Indian classical dance, known as Bharatanatyam, is admired globally for telling mythological stories through movement. However, the Bharatanatyam dance is known for more than just Indian mythology—its hand gestures and head-eye-neck motions can be woven into specific feet and body movements to tell any stories, poems, or narrations.

Using illustrated examples and live demonstrations, Indian classical dancer Piyali Biswas De explores some methodologies from Classical Bharatanatyam dance to tell a story. Join Piyali and immerse yourself in the gestures and expressions that weave together tales and witness a short and captivating live dance performance.

Guest Bio

Piyali Biswas De (she/her) is an accomplished Bharatnatyam and Non-classical dance exponent, guru and well-known choreographer in Pacific Northwest of America. She trained under various famous dance teachers in India. She continued her passion for dancing by exploring Western dance forms such as Tap, Flamenco, Paso Doble, Contemporary Western and various other dance forms. She is currently an established performer of great repute who has performed extensively across the US Pacific North. She is not only performing as a solo artist, but has also been choreographing, directing and producing shows in Seattle area for the past 12 years. She also directs various fundraising shows for local non-profits and cultural organizations. When she is not dancing, Piyali works as an IT professional in Seattle and spending time with two beautiful daughters who seem eager to follow in her footsteps. She is an avid Cross fitter and participates in at least 4 obstacles and endurance races every year.