Bharatanatyam is one of India’s most ancient and graceful classical dance forms, known for its deep spiritual roots and expressive storytelling. Originating in the temples of Tamil Nadu, Bharatanatyam blends intricate footwork, elegant hand gestures (mudras), rhythmic patterns, and powerful facial expressions to convey stories from Hindu mythology and Indian epics. With each movement, the dancer becomes both narrator and character, evoking emotion and devotion through a structured yet fluid performance style.

For Ashmi Shrimali, Bharatanatyam is not just an art form — it’s a sacred journey of discipline, expression, and connection. Trained under the guidance of the late Dr. Saroja Vaidyanathan and now refining her craft at Nalanda, Ashmi brings a rare blend of traditional purity and modern grace to her performances. Her approach is rooted in the classical structure, yet she makes the dance accessible to contemporary audiences through her emotive storytelling and vibrant stage presence.

Ashmi believes Bharatanatyam is more than a performance — it is a form of meditation and healing, a way to question, reflect, and celebrate the human experience. Whether performing in a temple, on stage, or in a digital space, she carries forward the legacy of Bharatanatyam with humility and fire, inspiring a new generation to embrace this timeless art.