Vatsalya is an experiential Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) workshop inspired by Bharatanatyam, exploring the many dimensions of parenting through the timeless story of Krishna and the relationships of Devaki, Vasudeva and Yashoda.
Through movement, rhythm, abhinaya, storytelling and reflective practices, the workshop journeys through three distinct yet interconnected experiences of parenthood. Devaki and Vasudeva represent the parent who loves deeply yet is faced with circumstances beyond their control—the anxieties, fears, sacrifices and difficult choices that contemporary parents often encounter. Yashoda brings us into the world of everyday parenting: nurturing, protecting, setting boundaries, experiencing joy, and learning to let a child grow while holding them close.
The story becomes a mirror for contemporary questions:
How do we parent when we cannot control the world around our child?
How do fear and expectations influence our parenting?
When do we protect, and when do we let go?
How can we truly connect with our child rather than simply manage them?
Using the expressive vocabulary of Bharatanatyam and the embodied approach of DMT, participants are invited to move beyond “What should I do as a parent?” towards “How am I showing up in my relationship with my child?”
Vatsalya ultimately explores parenting as a dynamic dance between holding and letting go, protection and freedom, expectation and acceptance, love and connection.
Goals
To explore parenting through the embodied language of Bharatanatyam and DMT, using the contrasting experiences of Devaki, Vasudeva and Yashoda to examine attachment, protection, control, expectations, boundaries, autonomy and letting go.
Outcomes
Participants develop greater awareness of their parenting patterns, emotional responses and relationship with their child, while experiencing movement-based tools for cultivating connection, empathy, presence and conscious responding.
Meet the therapists
Pratima and Dhruva | Dance & Movement Facilitator Duo
Trained Bharatanatyam artists with decades of experience as students of Vid. Dr. Sahana Bhat and dedicated teachers of the art at Samhita Nritya Shaale, Pratima and Dhruva are currently expanding their repertoire into Bharatanrityam under the guidance of Vid. Nirupama Rajendra and Vid. Vithya Arasu. Pratima is a certified Dance Movement Therapy facilitator accredited by the Creative Movement Therapy Association of India, while Dr. Dhruva brings deep clinical insight as a consultant psychiatrist at Sthira – Space for Mental Health, holding an MD and PhD in Psychiatry from NIMHANS.
Synthesizing the discipline and depth of classical Indian dance with evidence-based therapeutic practice, the duo crafts immersive workshops centered on rhythm, somatic awareness, and creative movement to support emotional well-being, authentic self-expression, and personal transformation.
Open to everyone (25+)—absolutely no prior dance experience is needed. (preferably interested in parenting)
Date & Time: Sat, Oct 3rd | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Venue: Upasana – Culture. Community. Wellness Space, Bengaluru
Capacity: Intimate circle capped at 20 participants only
Register for "Vatsalya" by clicking on the button below