Experts in Indian Classical Dance

Eyakkam Dance Company Ltd brings the timeless beauty of Bharatanatyam, a South Indian dance form with over 2200 years of history, to the global stage. Our mission is to break the barriers of elitism and casteism that have come to be associated with this art, while making it accessible and inclusive for everyone. Through captivating performances that blend abstract dance and storytelling, we connect with diverse audiences, transcending religious or mythological boundaries. Inspired by the Tamil word “Eyakkam,” meaning “movement,” we use Bharatanatyam as a medium for both artistic expression and social transformation, exploring powerful social and political themes. By repositioning Bharatanatyam, we highlight its universal appeal, bridging cultures and resonating with audiences across geopolitical boundaries. Experience Bharatanatyam as more than an exotic spectacle—join us in celebrating it as an art form for all.

We are located in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom

We serve the community through

Dance Performances

Performances that can cater to a wide variety of audience. Large or small crowds do not matter to us.

Dance Workshops

We provide dance workshops and lecture demonstrations to schools, universities, community organizations, and companies where people enjoy learning about a new art form steeped in an ancient culture

Dance Teaching

At the heart of our philosophy of dance for all is the intention that anyone, regardless of their identity and background can learn Bharatanatyam. To this end, we conduct dance classes where students are taught theory, practicum, and choreography.

“Two things lift The Great Celestial Cow out of the ordinary. First is the dancing of Prathiba Natesan... She has two solo dance numbers that are mesmerizing.”

The Eagle

Reviews

“The production featured choreography by company member (and University of North Texas statistics professor) Prathiba Natesan, whose dancing was also the most sparkling of the evening..”

TheaterJones

Your presentation and instruction was so engaging, and received eagerly by our students. The depth of your knowledge and vast experience as a artist/educator/scholar of Bharatanatyam infused each workshop and led to a widening of our student’s perspective of dance in our world... They were inspired and enlightened by your work.

Elizabeth L. Shea, Indiana University

Testimonies

I consider her a cultural ambassador who instills not just passion about dance in students, but also the gravity of holistic development for a dancer. For instance, when Prathiba visits my class to talk about the history, development, performance...the entire class spontaneously erupted into clicks and floor claps. Most students identify Prathiba’s visit to the class as a life-changing, eye-opening experience. Her sense of humor, humility, and discipline make her a role model that my students look up to.

Sue Collins, University of North Texas

It is a tall order to convey to theatre and dance students but her work not only in history but in performance working with dance students in our Department at the University of North Texas has been (and continues to be) one of the high points of their educational experience. What Dr. Natesan does is to transform what our students read about in books into a living and breathing art form with astonishing grace and elegance. She literally opens up vistas, not only to Indian dance drama, but to Asian theatre and dance in general, which is heavily dependent on dance movement. She takes what many westerners think of as “stylization” and creates a dimensional, living art form through movement, rhythm, gesture, and facial modeling.... she moves classes of more than 100 students to become devotees of the dance in a single session...

Dr. Andrew Harris, University of North Texas

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