Dance is geometry, algebra, and emotion coming together as one: Rajeswari Sainath

For over five decades, Bharatanatyam exponent Dr Rajeswari Sainath has pushed the boundaries of classical dance while remaining deeply rooted in tradition. The Hyderabad-born dancer who went on to perform at the Sydney Opera House, collaborate with Australian jazz musicians and earn acclaim for bringing mathematical precision into Bharatanatyam has built a career unlike any other.

“Dance taught me how to live, not just perform,” says the 65-year-old dancer who was recently honoured with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. In a candid chat, Rajeswari reflects on a journey shaped by relentless practice, artistic exploration and an enduring belief that Bharatanatyam always has something new to offer.‘Dance embraced me long before I chose it’Rajeswari traces the beginning of her journey to her years of training under gurus Indira Rajan and Pandanallur Srinivasa Pillai.

“Though they were based in Chennai, I would spend every school holiday with them, learning in the gurukulam tradition. Even if I returned after three months, it felt as though I had attended class the previous day. There was something instinctive and organic about my relationship with dance.

” That relationship remains unchanged even today. “At 65, I’m still happiest when I’m practising. I don’t feel my age when I dance.

It gives me strength, energy and something new to look forward to every day.”

‘Bharatanatyam taught me how to balance every role in life’The recent Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, she says, prompted reflection more than celebration. “For a few hours, I didn’t know how to react. I just kept thinking about the journey, the struggles, the gurus, the performances and the years of hard work. People from across the world kept telling me it was richly deserved. That meant a lot because they had witnessed the journey.”

Even now, she sees the honour not as a culmination but as encouragement to keep going.

“My greatest satisfaction is seeing my students become teachers themselves and carry the tradition forward. I want people to remember that every recognition I received came from hard work, commitment and the courage to face both success and failure with the same spirit.”

'For me, dance is mathematics in motion’A defining aspect of Rajeswari’s work has been her exploration of rhythm and mathematical structures within Bharatanatyam, inspired by her long association with percussion maestro Karaikudi Mani.

“Through him, I became fascinated by the mathematical possibilities hidden within rhythm. Dance is actually geometry and algebra plus emotion. People may not understand the calculations, but they feel the harmony when everything falls into place.

” Her fascination eventually led her to pursue doctoral research on rhythm in dance. “For me, dance and mathematics are not separate worlds. They coexist beautifully. The calculations may be invisible, but audiences experience the balance and beauty they create.”- Sanjana Pulugurtha