Bharatanatyam is a South Indian classical dance form comprising of pure dance (nritta) focussed on rhythm and grace, story-telling (nritya) and acting (natya). 

The dance has traditionally explored themes from Hindu mythology and folklore, spanning everyday relationships and romance to devotion and communion with a higher form. Today, the themes bharatanatyam artists and choreographers explore in their works are limitless, though the universality of its original themes mean traditional choreographies too are as relevant as ever.

This workshop will focus on a particularly unique aspect of bharatanatyam - abhinaya techniques (facial movements, hand gestures and body language) used for story-telling and acting. We will explore the 9 rasa-s and how a dancer breaks down emotions into eye, neck and facial movements to express themselves.

All ages and abilities welcome.

Vaidehi is a bharatanatyam dancer, performing regularly and teaching in Canberra.

Having spent significant periods of time training under her gurus Ambika Buch and K.P. Yesodha in Chennai, India, both of the internationally renowned fine arts institution, Kalakshetra, Vaidehi pursues a traditional practice and has a strong focus on technique. At the same time, she loves sharing her art with diverse audiences and always tries to contextualise her practice to make it as engaging and meaningful as possible!

Most recently, Vaidehi presented two solo performances as part of the ‘Margazhi’ dance festival season 2023/24 in Chennai. She is an “in house artist” at Gorman Arts Centre and an active member of the dance community in ACT.

You can find her on Instagram @vaidehisubramanyan.