Behind the Curtain: Bharatanatyam Practice and Creative Process
A candid look at the hours of discipline, studio rehearsals, and creative planning that happen long before the stage lights turn on.
What I do versus what I show. A fun behind-the-scenes reel showing the hard work of photoshoots compared to the polished final images.
A vlog from our ambitious 'SHE' project. Starting at 4:25 AM on a festival day, this video documents the meticulous planning, rehearsals, and teamwork that went into the production.
A quiet, contemplative moment captured in the wings, just before stepping onto the stage. The moments before showtime are filled with focus and anticipation.
"Just have fun dancing." A black and white behind-the-scenes video from the 'SHE' production, capturing my instructions and encouragement to the dancers before the final take.
A short reel from a beach photoshoot, showing the beautiful scenery and snippets of the dance against the waves. The full video is on my YouTube channel.
A warm welcome to my channel, Vivartana The Art Studio. Here I share a bit about what I do as a dancer, choreographer, and teacher, and what you can expect to see.
Playing with light, camera, and movement in the studio. This reel shows some freestyle movement and improvisation under a large softbox light.
A behind-the-scenes video showing the play of light and shadow during a studio shoot. It's fascinating to see how lighting can completely transform the mood of a dance.
This is us. A candid moment of teaching in the studio, with the reflection in the mirror showing the student-teacher connection.
A shot of me in my studio, a space for creation and choreography. The mirror reflects not just the dancer, but the endless possibilities of the art form.
About Behind the Curtain: Practice & Process
Every performance you see on stage starts here on the studio floor, often with an all-women orchestra working out the rhythm. When we rehearse, we are not just practicing steps; we are blocking formations, tuning the audio, and refining the storytelling until it feels honest. If you are planning a production or need professional choreography, these sessions are where the foundation is built.
At Vivartana, the process is as important as the final product. Whether it is an early morning start for a festival shoot or a quiet evening in the studio, the goal remains the same: honesty in movement. We focus on the granular details that make a performance stand out, from the synchronization of dancers in a group piece to the technical precision required for a solo Arangetram.
How We Work
Rehearsal Environment We believe the studio is a sanctuary for creation. Our spaces in Bangalore and Chennai are designed for full-body expression, featuring wooden flooring and mirrors to help dancers observe and correct their alignment in real time.
Orchestra Collaboration For major performances, we prioritize musical synergy. We bring in specialized musicians for live Nattuvangam and percussion, ensuring the choreography is perfectly tethered to the rhythm of the orchestra.
Technical Preparation From studio shoots to final stage runs, we handle the production details that performers often struggle with. This includes lighting setups, costume color coordination, and audio mixing for group tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer studio rentals? Yes, our Kodambakkam space is fully equipped with mirrors, audio systems, and changing areas, available for other artists to rehearse or shoot.
How do you approach ensemble choreography? We focus on dynamic spacing and formations that utilize the entire stage. We want every dancer to feel empowered, not just present.
Can I book you for a specific production? Yes, I work on everything from conceptualizing dance dramas to executing full-scale Arangetrams, providing the artistic direction needed to bring your vision to life.
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