This five-day workshop introduces children to the foundational elements of Bharatanatyam. Designed for beginners, the programme creates an engaging and supportive environment where participants can explore Indian classical dance while building their confidence, coordination skills, and creative expression.

Through guided movement exercises and performance preparation, participants will learn basic adavus (steps), hand gestures (mudras), facial expressions (abhinaya), and the navarasas or nine emotions that shape expressive storytelling within Bharatanatyam. The sessions encourage children to develop bodily awareness, focus on rhythm, and expand their imagination while engaging with movement as a form of communication and creative exploration.

Moving from posture and introductory gestures towards storytelling, rehearsal, and collaborative performance, the workshop creates space for experimentation, learning, and self-expression. The programme concludes with a final showcase for family and friends, presenting the participants’ journey through movement and performance.

Workshop Overview
Day 1: Introduction to Bharatanatyam, posture, basic steps, and simple mudras
Day 2: Exploring mudras, expressions, and beginning the first dance composition
Day 3: Understanding abhinaya and navarasas through storytelling and movement
Day 4: Rehearsal, refinement, and performance preparation
Day 5: Final showcase and presentation for family and friends

About the Artist
Shreyasi Gopinath is a Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, and educator based in New Delhi. Trained under Guru Dr. Saroja Vaidyanathan and at Kalakshetra Foundation, she has performed extensively across India and internationally, and is a graded Doordarshan artist and recipient of the Ministry of Culture Scholarship, Government of India.

While you’re here, explore KNMA’s ongoing exhibition
TYEB MEHTA Bearing Weight (with the lightness of being).