Thematic & Mythological Bharatanatyam Performances
Bringing ancient mythology and divine stories to life through the expressive art of Bharatanatyam. Every gesture is a conversation.
A powerful depiction of the goddess with hands stained red, symbolizing her fierce form. This was for a Navaratri announcement, a time of year I love to dedicate to performing pieces about the divine feminine.
Embodying the goddess Durga, surrounded by red smoke to signify her power and intensity. Theatrical elements like this help create a powerful, immersive experience for the audience.
An artistic representation of the divine feminine, inspired by the goddess Durga. My dance often explores these themes of inner power and divinity, which I believe we all carry within us.
A moment of quiet contemplation in the portrayal of the goddess. This image captures the serene yet powerful essence of the divine feminine, a recurring theme in my thematic productions.
Lost in the character of Durga Parameshwari. This photo captures a moment of deep emotional connection to the story, where the dance becomes a form of prayer.
A moment of pure devotion and joy while performing as Durga. The goal of abhinaya is to convey these emotions so genuinely that the audience feels them too.
The intricate hand gestures, or mudras, are the language of Bharatanatyam. Here, I'm using them to tell the story of the goddess Durga, conveying both her power and her grace.
A silhouette of my performance as Kāli, lit in red to represent her fierce and untamed energy. Exploring the different facets of a single deity through dance is a fascinating journey.
A dramatic, low-light photograph capturing the form and posture of a dance piece. The interplay of light and shadow can create such a powerful mood on stage.
The delicate movement of a hand gesture, or mudra, captured in a moment of storytelling. Even the smallest details are crucial in conveying the narrative of a classical dance piece.
About The Storyteller: Thematic & Mythological Dance
People often think of dance as just movement, but what really connects with an audience is Abhinaya—the art of expression. When I perform a piece about Sita or Durga, I am not just hitting poses; I am engaging in an intimate conversation with you through gesture and emotion. Whether it is a high-energy brand launch or a quiet, soulful thematic production, my goal is to make sure you and your guests feel the story, not just watch it.
There is a misconception that dance is all grace and glitter. Behind every one-minute moment on stage is a million minutes of practice, self-doubt, and the occasional injury. It is a mix of sweat, tears, and absolute joy. My work is rooted in my training with my Guru, Sri P. Praveen Kumar, who taught me that Bharatanatyam is a language of its own.
The Power of Abhinaya
In this collection, you will see my exploration of 'Abhinaya'—the expressive art of storytelling. It is not just about the technical perfection of 'Nritta' (pure dance) but about the 'Śṛṅgāra' (romance), 'Bhaya' (fear), and 'Vira' (valour) that we bring to life on stage. When I perform themes like the divine feminine in 'Durga' or the cosmic energy in 'Viśvambhara', I am looking to connect with the audience on a level that goes beyond the visuals.
Tailored for Your Event
I treat every performance as a collaboration. Whether you are hosting a prestigious cultural gathering, an intimate family function, or a brand launch that needs a touch of traditional elegance, I adapt my repertoire to fit the vibe. I can perform solo pieces to high-definition recorded audio for tighter timelines, or we can go full-scale with a live ensemble of musicians to create an immersive, 75-minute theatrical experience.
I have performed at prestigious venues like the Madras Music Academy and traveled across India and abroad. My commitment is always the same: to be present, to be honest, and to share the energy of this beautiful tradition with you.
Shreema Upadhyaya
I’m Shreema. I’ve been training in Bharatanatyam since I was four, and I use my art to bridge the gap between ancient mythology and modern life. When I’m not on stage or rehearsing, I’m usually obsessing over the details of my next performance or just grabbing a chai.
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