Narthaki – The dancer
When I was introduced to the world of classical dance in 2001, little did I know that I began a journey with no boundaries and no destination. Blessed to have trained and practiced Bharatanatyam for several years under eminent gurus in India, I strive to continue exploring the depths of this ancient art form and share the joy and wisdom
Samyukta
Formation in Bharatanatyam and Natyasastra
From an early age, Samyukta had an opportunity to build a strong foundation in the basic elements of Bharatanatyam in the Tanjavur style of the dance form under eminent gurus in Chennai, India. During these formative years, she learnt and practised the choreographies of distinguished gurus set to the compositions of K.N. Dandhayudhapani Pillai and participated in numerous group performances at prominent venues across Chennai and Mahabalipuram.
At Shankarananda Kalakshetra in Hyderabad, Samyukta’s holistic training in the Kalakshetra style encompassed aesthetics, music, choreography, theory, and body conditioning. As an ensemble member, she was a part of acclaimed productions such as ‘Nrithyopahara’, ‘Kavyanjali’, and ‘Tales from the Bull and the Tiger’, choreographed by her guru Dr. Ananda Shankar Jayant, staged in Hyderabad, Bangalore, Trivandrum, Chennai, and New Delhi. Her commitment extended to teaching junior classes for one year and completing a certificate course in Bharatanatyam under Smt. Neeraja Kaja at the Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University.
I believe that movement can be both the source and manifestation of emotion
Samyukta Chillara
Currently, Samyukta is dedicated to practicing the ‘marga nritta karanas’ as described in the Natyashastra and elucidated by Dr. Padma Subramanyam. These classical movements, which are immortalized as temple sculptures, serve as the foundational root of many Indian and Southeast Asian dance traditions
My passion lies in studying, understanding, and teaching the unique yet universal movement vocabulary of Indian classical dance
Samyukta Chillara
A journey of more than 2 decades of training and practice in multiple styles of Bharatanatyam and complimentary skills such as nattuvangam
2002 – 2007
Foundational training in Bharatanatyam
Teachers: Shobana Shankar and Shymala Balan
Lineage: Guru Dhandayudhapani Pillai
Location: Swaralaya Temple of fine arts, Chennai, India
2007 – 2010
Advanced training in Bharatanatyam and Arangetram
Teachers: Bhavani Dharmaraj
Lineage: Guru Shyamala Balan, disciple of Guru Dhandayudhapani Pillai
Location: Sri Bhavani Natyalaya, Chennai, India
2014 onwards
Teachers: Dr. Ananda Shankar Jayant
Lineage: Guru Rukmini Devi Arundale, Kalakshetra
Location: Shankarananda Kalakshetra, Hyderabad, India
2020 onwards
Marga Nrtta Karanas (Natyasastra)
Teacher: Vithya Arasu
Lineage: Dr. Padma Subramanian
I live many lives by dancing to the tunes of the world…
Samyukta Chillara
NatyaYukta
@natyayukta · 30 subscribers · 6 videos
