Shall We Dance - Book Teaser
Narrated by Shantha Lakshmi Ram Krishnamani’s book Shall We Dance is a profound exploration of Indian classical dance, offering readers a rich blend of history, science, and culture. The book delves into the origins of Bharatanatyam, tracing its roots to the ancient text of Natyashastra, which codifies the science and art of dance. With detailed descriptions, Ram unveils the evolution of this celebrated art form, highlighting its significance across centuries. The book serves as both an educational resource and a cultural bridge, inviting enthusiasts and scholars alike to appreciate the intricate nuances of Indian classical dance and its global resonance today. The book is a magnum opus in it's one of a kind and celebrates over 4 Millenia of the Dance Drama which originated from India. At over 600 pages it has over 725 photographs of rich dancers in various poses that enriches Bharatanatyam. Truly con·nois·seur
Episodes
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.
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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 fle...
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 reno...
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 br...
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 tex...
Audio Podcast : Chapter 20 - Guru Shishya Parampara
In 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 Shis...
10 Minutes With Shantha : Chapter 19 Summary - Progression to Rasa Sutra
In 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 (...
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...
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.
10 Minutes With Shantha :
Chapter 17 Summary - Dwani, Swara, Raagam, Nattuwangam
In 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, ...
Shall We Dance : Chapter 16 Summary : Navarasas
Shantha 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.
Shant...
10 Minutes With Shantha
Chapter Summary 15 - Hasta Mudras
Hasta 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...
Chapter 14 : Adavus - Shall We Dance
In 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 l...
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 specif...
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, dramatur...
Shall We Dance - Chapter 11 - Namaskar
Narrated 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 tec...
Narrated by Shantha Lakshmi
Chapter 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 Nat...
Narrated by Shantha Lakshmi
Chapter 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 ma...
Narrated by Shantha Lakshmi
Chapter 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 Bh...
Narrated by Shantha Lakshmi
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