Core Faculty

Mr. Sachhidanand Narayankar

Assistant Professor - Alliance School of Performing, Visual and Creative Arts

Disciple of Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya and Shri Vaibhav Arekar, a Doordarshan-graded artist and UGC-NET qualified scholar, Sachhidanand Narayankar is a young and vibrant performing artist, dedicated teacher, creative choreographer, and administrator. His artistic vision flourished through rigorous training and extensive stage experience. He has performed major roles such as Siddhartha, Angulimal, Vishnu, and Rama in the ballets of the Nalanda Dance Research Centre. He is an active member of Sankhya Dance Company, Mumbai, where he has performed lead roles including Aniruddha and Banasura. He successfully runs his dance institution, Nrityarangam Kala Mandir, in Solapur and Mumbai. A recipient of the prestigious SPIC MACAY Scholarship for learning Kathakali, he is also an avid learner of Kalaripayattu and Mridangam. He has performed extensively across India and internationally at renowned festivals and events including:
  • The Music Academy, Chennai (2020)
  • Nartaka Festival, Chennai (2020)
  • Doha Tribeca Film Festival
  • Kala Ghoda Festival, Mumbai
  • Dadasaheb Phalke Award Ceremony
  • Olympic Games Opening Ceremony
  • Festival Indii (Poland and Moldova)
  • Natya Darshan Conference, Chennai
  • Pandit Durgalal Festival, Thane
  • Purush Festival, Pune
  • Dvandva Festival, Mumbai
  • Upvan Festival, Thane
  • Natyarangam's Thyaga Bharatam Mahotsava, Chennai
  • Ananya Festival, Bengaluru
  • Discover India, USA
  • Fringe Festival, Philadelphia

Awards

  • Nritya Manikya Mani
  • National Nritya Shiromani
  • Kalpataru Kala Sanman
  • Rangasetu Fellowship (2021)
  • Nritya Ravi (2023)

Training

  • Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Performing Arts (Bharatanatyam) from Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya, established by Padma Bhushan Dr. Kanak Rele.
  • Currently pursuing advanced training under the guidance of Shri Vaibhav Arekar.
  • Also undergoing training in Kalaripayattu and Mridangam.

Workshops Attended

Bharatanatyam

  • C. V. Chandrashekhar
  • SNA Awardee Deepak Majumdar
  • Malati Agneshwaran
  • Meenakshi Gangopadhyaya
  • Shri Vaibhav Arekar
  • Kalaimamani Rama Vaidyanathan
  • Guru Shankar Kandasami
  • Kalaimamani Leela Samson
  • Padma Shri Priyadarsini Govind
  • Kalaimamani Malavika Sarukkai
  • Mavin Khoo

Other Forms

  • Thang-Ta (Martial Art Form of Manipur)
  • Kalaripayattu
  • Chhau under Guru Shashadhar Acharya
  • Natya Sangraham, Thenangur, Chennai

Workshops Conducted (Online)

Our series of online workshops provides a dynamic platform for artists and enthusiasts to learn, explore, and engage with various artistic disciplines from the comfort of their homes. These workshops encourage artistic growth, creative exploration, and meaningful connections across geographical boundaries.

Repertoire Covered

  • Adavus
  • Jatiswaram – Chakravakam (Rupakam)
  • Jatiswaram – Saveri (Adi)
  • Shabdam (Ragamalika)
  • Varnam – Dhanyasi (Adi)
  • Mallari – Gambhira Nattai
  • Pushpanjali – Vasanti
  • Nrittapadam – Shankar Shrigiri
  • Tillana – Kadanakutuhalam
  • Tillana – Kanada
  • Abhanga – Vrindavani Venu
  • Tillana – Behag (Misra Chapu)
  • Murugan Kautuvam
  • 35 Talam
  • Jatis and Teermanams
  • Rajarajeshwari Ashtakam
  • Panchajati Teermanam
  • Adavus in Panchajati

Choreographies

  • Youth Festival, Mumbai University (2012, 2013)
  • Sujalam Sufalam Bharat by Kiran Shantaram (Assistant Choreographer, 2012)
  • P.K.M. Inter School Dance Competition (2010, 2013, 2015)
  • Annual Functions of Hansraj English School, Andheri (W) (2010–2013)
  • Walk of Joy - Dance drama on the Warkari pilgrimage to Pandharpur (2013)
  • Annual Functions of Smt. H. M. Nanavati English High School, Vile Parle (E) (2012–2015)
  • Arangetrams

Performance Highlights and Audience Feedback

  • Inspiring – His passion for Bharatanatyam motivates aspiring dancers and art lovers alike.
  • Dynamic – Effortlessly transitions between varying tempos, moods, and rhythmic patterns.
  • Graceful – Renowned for elegant and fluid movements.
  • Expressive – Brings stories alive through nuanced abhinaya and gestures.
  • Dedicated – Demonstrates unwavering commitment to the art form.
  • Captivating – Holds audiences spellbound with compelling stage presence.
  • Resplendent – Radiates an aura of confidence, artistry, and grace.

Solo Productions

Ashwathama: The Restless Soul

"Ashwathama: The Restless Soul" is a mesmerizing solo dance production that explores the complex character of Ashwathama from Hindu mythology. The work journeys through his life, emotions, conflicts, and tragic destiny, portraying themes of loyalty, revenge, remorse, and inner struggle. This production is a profound exploration of the human condition through mythology, combining evocative choreography, powerful storytelling, and compelling music. Performance Details
  • Title: Ashwathama: The Restless Soul
  • Choreographer & Performer: Sachhidanand Narayankar
  • Duration: 20 minutes
  • Date: 12 March 2023
  • Venue: Bharatakalanjali, Chennai

Chanakya: The Maestro of Statecraft

"Chanakya: The Maestro of Statecraft" is a compelling solo dance production depicting the life, intellect, and vision of Chanakya, the legendary strategist and political philosopher of ancient India. The production traces Chanakya's evolution from scholar to statesman, portraying his wisdom, determination, and profound understanding of governance and human nature. Performance Details
  • Title: Chanakya: The Maestro of Statecraft
  • Choreographer: Shijith Krishna
  • Performer: Sachhidanand Narayankar
  • Duration: 8 minutes
  • Date: December 2017
  • Venue: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai

Purushaarth: Male-Oriented Dance Compositions in Marathi

"Purushaarth: Male-Oriented Dance Compositions in Marathi" is a captivating solo Bharatanatyam margam that celebrates diverse aspects of masculinity through traditional and innovative Marathi compositions. The production explores themes such as heroism, devotion, friendship, leadership, and introspection, presenting a nuanced and culturally rich portrayal of the male experience. Performance Details
  • Title: Purushaarth: Male-Oriented Dance Compositions in Marathi
  • Choreographer & Performer: Sachhidanand Narayankar
  • Duration: 90 minutes
  • Date: July 2022
  • Venue: Sudarshan Hall, Pune

Major Performances

Nalanda Dance Research Centre Productions

  • Santavani (2007–2009)
  • Buddha: The Enlightened One (2010–2011) – Lead role as Siddhartha
  • Vitthala Tuze Charani (2012)

Other Notable Performances

  • Star Parivaar Awards Ceremony (2008)
  • Dadasaheb Phalke Awards Ceremony (2009)
  • Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, Delhi (2010)
  • Doha Tribeca Film Festival, Qatar (2011)
  • Devadhi Dev Mahadev, Life OK (2011)
  • Radha Krishna Ballet with Gracy Singh, Mumbai (2010)
  • Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh (2012)
  • Sujalam Sufalam Bharat (2012)
  • International World Peace and World Unity Confluence, Lucknow (2012)
  • Krishna Ballet with Sugandhi Subramaniyam and troupe (2012)
  • Radhe Meera Ballet – Lead role as Krishna (2013)
  • Maharashtra Yuva Ranga Mahotsav (2013)
  • Nritya Sabha Dance Festival, Pune (2013)
  • Festival Indii, Poland (2014) – Bharatanatyam recital and lead role as Aniruddha in Usha-Aniruddha
  • TIFR, Colaba (2015)
  • NICSTAR, Powai (2015)
  • Chennai December Season performances at Lady Andal, Krishna Gana Sabha and Narada Gana Sabha (2014–15)
  • Kala Ghoda Festival (2015)
  • Rajat Mahotsava, Pandit Durgalal Festival (2015)
  • Festival Indii, Poland (2015) – Lead role as Banasura in Usha-Aniruddha
  • Indradhanush Festival (2015)
  • Indian Heritage Society Arts Festival (2015)
  • Festival Indii, Poland (2016) – Lead role as Parikshit in Parikshit
  • Dvaya Festival, Mumbai (2016)
  • Purush Festival, Pune (2016)
  • Natya Darshan Conference, Chennai – Chanakya in Patra Pravesham Series (2016)
  • Chaiti Festival, Madhya Pradesh (2017)
  • Mudra Festival, NCPA (2017)
  • Akhil Bharatiya Nrutya Parishad, Nashik (2017)
  • Natyarangam's Thyaga Bharatam Festival, Chennai (2017)
  • Discover India Tour, USA (2017)
  • 200th Birth Anniversary of Mirza Husain-Ali
  • 5th International Conference of the Asia Pacific Neuroendocrine Tumour Society
  • IndiaMET Awards (2017)
  • Sindhu Festival (2017, 2021, 2022)
  • Taranga Festival, Bengaluru (2017)
  • Cuttack Mahotsava (2018)
  • Shrimant Yogi (2018)
  • IIDF Mumbai (2018)
  • Kalpataru Mahotsava (2018)
  • Natyanjali Festival, Mumbai (2018)
  • Ajanta Ellora Festival (2018)
  • Abhanga Ranga
  • Serendipity Arts Festival, Goa (2018)
  • Naada Bindu Festival (2019)
  • Kinkini Festival (2019)
  • 13th Nartaka Festival (2019)
  • Remembering Chitresh Das (2019)
  • The Music Academy, Chennai (2020)
  • Dance Jathre, Bengaluru (2020)
  • Home Studio Showcase, Sai Arts International, Bengaluru (2020)
  • Web Trio Series: The Traditional Cool Romantics (2020)
  • Bondish Festival (2020)
  • Ananya Nrityollasa, Bengaluru (2021)
  • Guru Dakshina Episode 31, Ahmedabad (2021)
  • Kala Arpana, Art of Living (2021)
  • Vistaar Workshop Series, NCPA (2021)
  • Pibare Rama Rasam, Season 2 (2022)
  • Ten Tena Ten, GVRNK Foundation (2022)
  • Ramchandray Vedhase (2023)
  • Shrimant Yogi, Mangalore (2023)
  • Bhaav Summit (2023)
  • Shiv Shambhavi Duet Dance Festival (2023)
  • Celebrating the World of Dance, Natrani, Ahmedabad (2023)
  • Jharna Festival, Chennai (2023)
  • NCPA Umang Festival (2023)
  • UK Tour with Seeta Patel Dance Company (2023)
  • Shiva (2023)
  • Reliance Greens, Jamnagar – Anant Ambani Wedding Celebrations
  • Meera (Duo Production, 2024)
  • YuvaRanga (2024)
  • Dakshina (2024)
  • Chidambaram Festival Season 2 (2025)
  • Shyama – Tagore Ballet (2025)
  • Art House, NMACC (2025)
  • Radhabhava Festival (2026)
  • New Choreography Festival (2026)
Research Interests

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