Selected Performances
GalleryA glimpse into performance, expression, and storytelling through Kathak.
MANTHAN
The Samudra Manthan, an epic of the churning of the ocean. The devas formed an alliance with the asuras to jointly churn the ocean for the nectar of immortality, and to share it among themselves. During this epic battle of churning, there is an emergence of incredible gems, poison and eventually Amrit (eternal nectar).
My journey towards the solo feels very much like this manthan, a churning of the self. In this journey, I had to turn within to find gems, get past difficult moments, and find joy. This show is to take you on that journey.
With deep gratitude and blessings from the elders in my lineage, I walk into this stage, knowing that I am another link in a beautiful long chain.
Photography by:
Performed at 92NY as part of the Harkness Dance Center’s Women Move the World Mainstage Series.
WHAT FLOWS BETWEEN US
Acrobat is a collaborative work by Neeharika Tummala, Nandana Sen, and Rohan Misra that interprets the poetry of Nabaneeta Dev Sen through spoken word, music, and dance. Drawing from Indian classical traditions while engaging contemporary modes of expression, the piece delves into the layered emotions, metaphors, and characters hidden within her verses. Presented as part of What Flows Between Us, this collaboration reflects the festival’s spirit of dialogue across forms, generations, and artistic lineages, offering a nuanced exploration of storytelling, memory, and connection through movement, sound, and voice.
Photography by: Kevin Parada
THE LIVING LIBRARY
Living Library is a presentation of excerpts from literary works housed in the New York Public Library collection. Through dance, music, and spoken word, the performance brings Indian literature into a living dialogue with contemporary audiences.
Kathak artist Neeharika Tummala presented excerpts from Acrobat by Nandana Dev Sen, Sita Haran based on the epic by Valmiki, a ghazal by Mah Laqa Bai Chanda, and a vaakh by Lal Ded. Rooted in the storytelling traditions of Kathak, these works transform literary imagery, emotion, and character into embodied expression through movement, rhythm, and gesture.
Accompanied by live sarangi and tabla, the performance reveals new dimensions of meaning beyond the written page, celebrating storytelling as a living tradition that continues to evolve through interpretation, artistic exchange, and performance.
Photography by:
RECLAIMING THE DIVINE FEMININE
In Rachna Nivas' Reclaiming the Divine Feminine, Neeharika performed as one of the Yoginis in a groundbreaking Kathak production inspired by Tantra, Goddess Kali, and the Mahavidyas. Through powerful ensemble choreography, the Yoginis embodied the many dimensions of the divine feminine, weaving together movement, mythology, and spiritual symbolism in a celebration of feminine strength and transformation.
Photography by: Maria Baranova
