Vidushi (Padmashri) Geeta Chandran, 62, is a distinguished dance guru, scholar, choreographer, and Carnatic vocalist who channels her passion into elevating the world through Bharatanatyam. Recently celebrating 50 years as a professional dancer, she reflects on her journey with gratitude. “God has been incredibly kind to me.
I always knew that my language would be classical Bharatanatyam. I chose to use this art form to explore and express profound issues that moved me, shaping them into creative offerings—what I call performance-dialogues.”Introduction to danceGeeta’s journey with Bharatanatyam began at the age of five when her mother enrolled her under the guidance of devadasi Guru Smt.
Swarna Saraswati. “It was a profound experience where I was immersed in this sacred art form without the pressure of performance. Swarna Amma poured an ocean of wisdom into my tiny hands, and I, an eager student, was diligently guided by my strict mother.
By the time I performed my arangetram at 12, I had learned numerous treasures—alarippus, jatiswarams, varnams, and a variety of padams. But the learning was pure, unburdened by expectations.”She started performing on stage at around six or seven years old and continued throughout her formal education and even while working at Namedia and NTPC.
Eventually, she left her job to fully immerse herself in dance. “It was a risky decision because in the arts, there is no clear path—only the challenge of constantly swimming against.
