Outreach & Engagement

About

“Just as one gravitates toward the roots and finds a depth of interconnectedness to source, one essentially expands and branches out meaningfully, to engage and connect with the created world around.”

At Niyantri, our pursuit of art has been to seek the source of creation; to experience the intangible. Using the language of Indian Classical Music and Dance we strive to share this experience of seeking the profound; of a oneness that exists in us all. In a world marked by division, violence, and disconnection, we firmly believe in the calming and unifying power of art and seek to touch lives through our Outreach & Engagement programs.

Executed and communicated through many a culturally specific languages, art itself is universal, since it taps into the essence of who we are as living beings on this planet. Art is the energy that surrounds us – as movement. There is a static core of inert space and time, the source from where movement arises, the source that we tap into, to experience ourselves - the energy and vibration that we truly are. We believe that seeking and tapping into this very core of the source is the purpose of art.

Much of the world operates in a state of unconscious living, and at times, we too find ourselves in such spaces. From these moments of unconsciousness, we can better understand others when they act out or react similarly. By bringing the light and silence of presence into these spaces, we contribute to a larger shift toward conscious living. Art embodies this presence, and as artists dedicated to sharing, serving, and making a difference, we aim to offer this transformative space to the community. We all experience similar emotions and disconnections from time to time, and through embracing art, we seek to heighten our awareness of these emotional currents, enhancing our interactions with those around us.

Learn more about our varied OnE programs, intended to share, serve, and connect with the community.

Workshops

Our wide range of programs for both children and adults fosters a profound appreciation and engagement with Carnatic Music & Bharatanatyam. While we delve into the technical aspects and structure of the art forms for a deeper understanding, we emphasize the importance of experiencing the essence of art, which transcends technique.

Art is awareness

About Workshop

Designed for school and college students, this workshop introduces students to the world of Indian Classical Arts through engaging and relatable learning experiences. It aims to involve children in a dynamic exploration of traditional art forms within a contemporary cultural context, fostering a holistic understanding and appreciation of art, culture and life as an intangible experience.

Students will be immersed in various aspects of Indian Classical music and dance, exploring the myths, legends and cultural & spiritual elements that enrich these traditions. The workshop integrates both music and dance, allowing students to experience their synergy through activities like learning simple compositional and choreographed routines.

No prior experience in music or dance is required.

Art is Listening

about Workshop

Light is inaudible sound, and sound is invisible light. To truly experience art is to engage with sound and vibration on a deeper level. This workshop invites participants to expand their perception beyond the five senses, using those very senses as a gateway. Through guided practices, you'll learn to experience sound not just as an audible phenomenon but as an invisible vibration that carries all the information. This workshop opens the door to a heightened awareness, where art is not just seen or heard but felt as a profound vibrational experience. No prior experience in music or dance is required.

Art is Immersion

about Workshop

This residential workshop is designed for advanced students of Bharatanatyam and Carnatic Music, seeking a deeper connection with Indian Classical Arts. Over the course of the workshop, participants will explore these art forms not merely as techniques or performances but as profound mediums of expression and ways to experience life. Ideal for those with at least 5 years of learning experience, the workshop emphasizes that art transcends competition and technique, inviting a richer more immersive understanding of its essence.

Talks and Lec-Dems

Explore our Talks and Lecture Demonstrations aimed to enable a deeper appreciation for art as an essential component of our lives.

ART IS ESSENTIAL

About

A thought-provoking talk and demonstration aimed at adults, parents and other stakeholders, exploring the crucial role of art beyond mere skill acquisition. Discover how art serves as a fundamental source for leading a holistic life and why art education is not just an extracurricular activity but a vital component of human development. This session will highlight the numerous ways art contributes to personal growth, emotional well-being and overall enrichment, underscoring its essential place in nurturing well-rounded individuals.

Curated Lecture Demonstrations

About

A series of specially curated lecture demonstrations, exploring diverse topics related to Carnatic Music, Bharatanatyam and the intersections of Art, Spirituality and Life. These engaging sessions offer in-depth insights and vibrant discussions, aimed at deepening your understanding and appreciation of these rich artistic traditions and their broader implications. Join us to explore the profound connections between art and the human experience through expert presentations and interactive demonstrations.

REFLECTIONS

Flexible yet firm!

"I learned that you have to be flexible and firm all the time otherwise your steps don’t look good"

Student, USA

Bow and the body's dance!

Having learnt Bharathanatyam in the past, I have always viewed dance and music as inherently intertwined, but until this experience, I did not consider their reciprocity. While my dance was embedded in raga/lyrically-invoked Abhinayam or rhythmic footwork, I had never thought of the role of dance in my violin-playing. Not only did I engage in a “musical dance” on stage, but I realized that the act of playing violin is intrinsically dance-like – the motion of the bow operating horizontally with the simultaneous, yet contradictory, vertical motion of the fingers, the role of my foot to keep time, and the endless possibilities of bow and finger movements to alter the emotion of the piece are all integrated through my “body’s dance”.

Student, USA