Bharatanāṭyam workshop with Janani Suresh Ram

Date: 6:30-8:30pm, 5th February 2026
Address: Sheffield Pattern Club (alpacalab), 2-4 Matilda St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 4QD
Access info: The current venue is not accessible to wheelchair users, and is on the first floor, with staircase for access. Please contact us as soon as possible if this is a barrier to your participation, thanks!
Cost: Free, but pre-booking essential – tickets available here

Join dancer, choreographer, researcher, and educator Janani Suresh Ram for a two-hour introductory workshop that brings together the classical Indian dance form Bharatanatyam and the world of mathematical patterns.

This immersive session weaves history, performance, visual media, and embodied exploration. Participants will be introduced to the aesthetic and technical foundations of Bharatanatyam while discovering how mathematical ideas—such as infinity and fractals—can be experienced through movement.

No prior experience in dance or mathematics is required. The workshop is designed to be accessible, engaging, and experiential.

Participation is free.
A free ticket is required as spaces are limited. If you are unable to attend after registering, please let us know so your spot can be offered to someone else.

Workshop Structure

Part 1 | Foundations (30 minutes)

• Introduction to the history of Bharatanatyam
• Overview of Bharatanatyam technique
• Live performance of traditional pieces

Part 2 | Math & Movement (30 minutes)

• Illustrated presentation on intersections of mathematics and Bharatanatyam
  (including concepts such as infinity and fractals, using slides and short films)
• Introduction to Janani’s research and book
• Reflection and Q&A

Part 3 | Embodied Exploration (60 minutes)

• Hands-on movement workshop exploring mathematical ideas through dance

Tickets available here