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Hema Rajagopalan

@natyahema

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Natya Dance Theatre Artistic Director Teaching Bharatanatyam since 1974

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This Vijayadashami, begin your journey with Natya Dance Theatre!

Admissions are now open for new batches starting Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

With classes across Chicago, Schaumburg, Naperville, Westmont and Oak Brook, take the first step into the world of Bharatanatyam.

For details and registration, contact info@natya.com or call (312) 212-1240.

#chicagodanceclasses #chicagokids #chicagoactivities #danceinchicago #bharathanatyamnearyou taken in Natya Dance Theatre by @natyahema

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13 hours ago

Here are some moments from a proud evening honouring Hema Rajagopalan and Krithika Rajagopalan at the Newberry Library in Chicago!

The evening celebrated Natya’s five-decade artistic journey and marked an important milestone in preserving its archives for future generations. Through stories, memories, and a live Bharatanatyam performance, it was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on Natya’s history and legacy.

We were honoured by the presence of Consul Sanjeev Pal from the Consulate General of India; Dr. Ralph and Marta Nicolas from the University of Chicago; Susan Dickson and Loretta Brockmeier from the Illinois Arts Council; Sue Ellen Burns, former Executive Director of Arts Bridge; and Matthew Brockmeier, former Executive Director of the Chicago Music and Dance Alliance.

Swipe through to see moments from this memorable evening!

Photos by: @varnamstudio_llc taken in Newberry Library by @natyahema

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4 days ago

A proud moment for Natya Dance Theatre

On October 8, Natya Dance Theatre, Hema Rajagopalan & Krithika Rajagopalan were welcomed at the Newberry Library in Chicago to celebrate Natya’s artistic legacy and present an archival collection documenting its journey across Chicago, the United States, and Canada.

With historic posters, photographs, and other materials now set to be preserved at the Newberry Library, this milestone ensures that Natya’s history and contributions to Indian classical dance will be accessible to future generations.

The evening brought together stories from Natya’s history, a live Bharatanatyam performance, a look into the artistry of dance costumes and textiles by Sandhya Raman, and an excerpt from Rana Seghal’s documentary on Hema Rajagopalan.

A meaningful recognition of Natya’s journey, the artists who have shaped it, and the legacy that continues to inspire generations.

#natyadancetheatre #bharatanatyam #indianclassicaldance #hemarajagopalan #dancelegacy taken in Newberry Library by @natyahema

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6 days ago

Five decades of Natya’s artistic journey are now becoming part of a larger archive.

On October 8, Natya Dance Theatre will present its archives at The Newberry Library, where they will be housed and preserved for future generations. The evening will also feature Hema Rajagopalan sharing stories from Natya’s history through archival material and footage, a short Bharatanatyam performance, an exploration of costumes and textiles by Sandhya Raman, and an excerpt from Rana Seghal’s documentary on Hema.

October 8, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
The Newberry Library, Ruggles Hall, Chicago

A celebration of Natya’s legacy, and the stories that will continue to live on through its archives. taken in Newberry Library by @natyahema

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11 days ago

Natya presents Shrinkala, featuring Shrutilaya School of Dance.
Come experience an afternoon of Bharatanatyam, storytelling and the beauty of movement

Sunday, October 11, 2026 | 2:00 PM
Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago

#chicago #dance #bharatanatyamdance #performance #shrinkala by @natyahema

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14 days ago

J.A. Jayant invites rasikas to join him for Venu Nada Prathidhwani, a special evening celebrating the legacy of the legendary Flute Mali.

As Natya Dance Theatre marks its 50th year, this concert holds a special place in the celebrations. An evening of music, heritage and a centenary tribute to one of the greats of Indian flute music.

September 26, 2026 | 5:30 PM
Sama Rathi Auditorium, Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago

Tickets: $25 | $50 | $100
Tickets available on the Link in bio! by @natyahema

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24 days ago

Vazhuvoor Ramaiah Pillai shaped a distinctive tradition within Bharatanatyam, recognized for its graceful movement, sculptural clarity, precise Nrtta and expressive nuance. Trained in this legacy, my Guru, Sujatha Srinivasan has carried this tradition forward in the United States through performance, choreography, and teaching, introducing this unique Vazhuvoor baani to new generations of students and audiences. I now continue in this lineage through my own developing artistic voice. This program traces the transmission of a shared tradition across generations and explores how it is preserved, interpreted, and renewed over time. taken in Chicago, Illinois by @natyahema

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24 days ago

NKC 2026 Artistes Speak...

Bharatanatyam Artiste from Chicago, Hema Rajagopalan will present a session as part of this year's Natya Kala Conference (NKC 2026) Adipadaiyin Azhagu: Beauty of Basics.

Here's a video from Hema Rajagopalan excited to be with us all on December 27 as she presents a session KND Bani: The Jathis of the Bani of KN Dandayudapani Pillai along with Dr Uma Anand.

Watch this video and head to the link in bio to buy your tickets. by @natyahema

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25 days ago

One day to go for Sharira / Shariri: Held Within!

Join us tomorrow, September 19 at 5:30 PM at The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie.

Book your tickets at the link in bio and come experience it live. by @natyahema

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a month ago

Watch our dancers bring Bharatanatyam to Navy Pier in Chicago.

Join Natya Dance Theatre on Sunday, September 20, as our dancers take the Wave Wall Stage for an afternoon of Bharatanatyam, sharing stories through movement, rhythm and expression.

Sunday, September 20, 2026
3:00 PM
Wave Wall Stage, Navy Pier, Chicago

#chicagolive #navypier #natyadancetheatre #bharathnatyaminus #danceinchicago taken in Navy Pier Chicago Ilinois by @natyahema

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a month ago

Behind every Natya dancer are mothers who have given their time, energy and love to this community in countless ways.

Mothers of Natya is our way of celebrating and thanking them, one story at a time.

Today, we celebrate Vidya Iyer, whose journey with Natya began alongside her daughter’s in 2004 and grew into a deep sense of belonging to the Natya family.

Thank you Vidya, for being a part of our story. ❤️

#dancemoms #bharathanatyamdancer #dance #mothersofnatya #danceacademy by @natyahema

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a month ago

Our dancers are in rehearsal, bringing Sharira / Shariri: Held Within to life.

Here’s a little glimpse of the work that goes into the performance. Now come witness it live, presented by Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam as part of CTU’s Fall Festival.

Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 5:30 PM
The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

Tickets via the link in bio or scan the QR code.

#natyadancetheatre #indianclassicaldance #bharatanatyam #chicagodancers #hemarajagopalan by @natyahema

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a month ago