming%20event.)