Atlanta, Georgia, USA: In early 2024, a few passionate dancers began meeting in Atlanta to practice adavus—the foundational movements of Bharatanatyam. What started as informal weekend sessions soon transformed into one of the city’s most vibrant new cultural communities: Atlanta Adavu.
The initiative was founded by dancer Rachita Iyer, who envisioned creating the same sense of togetherness she had experienced in other global Bharatanatyam circles. Today, Atlanta Adavu has become part of an international network of over fifteen Adavu Meetups, where dancers gather not for competition or performance, but to learn, exchange ideas, and celebrate the shared spirit of the classical art form.
The group is led by four core members — Rachita Iyer (Founder and Executive Director), Saidharshana Dhantu (Performance Cohort Coordinator), Ruth Prithika (Media Coordinator), and Neelu Konkimalla (Financial Coordinator). Together, they manage both the artistic and organisational sides of the collective, creating a welcoming environment where creativity thrives alongside collaboration.
Community Through Adavu Meetups
At the core of Atlanta Adavu’s mission is inclusivity. The collective organises Adavu Meetups several times a month, open to everyone — from experienced dancers to those returning to the art after years away, or newcomers seeking connection through dance.
Each session focuses on revisiting foundational techniques, refining movements, and ends with a short filmed piece showcasing the group’s practice.
“These gatherings remind us that our roots are as important as our growth,” says Iyer. “Every complex dance sequence begins with the same basic adavus. Practising together helps us rediscover the joy and unity in movement.”
Derived from the Natya Shastra, the word adavu refers to the basic vocabulary of Bharatanatyam — the building blocks that form the language of the art. Atlanta Adavu’s sessions allow dancers to reconnect with this shared foundation and artistic heritage.
The Birth of ‘Srishti’
As the community expanded, many members began seeking opportunities to create and perform together. This gave rise to Srishti, the performance wing of Atlanta Adavu, launched in 2025 under the direction of Saidharshana Dhantu.
“Atlanta is home to many talented Bharatanatyam dancers who needed a stage,” says Dhantu. “Srishti was formed to give them that space — not just for performance, but for collaboration and creative growth.”
Rehearsals are deeply collaborative, with each dancer contributing ideas and choreography. The group works collectively to fine-tune rhythm, emotion, and expression — blending classical precision with openness to new interpretations.
Bridging the Global Bharatanatyam Community
Atlanta Adavu’s efforts extend beyond local engagement. The group regularly hosts workshops and guest sessions with artists from across the global Bharatanatyam diaspora.
In 2025, they welcomed Smt. Soundarya Ramdas, who led a classical-contemporary fusion workshop in May, and Smt. Sathvikaa Shankar from Chennai, who conducted a two-day traditional Bharatanatyam session in September.
“These interactions deepen our understanding of how Bharatanatyam is evolving worldwide,” says Iyer. “It’s about connecting Atlanta’s dancers to the larger world of Indian classical arts.”
‘Bhakti Vilochanena’: The Eyes of Devotion
To close out 2025, Atlanta Adavu’s Srishti team is preparing for their most ambitious production yet — Bhakti Vilochanena: The Eyes of Devotion. Entirely choreographed by the dancers themselves, the performance explores devotion to Lord Krishna through the perspectives of his many devotees.
The show will premiere on November 7, 2025, at the Sewell Mill Cultural Centre in Marietta, Georgia — marking a major milestone for the young collective.
“This feels like a full-circle moment,” says Dhantu. “We began as a group reconnecting with our roots, and now we’re presenting a stage production born out of that shared journey.”
Looking to the Future
Atlanta Adavu continues to host its signature Adavu Meetups, welcoming dancers of all levels to join in shared practice. The organisation aims to keep expanding its reach — spotlighting emerging talent, fostering international collaborations, and nurturing the next generation of Bharatanatyam dancers in Atlanta.
“Bharatanatyam is not just about performance,” Iyer reflects. “It’s about connection — between guru and student, dancer and audience, tradition and innovation. Atlanta Adavu exists to keep those connections alive.”
