Delhi, India: In a quiet Delhi neighbourhood, 17-year-old Shambhavi Sharma is using the classical dance form of Kuchipudi not just as performance art—but as a medium for emotional healing.
A student of Class 12 at Sanskriti School and a trained Kuchipudi dancer under the guidance of Padmashri Gurus Raja Radha Reddy, Shambhavi has been dancing for nine years. Through her initiative Nrityamrit, she has been conducting workshops and healing sessions for underprivileged children and hospital patients.
“Dance is not just about movement. It’s about emotion and connection,” says Shambhavi. “Through Nrityamrit, I want people to feel less alone.”
Taking Dance Beyond the Stage
In one of her recent community sessions, Shambhavi worked with a group of 13 children aged 8–14. Many of them belong to families who migrated from Bihar and now live in working-class areas of Delhi.
With a portable speaker playing soft classical music, Shambhavi introduced them to basic mudras—the hand gestures that are central to Kuchipudi.
“I taught them simple poses like Samabhanga and Tribhanga. These are not just steps, they’re about balance and grace,” she explains.
Children like 10-year-old Garima and 12-year-old Khushi took part eagerly. Garima said she felt “calm,” while Khushi said a raised hand gesture reminded her of wearing new clothes on Diwali.
Drawing Emotion Through Dance
At the end of the session, Shambhavi encouraged the children to draw what they felt during the dance. Their pictures included scenes like mothers cooking, crackers bursting, and fields from villages.
Emotional Responses from Community Dance Session
| Age | Name | Gesture Learned | Emotional Response | Drawing Theme |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Garima | Calm Mudra | Felt peaceful | Waves and birds |
| 12 | Khushi | Hope Mudra | Felt joyful and confident | Diwali celebration |
| 13 | Nikita | Balance Pose | Felt focused | Fireworks and home scenes |
“Their drawings spoke more than words. Some were smiling quietly, some were more expressive. But all felt lighter,” said Shambhavi.
A Healing Performance in a Hospital Ward
Beyond the community, Shambhavi also performed at the Army Base Hospital for a group of patients in recovery. With beds arranged in a semicircle, she performed the Dashavatara—a Kuchipudi piece depicting the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
Each mudra represented a symbol of healing:
- Pataka: A calming open palm like the fins of Matsya
- Shikhara: A strong fist, symbolising inner strength
- Ardhachandra: A half-moon hand for peace and hope
- Kapittha: A closed gesture, expressing mercy
Quotes from Patients
“It felt like my village’s puja,” said Mrs. Saroj, 38, a new mother.
“I felt stronger. As if someone understood what I’m going through,” shared Mrs. Suresh, 62, a retired Army veteran.
“I forgot I was in a hospital,” said Mrs. Taimul, 45, smiling softly.
According to an informal survey done with hospital staff, 83% of patients said they felt more relaxed after the session.
Art, Inclusion, and Impact
Shambhavi’s work is not limited to Kuchipudi. She also runs two other projects:
- Unruly Art: Encouraging young children, especially those with disabilities, to express through painting
- Project Prakash: Helping visually impaired children experience art using textures and shapes
She recently exhibited her work at India Habitat Centre, where she also invited children from Project Prakash to interact with the paintings. The initiative raised ₹2,00,000 in support of visually impaired students.
“Art is how we see the world,” says Shambhavi. “Even if you can’t see with your eyes, you can still feel through art.”
Challenges That Don’t Stop Her
Managing school, dance training, and her projects isn’t easy. Limited space in hospital wards, children’s initial hesitation, and tight schedules have been real challenges.
“Some kids are shy at first. Some patients can’t move. I had to find ways for them to connect just by watching or drawing,” she explains.
But the results, she says, make it worth it.
“When someone smiles after a tough day, that’s my reward.”
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