Narrated by Shantha : Shantha describes Kalbha as a groundbreaking fusion of Bharatanatyam and Kalaripayattu, blending the storytelling grace of dance with the raw power of martial arts. Rooted in India's ancient traditions, it transforms movement into both artistic expression and disciplined combat. Kalari’s stealth, agility, and healing techniques merge with Bharatanatyam’s rhythmic precision and emotive storytelling. Created by Guru Arundhati, Kalbha is a structured art form that builds strength, breath control, and deep spiritual connection. The curriculum progresses from foundational postures to advanced choreography, pushing dancers to embody both warrior and performer. Animal-inspired movements, silent breathing, and powerful footwork create a dynamic, immersive experience. Kalbha is more than dance—it’s a philosophy that unites body, mind, and energy. Students evolve from learners to innovators, refining personal artistry within a classical framework. With rigorous training and silent storytelling, Kalbha redefines Indian contemporary dance. It’s not just movement—it’s a transformation.
Narrated by Shantha In today’s episode, the discussion delves into the profound impact of Bharatanatyam on young minds. This ancient Indian classical dance extends beyond mere movement, serving as a transformative tool for cognitive, emotional, and spiritual development. Research highlights how Bharatanatyam enhances brain plasticity, improving memory, discipline, and concentration. Physically, it strengthens the body, promotes flexibility, and refines coordination. Emotionally, it fosters confidence, self-expression, and emotional intelligence, shaping a well-rounded personality. Spiritually, it connects young dancers to their heritage, mythology, and mindfulness practices. The dance form also nurtures teamwork, social skills, and cultural awareness, fostering a deep sense of belonging. Beyond its artistic expression, Bharatanatyam holds therapeutic value, aiding in mental resilience and emotional healing. As a holistic practice, it molds children into individuals who harmonize tradition with intellect. This episode unravels the timeless magic of Bharatanatyam, exploring its influence on the journey of young learners."
Narrated by Shantha : Shantha talks about the Khajuraho Dance Festival as a vibrant annual celebration of India’s classical dance heritage, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the UNESCO-listed Khajuraho temples. She explains that these temples, built by the Chandela dynasty, are adorned with intricate carvings that depict mythology, daily life, and spiritual themes. Since its inception in 1975, the festival has showcased renowned artists performing Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, and Kathakali in an open-air setting before the majestic Vishvanatha and Chitragupta temples. Shantha goes on to explain that beyond dance, it features live classical music, film screenings, and handicraft exhibitions, providing a holistic cultural experience. As a platform for both legendary and emerging artists, the festival plays a crucial role in preserving India’s classical dance traditions. Shantha talks about how the festival boosts tourism, drawing visitors from around the world and significantly contributing to the local economy. More than just a performance, the festival embodies a spiritual connection, where dance becomes an offering to the divine. Shantha finishes by talking about Khajuraho’s festival as a timeless tribute to India’s artistic legacy, ensuring that tradition continues to thrive in a modern world.
Narrated by Shantha.In this audiopodcast, Shantha takes listeners on a journey through Bharatanatyam’s transformation from sacred temple dance to a dynamic modern art form. She delves into how contemporary themes like gender identity and social justice are woven into performances. The role of technology in enhancing Bharatanatyam with multimedia and live music is explored. She discusses innovative use of props, costumes, and the breaking of traditional gender roles in dance. Collaborations with artists from different fields bring fresh perspectives to Bharatanatyam. Shantha provides insights into the structure of a traditional recital, from Arangetram to Varnam. Shantha highlights the emotional depth of Abhinaya, devotional pieces, and the rhythmic brilliance of Tillana. Concluding, she reflects on how Bharatanatyam continues to evolve, staying relevant while preserving its rich heritage.
Narrated by Shantha : Bharatanatyam costumes are more than just outfits—they bring the dance to life! Inspired by Tamil bridal wear, they are designed for graceful movement and elegance. Dancers wear vibrant silk, dazzling jewelry, and bold make-up to highlight expressions and emotions. Every piece, from the shimmering waist belt to jingling anklets, adds beauty and rhythm to the performance. The Natya Shastra, an ancient dance text, guides how costumes and stages are prepared with special rituals and traditions. Henna-stained feet, flower-adorned hair, and colorful props make the storytelling even more magical. Today, Bharatanatyam costumes blend tradition with modern comfort, ensuring dancers feel both regal and free to move. Through color, fabric, and artistry, these costumes turn every performance into a breathtaking visual experience!
Audio Podcast : Chapter 20 - Guru Shishya ParamparaIn this podcast Shantha explains about "The Guru Shishya Parampara in Bharatanatyam is a deeply revered tradition built on trust, respect, and devotion. The Guru is not just a teacher but a mentor, guide, and role model who imparts not only dance techniques but also cultural, ethical, and spiritual wisdom. This learning process is highly personalized, with the Guru shaping the Shishya’s journey by identifying strengths, refining weaknesses, and providing constant feedback. Shantha further explains about how knowledge is passed down orally, making the Gurukshetra—the sacred learning space—an essential part of the experience. Discipline, humility, and dedication are fundamental, as the Shishya must follow rigorous training while upholding the values of Bharatanatyam. Shantha then reinforces that seeking the Guru’s blessings before and after performances is an important cultural practice, reinforcing the gratitude and reverence a Shishya holds for their Guru. It is this sacred bond that ensures the continuity of Bharatanatyam, preserving its authenticity and essence across generations."
10 Minutes With Shantha : Chapter 19 Summary - Progression to Rasa SutraIn the 4 part Audio podcast, Shantha introduces the concept of Progression to Rasa Sutra. The center of the whole performance is the User Experience in the narrative of watching a Bharatanatyam Performance. This chapter explores Rasa Sutra in Indian performing arts, emphasizing emotional depth in dance as described in the Natya Shastra. It explains how Vibhav (determinants) trigger emotions, which are expressed through Anubhav (gestures and expressions) and enriched by Vyabhichari Bhavas (transitory states). Shantha explains how seamless is blending of these elements, known as Samyogat, leads to Rasa-Nishpatti, where the audience experiences deep emotional connection. Various Rasas, such as Shringara (love), Veera (valor), Raudra (anger), and Shanta (peace), are explored through movement and storytelling. The chapter highlights the scientific and psychological aspects of Rasa, showing how Bharatanatyam transforms structured movements into profound artistic expression.
10 Minutes With Shantha : Chapter 18 (Podcast 2)ANGAHARAS :Angaharas are intricate sequences in Bharatanatyam, blending mudras, karanas, and gatis to create fluid, rhythmic movements. Rooted in the Natya Shastra, they elevate a dancers’ technique while enhancing storytelling and emotional expression. This podcast explores their role in balancing tradition and creativity, blending structure with improvisation. Experts share insights on their significance in modern choreography. We also reflect on the spiritual and cultural depth Angaharas bring to Bharatanatyam, making them timeless.
Shantha discribes that you discover the importance of Angaharas when you move from one graceful adavu to the next.Every step you take becomes a vital thread woven into the larger tapestry of the dance. Your posture aligns precisely, reflecting the discipline and devotion that Bharatanatyam demands. In each fluid sequence, you feel a spiritual energy that transcends mere physical movement.Angaharas, to you, are not just connections; they are the pulsing heartbeat that binds technique and emotion.Shantha describes that as you practice, you realize how these transitions reveal the deeper narratives embedded within the art.Your dance resonates with an ancient heritage, carried through each meticulously crafted transition. By honoring Angaharas, you preserve the living soul of Bharatanatyam in every gesture and step.
10 Minutes With Shantha : Chapter 17 Summary - Dwani, Swara, Raagam, NattuwangamIn this episode, Shantha mphasizes the profound connection between sound and emotion in Bharatanatyam. She explains how Dwani (resonance) is more than just sound; it is the essence that enhances the dancer's expression, created through rhythmic footwork, expressive hand gestures, and vocal intonations. The chapter dives into the physics of sound—pitch, tone, and rhythm—and its spiritual dimensions, where sound becomes a bridge connecting the dancer to the divine. Nature’s influence is beautifully highlighted through Swara, where musical notes are derived from natural sounds, enriching Bharatanatyam's connection to the world around us. Rhythmic structures like Taalam, with its precise beats and tempos, form the backbone of this art, guiding both dancer and audience through the performance. The skillful use of Nattuvangam—reciting syllables and playing cymbals in sync with the dancer—further exemplifies the intricate fusion of rhythm and movement. Shantha explains how this Chapter weaves together the spiritual, aesthetic, and scientific aspects of sound, creating a holistic perspective. Shantha underscores how Bharatanatyam transcends mere performance, becoming a deeply immersive experience for both the artist and the audience.Please enjoy the episode and do provide us feedback on the episode.
Shall We Dance : Chapter 16 Summary : NavarasasShantha eloquently describes the Navarasas as the essence of Bharatanatyam, weaving emotions into a visual symphony. She explained how the nine rasas — Shringara (love), Hasya (laughter), Karuna (compassion), Raudra (anger), Veera (heroism), Bhayanaka (fear), Bibhatsa (disgust), Adbhuta (wonder), and Shanta (peace) — form the foundation of storytelling in this classical art form. Shantha emphasized that these emotions allow the dancer to connect deeply with the audience, transcending language and cultural barriers. Through precise expressions and gestures, each rasa brings a unique shade of human experience to life. She beautifully highlighted how the balance of these emotions creates harmony in a performance. “The Navarasas”.
10 Minutes With ShanthaChapter Summary 15 - Hasta MudrasHasta Mudras are the soul of Bharatanatyam, where every gesture tells a story, holds meaning, and evokes emotion. These gestures form a unique language, allowing dancers to communicate the unspoken. They are categorized as Asamyuta Hastas (single-hand) and Samyuta Hastas (double-hand), symbolizing everything from gods and nature to human emotions. Shantha often says that using mudras feels like painting vivid pictures in the air, immersing the audience in the narrative. Each mudra harmonizes with the eyes, breath, and expressions to create rasa, the emotional essence of the performance. Without them, Bharatanatyam would lose its voice, for mudras truly make the art divine.
Chapter 14 : Adavus - Shall We DanceIn this Chapter Shantha explores and explains about Adavus, the fundamental steps in Bharatanatyam, combining rhythmic footwork, hand gestures, and body movements. She explains that Adavus are the building blocks for choreography, enabling dancers to master balance, precision, and grace. Practicing Adavus develops coordination, posture, and stamina, forming the foundation for advanced sequences like jathis and varnams. Each Adavu is performed in specific rhythmic cycles, deepening the dancer’s understanding of tala (rhythm). They also improve focus and discipline, essential for expressing emotions (abhinaya) effectively. Adavus connect technique with artistry, allowing seamless storytelling. Without Adavus, Bharatanatyam’s elegance and complexity would be incomplete. They are crucial for transforming students into skilled performers.
This chapter delves into the significance of dance imagery in Bharatanatyam, focusing on the 108 Karanas, the foundational dance movements described in the Natya Shastra. These Karanas, created by Lord Shiva in his cosmic dance form, are believed to lead practitioners toward spiritual liberation. The chapter explores the sacred origins of the Karanas, their role in purifying the soul, and their physical components, including specific arm, leg, and body movements. The chapter emphasizes the deeper spiritual and ritual meanings of dance sculptures in South Indian temples, particularly those with 108 Karana depictions, such as in Thanjavur and Chidambaram. These sculptures are shown to symbolize ritual, transformation, and meditation, integral to Hindu worship.
In this Chapter, Shantha opens with Martha Graham's profound quote, "Dance is the hidden language of the soul of the body," underscoring the spiritual essence of Bharatanatyam. Anchored in the ancient Natya Shastra, it delves into the foundational concepts of Karanas—transitional movements embodying Shiva's divine dance. Shantha then goes on to discuss about the Natya Shastra serves as an authoritative guide on aesthetics, dramaturgy, and the interplay of Nritta, Nritya, and Natya, showcasing technical brilliance, emotive storytelling, and dramatic expression. Temple sculptures vividly illustrate the Karanas, integrating ritual, symbolism, and spiritual transformation. The chapter highlights the emotional resonance of Rasas and Abhinaya, bridging ancient tradition with modern practice. Ultimately, Shantha discusses about Karanas as a sacred blend of artistry, narrative depth, and spiritual elevation in Bharatanatyam.Please enjoy this audio podcast for 6.30 mins
Shall We Dance - Chapter 11 - NamaskarNarrated by Shantha Lakshmi.This chapter explores the foundational elements of Bharatanatyam, focusing on Namaskar and Adavus as vital components.Namaskar, a salutation rooted in tradition, signifies reverence to the divine, the guru, and the audience through symbolic gestures and spiritual consciousness. Adavus, the basic dance units, integrate posture, rhythm, and hand gestures, fostering technical skill and artistic coordination.Various types of Adavus, such as Tatta, Natta, and Mettu, are described with their unique rhythmic patterns and movements. The importance of Anga Shuddha (body alignment) and Tala Shuddha (rhythmic precision) is emphasized.Postures like Samapadam, Araimandi, and Muzhumandi provide balance and visual appeal. Stylized walking movements (Charis) and expressive hand gestures (Hasta Mudras) enrich the dance vocabulary. Overall, the chapter establishes a strong foundation for understanding Bharatanatyam's technical and expressive nuances.
Narrated by Shantha LakshmiChapter 10 of Shall We Dance explores the intricate art of Bharatanatyam, emphasizing its synthesis of various fine arts, including music, poetry, drama, painting, and sculpture. The chapter begins with a quote by Constanze Mozart, "Dancing is like dreaming with your feet," highlighting the expressive nature of dance. It discusses the universal instinct for dancing and how Bharatanatyam, rooted in the Natya Shastra, has achieved unparalleled technical excellence in India. The chapter delves into the fundamental aspects of Indian dance—Nrittya, Nritya, and Natya—along with the vigorous Tandavam and graceful Lasya styles. It emphasizes the importance of Abhinaya (gesticulatory expression) in conveying the dance's meaning, dividing it into four types: Angika, Vachika, Aharya, and Satvika. The traditional structure of a Bharatanatyam performance, including Alarippu, Jatiswaram, Shabdam, Varnam, Padam, and Tillana, is also outlined. The chapter concludes by highlighting the goal of evoking rasotpatti (aesthetic emotion) in the audience, achieved through the dancer's deep connection with the character and emotions portrayed.
Narrated by Shantha LakshmiChapter 9 of Shall We Dance explores the profound connection between the Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur and the rise of Bharatanatyam in South India. The chapter delves into the symbolism of the temple's vimana (tower over the inner sanctum) and gopuram (entrance tower), emphasizing their spiritual significance. The vimana represents a cosmic mountain, symbolizing spiritual ascent, while the gopuram marks the transition from the material to the spiritual realm. The chapter highlights the deliberate placement of the 108 karanas (dance postures) in temple iconography, symbolizing Shiva's cosmic dance and yogic energy. It underscores the integration of these architectural elements into Bharatanatyam, preserving cultural and spiritual traditions. The chapter also draws from various scholarly sources to provide a comprehensive understanding of the cultural significance of the Brihadeshwara Temple's architecture and its deep connection to Bharatanatyam, illustrating the intertwined nature of South Indian dance, spirituality, and cultural heritage.
Narrated by Shantha LakshmiChapter 8 of Shall We Dance explores the theoretical framework of Bharatanatyam, emphasizing the importance of understanding fundamental elements such as space, time, force, body, and form. These elements are crucial for mastering the art of Bharatanatyam, as outlined in A.G. Gilbert's Brain-Compatible Dance Education. The chapter delves into the Natya Shastra, an ancient Indian text attributed to Sage Bharata Muni, which serves as the primary guide for Bharatanatyam, covering drama, music, dance, and gestures.Key concepts include Adavus (basic dance units), Hastas (hand gestures), Abhinaya (expression), Nritta (pure dance), Nritya (expressive dance), and Natya (storytelling through dance). The chapter also discusses the traditions within Bharatanatyam, such as the Margi tradition, which adheres to classical practices, and the Desi tradition, which incorporates regional and folk elements. The chapter underscores the significance of these theoretical principles in preserving Bharatanatyam’s cultural heritage and enabling dancers to convey its profound beauty and cultural essence.
Narrated by Shantha Lakshmi