This session will offer participants an opportunity to understand Bharatanatyam through an interactive session with a 3rd generation artist Mathangi Keshavan.

In the session Mathangi will talk about growing up with the art form, explain its history, provide a demonstration of the movement / building blocks that are fundamental to the form, the structure of a typical repertoire, and also help you explore the story telling aspect through a Sanskrit poem.

Mathangi Keshavan is a third generation Bharatanatyam artist who trained under her mother Guru Gayathri Keshavan and grandparents Late T.K. Narayan and Late Jayalakshmi Narayan –disciples of Sri. Meenakshisundaram Pillai and Sri. Muthukumara Pillai and Founders of the ‘Academy of Bharatanatyam’ established in 1948 in India.

With a Masters in Bharatanatyam, she has over 25 years experience of performing and teaching extensively. Mathangi’s artistic practice involves visualising and exploring inspirations from everyday life to create ingenious and futuristic narratives in dance. Her most recent work is ’0s & 1s – Rewired’ a dance production that depicts the world of data through bharatanatyam!

This event is part of our COMMONS dance festival. To see the full programme, visit this event page.

London Borough of Culture
The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture award, launched in June 2017, brings Londoners together. It puts culture at the heart of local communities, where it belongs, illuminating the character and diversity of London’s boroughs and showing culture is for everyone, giving all Londoners a chance to be part of something extraordinary

This is Croydon
The programme for London Borough of Culture 2023, This Is Croydon, will be a celebration of everything Croydon has to offer – created, directed and presented by the people of the borough. From major events with internationally renowned artists performing alongside home-grown talent, to dozens of cultural activities from Croydon’s diverse creative communities, the programme will showcase the very best of Croydon to London and the world.

This is Croydon… and you’re welcome.
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