Production Details

Imagining Pain; The Menster Saga
World Premiere: May 2024 at the Inaugural Women Choreographers of Pacific NW Festival, Portland. 
In this piece, a woman's lifelong suffering, beginning in her teens, is depicted as she confronts disbelief and self-doubt amidst undiagnosed pain, embodied by the menstrual monster. Through Bharatanatyam and yoga-inspired movements, this dance drama illuminates the unseen struggles of women.

About Sarada Kala Nilayam
Founded in 2012, Sarada Kala Nilayam (SKN) is a performing arts organization dedicated to inspiring creativity and fostering community. At SKN, dance is more than movement—it is a language of expression, a bridge between tradition and modernity, and a means to build connections. SKN nurtures students who aspire to become serious practitioners of Bharatanatyam and Nattuvangam, encouraging curiosity, collaboration, and artistic growth. The organization also advocates for fair pay for artists and works towards making Bharatanatyam accessible to diverse audiences. With a vision to expand Bharatanatyam’s reach, Sweta and SKN continue to innovate, educate, and inspire the next generation of dancers.


Artist Biography
Sweta Ravisankar is a Bharatanatyam performing artist, teacher, and choreographer with over three decades of dedication to this classical Indian dance form. She has performed extensively across the US and India, bringing a unique blend of rhythmic precision, physicality, and innovation to her work. Holding a Master’s in Bharatanatyam, Sweta teaches youth and adult dancers at her school, Sarada Kala Nilayam (SKN), in Beaverton, OR, and the Bay Area, CA. A recipient of the Senior Scholarship from the Government of India and multiple grants from arts organizations, Sweta has played a vital role in advancing the performing arts. Her students have also received professional development support from the California Arts Council.

Sweta’s choreography pushes creative boundaries while honoring Bharatanatyam’s traditional integrity. Her productions - "Imagining Pain: The Menster Saga," "Depression: A Story of Relief, "Community Building During the Pandemic", "The Joy of Dancing" tackle contemporary themes, making Bharatanatyam a powerful tool for storytelling and social discourse. Beyond performances, she is deeply invested in community building, fostering emerging artists, and creating collaborative platforms for fellow creatives. She strongly believes that dance is a mode of communication. In addition to traditional Bharatanatyam pieces, Sweta has performed socially engaging works at community festivals across the West Coast, exploring themes such as mental health, resilience, and the joy of dance.