This Bharatanatyam production reimagines the timeless wisdom of the Panchatantra and other animal fables through movement, rhythm, and expression. Animals emerge as mirrors of human nature—clever, foolish, loyal, and power-hungry—revealed through evocative abhinaya. Rooted in classical grammar, the choreography blends crisp nṛtta with layered storytelling. Each fable unfolds as a concise moral parable, accessible yet profound. The stage becomes a living forest where gestures replace dialogues and silence speaks.

Humor and irony coexist with moments of quiet introspection. Music and rhythm guide shifting perspectives, from predator to prey, ruler to trickster. The dancers transform seamlessly, embodying multiple creatures and states of mind. Ancient tales find contemporary resonance without losing their cultural soul.

This is a “thought provoking” production that invites audiences to reflect on ethics, choice, and consequence—then and now! Performed by a group of graceful young dancers, disciples of Dr. Janaki Rangarajan,  “Witty Tails Dancing Tales” is a cluster of timeless messages from the animal world to make the human world better!

A never-seen before performance, this production will premiere in Richmond with young minds, born and raised in North America, coming together to spread the glory of the Indian classical arts and culture!

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So, please join us to sing and dance along with our animal friends!

Conceptualization, choreography and production logo design: Dr. Janaki Rangarajan

Production logo creation: Vaidehi J Murthy