EACH gesture, step and expression carries its own meaning and forms a story told without words. That is bharatanatyam, a traditional Indian dance that uses body language to illustrate tales.
In Malaysia, the art form is being kept alive by groups like Kalaivani Fine Arts, which trains younger generations and ensures the continuity of traditional techniques of the dance.
The academy, which opened in 2018, also marked a proud achievement when its students were given the chance to perform for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Malaysia last year.
Behind the captivating performances however are long, arduous practice sessions where steps are repeated again and again, poses are refined, and facial expressions are controlled so each movement carries accurate meaning.
Through his lenses, photographer FIKRI YUSOF captures scenes at a bharatanatyam practice that demands head-to-toe precision from performers to bring stories to life on stage.
