bharatanatyam dancer

Akshara Aiyar, a dedicated disciple of Priya Venkataraman, captivated audiences with her Bharatanatyam Arangetram at Triveni Kala Sangam. Showcasing a decade of rigorous training, Akshara presented a repertoire of traditional pieces, including a powerful Swarajathi and an energetic Tillana. The esteemed live orchestra enhanced the evening, celebrating the rich Guru-Shishya tradition.

An NGO, Katradi, is bridging gender divides among youth through sports and arts. By playing Ultimate Frisbee and engaging in performance arts, young boys and girls learn to communicate and build friendships. Workshops also demystify reproductive health and puberty, empowering children to challenge societal norms and report abuse.

Kangana Ranaut paid a heartfelt tribute to legendary actress and dancer Vyjayanthimala on social media, sharing a vintage Bharatanatyam video and calling her "heavenly" and "born only to be worshipped." Vyjayanthimala, a Padma Vibhushan awardee, is celebrated for iconic films like 'Nagin', 'Devdas', and her legendary pairing with Dilip Kumar.

Reality show actress Kavya Sha inspires fans by continuing to dance intensely despite undergoing surgeries on both her legs, which contain metal plates and screws. She credits Sudha Chandran and para-athletes for their determination, emphasizing that mental resilience, not just physical capability, is key to overcoming setbacks and achieving success.

Saanika Shah, a mountaineer, brought her passion for Bharatanatyam to Everest Base Camp. She performed the classical dance as a personal prayer and ritual. This act blended her love for dance and climbing. The moment resonated deeply online. It showcased discipline and devotion in a challenging environment. Shah fulfilled a long-held dream at the foot of Sagarmatha Devi.

The doctor and dancer speaks to us about her bond with the city, balancing multiple identities, and why she resists being boxed into labels.

World Dance Day 2026 celebrated tradition and innovation with workshops, discussions on AI, and performances by emerging talents, fostering artistic dialogue.

Four city-based Indian classical dancers reveal how their art form is a way of life, not just a performance. Whether in everyday moments or on stage, their movements, breath, and presence are deeply intertwined with their respective genres. This World Dance Day, they showcase how dance is constantly lived, instinctively shaping their perception and existence.

In cities like Dehradun, dance continues to serve as a bridge between heritage and modernity.

Sudha Chandran has opened up about one of the most defining chapters of her life—from losing her leg at 16 to returning to the stage with a powerful three-hour Bharatanatyam recital. In a recent conversation, the actor-dancer reflected on pain, resilience, and the moment she realised she had truly made a comeback.

Challenging gender norms in Tamil folk arts, P. Senrayaperumal, a male performer, embodies female roles in Raja Rani Attam, while Thilagavathi Palani, a woman, takes on male characters in Kattaikkuttu. Both artists navigate societal prejudices and economic hardships, using their art to express powerful narratives and personal struggles.

bharatanatyam dancer Aranyani Bhargav presents 'Lori,' a solo performance raising funds for children in Gaza. The dance powerfully depicts a survivor rescuing a child amidst devastation, highlighting violence against youth. This initiative, part of the global 'Indian Dancers for Gaza’s Children' campaign, underscores artists' responsibility to address humanitarian crises.

They do not see any clash between following the Quran and re-enacting tales of Hindu gods and goddesses. And so, Shabana and B K Shafeekudeen are best known as Radha Madhavan on stage.

City-based Odissi and bharatanatyam dancer was invited to perform at the prestigious national dance festival 'Bharatotsava'. Manasi Pandya was also given Bharatshree award during the festival organised by Nupur Nritya Vihar, a Karnataka-based performing art school.

A Portuguese fast-fashion brand released ‘anklet-cord shoes’, which are basically traditional ghungroos, moving ahead with no credit or recognition.

Rachita Ram is one of the busiest actress in Sandalwood

Actress Kaavya Sha, despite industry ties, faced persistent rejections and a lack of breakthrough roles, impacting her confidence. A life coach's advice to create her own opportunities led her to social media. Through engaging reels, she rebuilt her self-belief and is now forging her own path, demonstrating resilience in the competitive film world.

The Bharatanatyam exponent also says that Indian classical dance has a huge fanfollowing overseas. “People abroad are more intrigued with our art, and they really want to understand the Indian classical dance,” she claims.

Day one saw an exuberant piece Samhita by bharatanatyam dancer Divya Devguptanu, accompanied by Ranjani Ramakrishnan on vocals. It was an experimental number that blended Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music. Kathak dancer Dheerendra Tiwari, a disciple of the renowned Rajendra Gangani, explored various taals before moving on to his piece on Rangeela Shambhu. His performances had undertones of Rajasthani forms throughout.

bharatanatyam dancer Mansiya V P, who along with her family has battled odds to pursue the art form, talks about her journey

Popular Kannada actress and bharatanatyam dancer Yamuna Srinidhi is making her Tamil television debut with the serial Gattimelam. This project holds deep emotional significance for her, fulfilling a long-cherished family dream and her mother-in-law's heartfelt wish. Yamuna's entry expands her presence across regional entertainment, with fans eagerly anticipating her performance.

Popular bharatanatyam dancer couple, Shijith Nambiar and Parvathy Menon, will be in the city on Sunday to attend classical dance school Abhyasa’s 15th year celebrations. The couple, who are a regular in Chennai’s margazhi circuit and famous for their performance as and on Lord Krishna, will be presented the Abhyasa Nritya Vardhini award.

Geeta Chandran, a well-known bharatanatyam dancer based in Delhi, is going to play a key role in an international film that is to begin shooting soon in South Asia.

Tamil literature scholar S Raghuraman wears another hat. He is a resource person for Bharatnatyam dancers, providing them lyrics and songs for their performances.