by Dyuthi Ananth Nataraja, the dancing form of Lord Shiva, is one of the most recognizable images in Indian art and a powerful symbol within Bharatanatyam. The word Nataraja comes from Sanskrit—Nata meaning “dance” and Raja meaning “king,” or “King of Dance.” In the famous Nataraja pose, Shiva is depicted dancing within a circle of flames, representing the endless cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. His dynamic posture captures the idea that the universe is constantly moving and...

by Zanetta Pierce There are moments when an opportunity comes along that completely rewrites your plans in the best way possible. To be completely honest, I didn't initially plan on stepping onto the dance floor. My lovely friend Ghazala had originally brought me on board with a very specific role in mind: I was just going to be a chaperone! I was perfectly happy to support from the sidelines, hold the bags, and cheer everyone on. That all changed when our incredible instructor, Sukanya,...

Natasha Agrawal July 2026 In 1838, a troupe of dancers from Perumal Temple in Pondicherry was selected to travel to Europe. Pondicherry being a French colony, it is likely that the dancers had no agency in choosing to travel. However, it is documented that the dancers were paid well - Rs. 10 per day as they traversed around Europe dancing and showcasing their art to colonial audiences. The five dancers Tillammal, Ammani, Sundaram, Rangam, Vedam were accompanied by musicians Ramalingam,...