Padmashri Geeta Chandran’s 50-Year Journey in Bharatanatyam Unfolds at NCPA

Mumbai, 06 October 2024 (UTN). On October 6th, 2024, the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) will witness an exceptional performance by the celebrated Bharatnatyam exponent, Padmashri Geeta Chandran. Titled Pravahati, this performance marks a significant milestone—Chandran’s 50-year journey in the world of Indian Classical Dance. Founder of Natya Vriksha, a cultural organisation she established in 1991, Chandran has spent decades exploring the depths of Bharatnatyam, both as a dancer and as a teacher. Her upcoming performance, however, promises to offer a fresh perspective on this ancient art form. In her upcoming show, Chandran explores the dynamic flow of Bharatnatyam. “Pravahati explores time and space both as non-stagnant, but which are forward propelling of both imagination and execution,” she states. 

 

The ace danseuse emphasises that dance, much like life, should not remain confined to tradition but must evolve and reinterpret itself through the temperament of the artist. Her ability to craft contemporary expressions through classical techniques is a hallmark of her career, and Pravahati is a testament to this. The choreography for Pravahati unfolds through four evocative pieces: a complex Mallari tribute to Shiva, Kalidas' Varsha Ritu from Ritusamhara, Vahati, which showcases how tradition itself is a flowing stream of felt experiences, and it concludes with a celebratory Tillana. It opens with Mallari, a rhythmic and complex tribute to Lord Shiva. Rooted in temple traditions of Southern India, this piece is dedicated to Nataraja, the cosmic dancer of Chidambaram. The music heightens the visual experience of group dynamics and the intricate Bharatnatyam adavus.

 

From the divine, the performance shifts to Nature with Kalidas’ Varsha Ritu from Ritusamhara. This piece captures the monsoon season in all its beauty and fury—from gentle drizzles greeted by dancing peacocks to torrential downpours that devastate the land. Through four stanzas of poetry, the piece also explores the emotional tumult of lovers, adding layers of human experience to the natural cycle. The third piece, Vahati, exemplifies Chandran’s deep connection with the dance tradition while offering her reinterpretation. Drawing from the classic Krishna Nee Begane Baaro, she re-imagines the call to Krishna through three distinct emotional lenses: the tender plea of a mother (Yashoda), the playful desire of a gopi, and the pure devotion of a devotee. It is in this piece that Chandran’s philosophy—that Bharatanatyam is an evolving tradition—shines most clearly. The performance culminates in a celebratory Tillana, a fast-paced, joyful dance that signifies the fulfillment of the artistic journey. 

 

Reflecting on her 50-year journey, Chandran shares, “As I approach the personal milestone of completing five decades of dancing since my arangetram in October 1974, I can only pay the richest tribute to my stalwart Gurus who so freely shared this invaluable art with me, but also gave me the freedom to question the tradition constantly, and reinterpret it for myself.” She further adds, “Every day of my life, Bharatanatyam energises me. It pushes me to explore its vast potential through performing, teaching, conducting, collaborating, and more.” For Chandran, dance is not just an art form—it is a medium through which she engages with society, expresses abstract notions, and motivates the youth. Through her leadership at Natya Vriksha, she has inspired generations of students, forging deep connections between tradition and modernity. As a guru, Chandran believes Indian Classical Dance is thriving globally, with thousands of teachers and students. 

 

However, she emphasises the need for clearer standards to distinguish between hobby-learners and lifelong practitioners for the dance form to shine brighter. “Literally thousands of Gurus and Acharyas are teaching Indian Classical Dance around the world with tons of students learning. So, popularity is not the problem. What we need is stricter standards in the classical dance domain; clear distinctions between dance learned as a hobby and as a lifetime passion,” she explains. Furthermore, she also challenges the reliance on Government support, advocating for greater corporate and societal involvement to ensure the art form's vibrant future. Pravahati is not just a celebration of Chandran’s incredible journey, but also a tribute to the boundless possibilities of Bharatanatyam. With her unparalleled expertise, profound passion, and constant innovation, Chandran invites audiences to witness the timeless flow of dance—one that transcends the barriers of time, tradition, and space.