Sohini Roychowdhury introduces children to Bharatanatyam through Nrityasutra masterclass at Mumbai
Nrityasutra
at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in Mumbai, bringing the classical tradition of Bharatanatyam to a group of 100 schoolchildren.
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Organised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the session aimed to introduce young participants to the expressive language of classical dance.
The workshop marked the launch of Sohini's new initiative,
Land of Happy
—a programme that uses dance and storytelling to foster empathy, inclusivity, and emotional well-being among children, including neurodivergent learners.
Blending traditional Bharatanatyam elements like
mudras
,
abhinaya
, and structured postures with contemporary music, including the compositions of Beethoven, Sohini guided the children through a session that explored dance as a means of personal and collective expression.
The class focused on three thematic pillars: Shiva, nature, and inclusivity. Shiva was presented as a symbol of energy and transformation, not solely as a deity, while nature was interwoven through movement and metaphor. Inclusivity remained central throughout, as the children were encouraged to use dance as a way to tell their own stories, regardless of background or experience.
Commenting on her approach, Sohini shared, 'Let the dance, the empathy come from deep within your core—not just physically but spiritually as well—and teach you to be kind and happy.'
The session concluded with a quiet energy, leaving the children with an introduction to Bharatanatyam not just as performance, but as a pathway to self-awareness and shared understanding.
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