Our Mission
Tejas dance was founded by Bhuvana Venkatraman, in 2014, as a platform to enrich and popularize Bharatanatyam and identify and encourage talent in the field. We strongly believe in the ever-expanding potential of all art forms, Bharatanatyam in particular. Our mission is to blend the great art with changing times and concepts, and gain acceptance in different cultural milieus.
As Artistic Directors of Tejas Dance, Chintan Patel and Bhuvana Venkatraman, are enthusiastic dancers/choreographers, strongly rooted in tradition striving to give new meaning to Bharatanatyam techniques and themes. The duo brings a great deal of innovation, creativity and enthusiasm through dynamic movements and expressions innate to this art form. Backed with strong training in the art form, they are well equipped and excited to popularize this dance form by offering traditional Bharatanatyam performances that audience across cultures can enjoy, relate and appreciate.
Our Mission
Tejas dance was founded by Bhuvana Venkatraman, in 2014, as a platform to enrich and popularize Bharatanatyam and identify and encourage talent in the field. We strongly believe in the ever-expanding potential of all art forms, Bharatanatyam in particular. Our mission is to blend the great art with changing times and concepts, and gain acceptance in different cultural milieus.
As Artistic Directors of Tejas Dance, Chintan Patel and Bhuvana Venkatraman, are enthusiastic dancers/choreographers, strongly rooted in tradition striving to give new meaning to Bharatanatyam techniques and themes. The duo brings a great deal of innovation, creativity and enthusiasm through dynamic movements and expressions innate to this art form. Backed with strong training in the art form, they are well equipped and excited to popularize this dance form by offering traditional Bharatanatyam performances that audience across cultures can enjoy, relate and appreciate.
Heritage and Tradition
Thanjavur, a city steeped in rich cultural heritage, serves as the birthplace of this mesmerizing dance style. Rooted in the Thanjavur Quartet’s contributions, this style emphasizes precise and intricate movements, accompanied by a distinctive musicality that sets it apart. The dance form encompasses elements of Natya Shastra, the ancient Indian treatise on performing arts, ensuring a profound connection to tradition and spirituality.
Elegance in Movement
The style’s characteristic movements, known for their symmetry and precision, are complemented by graceful adavus (basic steps), captivating abhinaya (expressions), and complex rhythmic patterns. The dance repertoire includes a diverse range of items, from invocatory pieces like Alarippu to emotive compositions like Varnam and Tillana, each requiring a nuanced understanding of rhythm, expression, and storytelling.
Discover the Grace and Tradition of Thanjavur Style Bharatanatyam
Thanjavur style Bharatanatyam, an ancient classical dance form originating from the cultural heartland of Tamil Nadu, India, embodies a profound artistic expression that intertwines spirituality, storytelling, and rhythmic movements. Renowned for its intricate footwork, expressive gestures (mudras), and elaborate repertoire, this dance form is a celebration of grace, elegance, and cultural heritage.
Distinctive Features
What distinguishes Thanjavur style Bharatanatyam is its emphasis on precision, geometric form, and vibrant expressions. The dance’s narrative unfolds through a harmonious blend of nritta (pure dance), nritya (expressive dance), and natya (dramatic aspect), showcasing intricate footwork, eloquent facial expressions, and graceful postures that narrate stories from Hindu mythology and epics.
Preserving a Cultural Legacy
At Tejas Dance, we cherish the timeless heritage of Thanjavur style Bharatanatyam. Our instructors, steeped in this classical tradition, impart their expertise, ensuring a holistic learning experience that nurtures both technique and artistic expression. Students are immersed in the essence of this cultural treasure, learning the intricacies and depth of this revered dance form.
Video Gallery
