The world-famous Delhi-based Bharatanatyam performer, scholar, and choreographer, Padmashri Guru Geeta Chandran, is in Kolkata. The Bharatanatyam community is ecstatic about her arrival at UDOK Performing Arts, led by Rajib Saha and Moumita Chatterjee. She showcased her powerful performance, MARGAM, on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at Gyan Manch, Kolkata. Next, she will be leading a two-day Bharatanatyam workshop on Friday and Saturday, March 22nd and 23rd, 2024, at Padatik Dance Centre

Geeta Chandran’s performance on the 21st showcased her well-known prowess in both nritta /pure dance and abhinaya /expression. The highlight of the performance was the Varnam which is the most complicated choreography in any Bharatanyam performance. Geeta performed the Karaharapriya Ragam Varnam in Adi Talam composed by the late Guru K.N. Dandayudhapani Pillai.

In her performance Geeta was accompanied by a stellar team of musicians: Vidwan Varun Rajasekharan (Nattuvangam), Vidwan Venkatesh Kuppuswamy (Vocal), Vidwan Manohar Balatchandirane (Mridangam) and Vidwan G. Raghavendra Prasath (Violin).

Guru Geeta Chandran said that she has been performing Bharatnatyam for the last 50 years. Now she wants to give back to society. She will be teaching at the workshop on how to use the stage, the craft, and how to capture the hearts of the audience by teaching two amazing dance numbers.

An absolute titan of Indian classical dancing is Geeta Chandran. She is a highly talented dance expert, choreographer, media personality, and carnatic vocalist in addition to her fascinating performances. She supports art education, mentorship, and the growth of young artists through her 1991-founded organization, Natya Vriksha. Her all-encompassing method incorporates other disciplines with classical dance, enhancing the educational process.

March 22 & 23, 2024 (3:00 PM onwards): Workshops at Padatik Dance Centre for both junior and senior learners. It will focus on key components of stagecraft and performance pieces. Award-winning disciple Sowmya Laxmi Narayanan will assist Geeta Chandran during the workshops.

It is an amazing endeavor for Bharatnatyam enthusiasts.

Priyanka Dutta