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 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 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 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 (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, 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, 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 : 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.

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 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 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.