Bharatanatyam is a story-based dance form that has been taught for centuries.

Characterized by its meaningful gestures, facial expressions, and coordination, learning Bharatanatyam is a challenging process.

The Sampradaya Dance Troupe is a Bharatanatyam studio directed by Smitha Khullar in Iowa City. The nearly forty young dancers learn and perform group exhibitions of the Bharatanatyam dance form several times a year.

With performances across the Corridor and involvement from girls of all ages, the troupe has become an important part of the Indian identity in Iowa City.

“I think [the studio] is a big part of the Indian community in Iowa City. My mom [Smitha Khullar] is one of the only people in this area that does it, and there are so many girls that come to dance,” said Shreya Khullar ‘22.

For the girls involved, dance serves as a socially and culturally enriching activity.

“We met at our first performance together. Once you meet at a performance, you are spending seven-hour rehearsals together, so it’s like a bonding experience,” said Advika Shah ‘22.

Historically acting as an artful interpretation of folklore and religious texts, the expressive dance is helpful to the girls’ understanding of their own Indian identity.

“I met some of my closest friends through dance, and it helps me understand my culture better,” Khullar said.

As a medium for creative expression, Bharatanatyam is a fun and intricate way to communicate.

“I enjoy dance because it is a way for me to express myself. Its an art form, and being able to move around and use the space to your liking gives you happiness. It is a really awesome stress-buster for me,” said Shah.

Annually, Sampradaya has a group performance in which the entire troupe performs a choreographed storytelling dance.

This year’s show will take place on March 7th. All are encouraged to attend and learn about this classical art form. 

“I think a lot of non-Indian’s started knowing about Bharatanatyam because of our performances. At our performances I see a lot of people come in and appreciate the dance form,” Shah said.

Although many students begin dancing in elementary school, the troupe welcomes all levels of participants.

“You can start any time, we have had people start in high school,” said Khullar.

Sampradaya is a culturally relevant, community-engaging troupe that offers a unique approach to the expression of Indian culture in Iowa City. For many ICCSD students, it has been a place to build community and learn a new skill.