Sahana Balasubramanya

Dance is geometry in space, with the dancer’s body being the instrument that carves the patterns. The pure dance aspect of Bharatanatyam (called nritta) is characterized by a high degree of symmetry – movements are repeated to be mirror reflections across various axes of symmetry, linear movements and the exploration of space in different directions. A tillana is a piece that  emphasizes this aspect.

The choreography also depicts South Indian temple architecture,  which is a symmetry-driven structure built on a rectangular grid. It incorporates mathematical spaces such as a rectangular courtyard with 4 doorways, pyramidal towers and a network of pillars with carvings and statues. At the center of the temple is the shikhara – a pyramidal tower which is hollow within, and represents the universe and attaining enlightenment. The temple is designed to resonate and amplify sound naturally, connecting math, physics, architecture, art and spirituality. 

Sahana Balasubramanya

Sahana received her Ph.D in Mathematics from Vanderbilt University in 2018, after which she served as a postdoctoral scholar at institutions in the USA and Germany. Currently, she is an Assistant professor at Lafayette College, Easton, PA.  

Sahana is also one of the most promising young Bharatanatyam artists of today, and has performed widely as a solo performer to critical acclaim. Sahana was selected to be the lead dancer for the Bharatanatyam segment, in the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games held at Delhi in 2010. She was also an instructor at the Vanderbilt Dance Program from 2014- 2018.  She is an empaneled artist with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) since 2012. Besides performing traditional pieces in Bharatanatyam, Sahana also choreographs thematic productions in keeping with the traditions of the dance form.