Shastriya Workshops: Learn, Explore & Experience
- nikitaparmar22
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
As part of Leela Foundation’s Shastriya Festival Initiative, we are delighted to welcome acclaimed artists Sreelakshmy Govardhanan and Shweta Prachande for a special series of Kuchipudi and Bharata Natyam workshops. Designed for dancers at different stages of their journey, these workshops offer a unique opportunity to learn directly from two distinctive artists while exploring technique, movement, rhythm, storytelling, and abhinaya.
The workshops have been intentionally scheduled to allow Shweta Prachande's Advanced Bharata Natyam participants to also attend Sreelakshmy Govardhanan’s Kuchipudi Abhinaya Intensive, if they wish to deepen their exploration of expression and interpretation across forms. Participants wishing to attend both workshops must register separately for each workshop.
Note: We are offering a 10% discount for families registering more than one family member. Kindly reach out to info@leela-foundation.org for a family discount. This applies only to the workshops.
Kuchipudi Intensive with Sreelakshmy Govardhanan
Abhinaya Intensive
October 6, 2026 | 7:00–9:00 PM
Location: Leela School of Dance: 1018 Morrisville Pkwy, Morrisville, NC 27560
October 8 & 9, 2026 | 7:00–9:00 PM
Location: Harmony District: 10290 Chapel Hill Rd, Suite 200, Morrisville, NC 27560
Level: Approximately 7 years of dance training
Composition: Ēkadunnāvu Nā Chakkani Sāmi -Telugu Jāvali by Dharmapuri Subbarayar
Ēkadunnāvu Nā Chakkani Sāmi is a Telugu jāvali by Dharmapuri Subbarayar centered on a heroine speaking to her beloved. Confident, affectionate, playful, and emotionally aware, she questions him while revealing different shades of her personality and relationship.
The composition provides a rich canvas for exploring abhinaya and individual interpretation. Rather than simply reproducing what is taught, dancers will be encouraged to examine the heroine’s changing emotions, experiment with body dynamics, and discover their own interpretation of the composition.
Prior experience with abhinaya is preferred.
Workshop Fee: $250
Workshop + SETU Performance Ticket: $275
Reserve Your Spot
Join Sreelakshmy Govardhanan for this special three-day Abhinaya Intensive and deepen your exploration of abhinaya, interpretation, and artistic expression. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Bharata Natyam Workshops with Shweta Prachande
Advanced
Dates: October 7–9, 2026
Time: 4:30–6:30 PM
Level: 6+ years of training
Composition: Om Sharavana Bhava by Dr. Ghatam Karthik
Location: Leela School of Dance: 1018 Morrisville Pkwy, Morrisville, NC 27560
Om Sharavana Bhava celebrates Lord Muruga (Kartikeya), bringing together devotion, rhythm, and dynamic movement. Through this composition, dancers will explore rhythmic complexity, body control, sequencing, transitions, imagery, storytelling, and abhinaya.
The workshop encourages dancers to move beyond executing choreography and explore how rhythm, movement, and expression come together to create a complete artistic experience.
Workshop Fee: $225
Workshop + SETU Performance Ticket: $250
Intermediate
Dates: October 7–9, 2026
Time: 7:00–9:00 PM
Level: 4+ years of training
Composition: Thillana in Poornachandrika | Adi Talam
Location: Leela School of Dance: 1018 Morrisville Pkwy, Morrisville, NC 27560
The Thillana is a dynamic, rhythm-driven composition that highlights the beauty and precision of nritta. Set in Ragam Poornachandrika and Adi Talam, this piece offers dancers an opportunity to experience intricate rhythmic patterns while developing clarity, energy, and fluidity in movement.
Students will focus on body conditioning, alignment, movement quality, and individuality within adavus, exploring how even pure dance can be shaped through dynamics, musicality, and personal expression.
Workshop Fee: $225
Workshop + SETU Performance Ticket: $250
Beginner
Date: October 10, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM–2:00 PM
Level: Ages 6–7+ | Also suitable for intermediate students interested in an Abhinaya session
Composition: The Fox & the Crow
Location: Leela School of Dance: 1018 Morrisville Pkwy, Morrisville, NC 27560
Inspired by Aesop’s classic fable, The Fox & the Crow introduces young dancers to storytelling through Bharata Natyam. The familiar story offers a playful way to explore characters, emotions, gestures, and expression.
Students will learn to transition between characters and use facial expressions, body language, and movement to visually communicate a story. The workshop offers an engaging introduction to abhinaya while encouraging imagination and confidence.
Workshop Fee: $180
Workshop + SETU Performance Ticket: $205
Reserve Your Spot
Learn, explore, and deepen your Bharata Natyam practice with Shweta Prachande. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Continue the Experience with SETU: A Bridge Between…
The Shastriya experience continues from the studio to the stage as Sreelakshmy Govardhanan and Shweta Prachande come together for SETU: A Bridge Between, an evening where Kuchipudi and Bharata Natyam create a bridge through tradition and movement.
Sunday, October 11, 2026 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Location: Green Level High School: 7600 Roberts Rd, Cary, NC 27519
Two artists. Two lineages. One stage. A bridge between them...
Get Your SETU Tickets
Complete your Shastriya experience by joining us for SETU: A Bridge Between…
Early Bird General Admission is $30 through September 30.
Through the Shastriya Festival Initiative, Leela Foundation creates opportunities for our community not only to experience accomplished artists on stage, but also to learn from them, engage with their artistic processes, and deepen their connection with Indian classical dance.
Learn. Explore. Experience Shastriya.
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