Reconnect with movement and music

At a time when Indian classical dance is reaching newer audiences while staying rooted in tradition, young Bharatanatyam dancer Pavitra Bhat believes the true essence of the art lies in discipline, continuous learning, and the ability to connect the mind, body, and soul. The dancer was recently in Hyderabad to present ‘Eka Dvayam’, a duet performance with danseuse Aparna Shastry at Ravindra Bharati as part of the ‘Ardhanareeshwaram Festival’, curated by Prof. Alekhya Punjalaand organised by the Telangana Sangeeta Nataka Akademi in association with the Government of Telangana.

Pavitra’s journey with Bharatanatyam began when he was just five years old. What started as a childhood activity soon transformed into a lifelong passion. His parents enrolled him at Kalanjali, a Bharatanatyam dance school in Dombivli under the guidance of Kum. Vasantha, where he took his first steps into the classical art form.

Reflecting on his artistic journey, Pavitra says, “I later pursued advanced training under Shri Deepak Mazumdar and am currently undergoing advanced training under Smt. Nithyakalyani Vaidyanathan in Chennai. Each Guru has contributed uniquely to my artistic journey, enriching my understanding of Bharatanatyam and nurturing my growth as a performer and choreographer.” Over the years, the young artiste has performed on several prestigious stages, leaving a lasting impression with each performance. Yet, a few milestones remain particularly close to his heart. Recalling some of his memorable experiences, he says, “Every performance is memorable because every stage, audience, and experience is unique. However, performing for the Sangeet Natak Akademi after receiving the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar remains especially significant. Another milestone was presenting ‘Paraa - Voices of Ramayana’, a collaborative production by Aparna Shastry and me. Choreographing and presenting this work with an ensemble of 36 dancers was both artistically fulfilling and deeply memorable.”

Like many classical dancers, Pavitra draws inspiration from legendary gurus while also finding motivation in the work of his contemporaries.

He shares, “I have always looked up to legendary artistes such as Balasaraswati, Rukmini Devi Arundale, Padma Subrahmanyam, The Dhananjayans, and Yamini Krishnamurthy, among many others. At the same time, I continue to draw inspiration from several of my fellow dancers and artist friends, whose dedication and creativity constantly motivate me to evolve.”

Beyond the stage, Pavitra believes Bharatanatyam has much to offer in today’s fast-paced world. For him, dance is not just an artistic pursuit but also a means of personal well-being. According to him, “Dance offers a beautiful balance between the mind, body, and soul. For working professionals and individuals leading busy lives, it provides a meaningful way to relieve stress, improve physical well-being, enhance focus, and reconnect with themselves through movement and music.”

As more young people consider classical arts as a career, Pavitra emphasises that success demands commitment rather than shortcuts.

On pursuing dance professionally, he says, “Dance can certainly be pursued as a profession. However, there is no substitute for hard work, discipline, and consistent learning. One must invest years of dedicated training under a Guru, develop patience, remain open to continuous growth, and approach the art with sincerity rather than seeking instant success. Passion, perseverance, and the right mindset are essential.”

He also acknowledges the opportunities created by digital platforms while stressing the importance of preserving the dignity of classical art. He says,“The reach of Indian classical dance has certainly expanded with the growth of social media, enabling artists to connect with wider audiences across the world. There are more opportunities today than before. However, it is equally important that these opportunities uphold the dignity of the art form and value the artist’s years of dedication and training. Culture is constantly evolving with changing times and newer ways of thinking. Rather than resisting change, we should strive to preserve the essence of our traditions while making them meaningful and accessible to younger generations. Encouraging quality education in the arts, creating spaces for meaningful performances, and fostering respect for our cultural heritage will naturally strengthen its impact.”

For Pavitra Bhat, Bharatanatyam is much more than performance. It is a lifelong journey of learning, discipline, and self-discovery—one that continues to inspire both the artiste and the audiences who experience his work.