Arani B.

🪔 About

Aranyani Bhargav is a distinguished Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, and teacher, recognized for her innovative approach to the classical Indian dance form. She commenced her dance journey at the tender age of five, receiving initial training from the esteemed Padmashri Leela Samson. With over 25 years of dedicated practice (as of 2021), Bhargav has cultivated a profound understanding and mastery of Bharatanatyam. Her academic pursuits further enriched her artistic perspective; she completed her Master's degree at Oxford University in 2009, where her research delved into the multifaceted modernities within Bharatanatyam. This academic background informs her artistic vision, which seeks to bridge the ancient traditions with contemporary explorations. In 2013, Bhargav founded her own dance ensemble, Vyuti, based in Bangalore, India. The company's mission is to weave modernity into tradition, presenting Bharatanatyam through a contemporary lens and often exploring secular narratives and group choreographies, departing from the traditional solo format. As a soloist, she has travelled extensively across India and internationally, performing and choreographing pieces that explore new narratives, including the metaphysical poetry of Annamacharya and themes of love, betrayal, and forgiveness. Beyond her performances and choreographies, Aranyani Bhargav is an active educator, teaching Bharatanatyam to children and adults. She frequently delivers talks, lectures, and lec-dems at various dance institutions and seminars, sharing her insights on the history and evolution of dance. She is also a co-founder of 'Re-Cognising Dance' and is involved with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. Bhargav is also known for her advocacy, notably performing Bharatanatyam throughout her pregnancy, up to her eighth month, to champion the right of dancers to continue their practice during this period. More recently, she initiated the "Indian Dancers for Gaza's Children" movement, successfully raising over $12,000 for children affected by conflict. Her contributions to dance have been recognized with awards such as the Natya Kala Mani from Chennai. Awards & Honours: Natya Kala Mani.