An exclusive digital stage for Bharatanatyam dancers, titled ‘Aaha!’ , will be launched on June 1, 2026. Conceived by Singapore-based Apsaras Dance Company, the platform is being presented in collaboration with The Hindu and will be hosted on the video streaming service AVAI.video .
The festival aims to serve as a global meeting point for dancers, choreographers, musicians, scholars, and rasikas (connoisseurs), transforming Bharatanatyam’s presence in the digital space. The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, encouraging artistes to rethink performances for a digitally driven world.
40 Artists and Specially Commissioned Works
The launch will feature performances by 40 Bharatanatyam dancers across various categories, including emerging artists, trailblazers, gurus, and legends. Specially commissioned solo, duet, and ensemble works will be showcased alongside exclusive conversations and behind-the-scenes insights.
The impressive lineup includes some of the most revered names in the field: Padma Subrahmanyam, the Dhananjayans, Priyadarsini Govind, Rama Vaidyanathan, Vaibhav Arekar, and Meenakshi Srinivasan. The event is curated by Mohanapriyan Thavarajah, Associate Creative Director of Apsaras Dance Company.
In an industry where digital presence has become increasingly vital, this initiative represents a significant effort to bring the nuances of classical dance to a global audience while maintaining artistic integrity. It showcases how technology can be harnessed to expand the reach of traditional art forms without diluting their essence.
Aravinth Kumarasamy’s Vision
Aravinth Kumarasamy, the artistic director of Apsaras Dance Company, has envisioned this platform to push the boundaries of how Bharatanatyam is presented online.
While dance competitions and other festivals are available on various OTT platforms, ‘Aaha!’ is unique in its focus on high-quality, commissioned pieces rather than user-generated content. It aims to set a new benchmark for how classical dance is produced and consumed digitally, treating the screen not just as a recording medium but as an integral part of the performance space.
‘Aaha!’ will launch on June 1, 2026, exclusively on AVAI.video .
