Symbolism and Ritual in the Jewellery of South Indian Classical Dance

Simbologia e Ritual na Joalharia da dança clássica do Sul da Índia

Dance 25€

Saturday 7 November · 15:00

Workshop 'Luz no Corpo' led by the Tarikavalli Company, exploring the symbolism and ritual of jewellery in Bharata Natyam, the classical dance of South India.

Brief Introduction Workshop Luz no Corpo: Symbolism and Ritual in the Jewellery of South Indian Classical Dance, Bharata Natyam style Led by the Tarikavalli Company DATE | Saturday | 7 November TIME | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM PARTICIPANTS | Min. 10 Max. 25 PRICE | €25 This workshop explores Bharata Natyam jewellery as part of aharya abhinaya, the visual dimension of stage performance described in the Natya Shastra, the classical treatise on the performing arts of the Indian tradition. In aharya abhinaya, jewellery, costume and make-up contribute to the composition of the symbolic and narrative universe of the stage performance. The workshop is dedicated to the jewellery used in the female costume of Bharata Natyam, an integral part of its visual composition on stage. Commonly referred to as Temple Jewellery, this jewellery of temple tradition from South India has a strong historical and symbolic connection to the performing traditions of the region. The main elements used on the head, ears, neck, arms, waist and ankles will be addressed, exploring the scenic, symbolic and expressive function of each piece. Although this dance is practised by performers of different genders, with variations in costume and ornaments, this workshop focuses on female ornamentation. This approach allows for a clearer observation of the relationship between jewellery, gesture, facial expression, movement and stage presence. Throughout the workshop, a performer will be dressed and adorned with traditional jewellery, allowing participants to follow, step by step, the visual construction of the figure on stage. Luz no Corpo invites participants to look at jewellery beyond its ornamental function, discovering its historical, symbolic, ritual and performative value. By reflecting light, jewellery accompanies movement, intensifies the performer's presence and reveals the visual richness of myth, ritual and dance in Bharata Natyam. Support | Tarikavalli Company, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Instituto de Estudos Asiáticos, Embaixada da Índia, Município de Oeiras, Centro Dança Oeiras, Casa de Goa and JAYA Tarikavalli, a pioneer in Portugal of Indian classical dance in the Bharata Natyam style, was at the origin of the implementation and dissemination of this art in the country. Heir to the tradition of the Pa??anallur School, she was a direct disciple of the legendary masters U.S. Krishna Rao and Chandrabhaga Devi, key figures in the revival of Bharata Natyam in the 20th century, whose artistic legacy continues through her artistic, pedagogical and choreographic work, preserving its ancestral roots while continuously renewing itself through new generations. With a career spanning several decades as a solo dancer, she has performed at numerous international festivals and stages in Europe and India. She currently continues to perform as an interpreter, combining choreographic creation and artistic direction of the Tarikavalli Dance Company, whose first major shows premiered at the Auditório do Museu do Oriente, in Lisbon. Internationally recognised as a performer, choreographer and teacher, she regularly teaches at the Centro de Dança de Oeiras (Algés), at the Jaya Aerial Lab, in Lisbon, and at the Paris Marais Dance School, in Paris.