Spotlight on: Naya Rhythm – Finding Power and Healing Through Dance

At Women’s Health Matters, we are always looking for new, creative ways to support women’s wellbeing, and our latest project, Naya Rhythm, does just that.

Naya Rhythm introduces women to the classical Indian dance form of Bharatanatyam, combining movement, music, and expression in a way that is both powerful and grounding. This isn’t just about learning a new skill or art form; it's about the connection. Connection to your body, your story and to the people around you.

What is Bharatanatyam?

Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest classical dance traditions in India, with roots tracing back over 2,000 years to the temples of Tamil Nadu. Originally performed as an act of devotion by temple dancers known as Devadasis, Bharatanatyam is often referred to as “yoga in motion". It uses a rich language of facial expressions, hand gestures, footwork and body movement to tell stories.

The word Bharatanatyam can be broken down like this:

• Bha – meaning emotion

• Ra – meaning melody

• Ta – meaning rhythm

• Natyam – the Sanskrit word for dance.

  
  

Every movement in Bharatanatyam carries meaning. It is rooted in storytelling, discipline, and spirituality. In the 20th century, it moved beyond temple rituals and onto the global stage, making it accessible to wider audiences while preserving its deep cultural significance.

What Happens in a Naya Rhythm Session?

Each Naya Rhythm session is two hours long and carefully structured to promote well-being, connection, and comfort, especially for women who may be new to dance or who have faced barriers to formal exercise before.

The session begins with 30 minutes set aside for informal socialising. This time allows participants to connect, build trust, and feel at ease in a relaxed environment before dancing begins. Creating a space that feels safe and welcoming helps establish a sense of comfort and community among the group.

Following this, dance artist Minoti leads a gentle warm-up and explains the importance of preparing the body for movement. Before the dance begins, a traditional Indian salutation is performed, offering thanks to the space, the teacher and the audience. This cultural practice helps to centre the group and honour the roots of Bharatanatyam.

Participants are gradually introduced to a new dance piece over the course of the 16-week programme. The learning is introduced in stages, starting with foundational footwork, then incorporating hand gestures, followed by facial expressions. Each movement is explained in context. For example, an arm movement might represent drawing a rainbow, while another gesture may symbolise picking petals and scattering them, allowing participants to understand the story behind the dance.

Sessions close with a cool-down and a repeat of the salutation, bringing the session full circle. Teaching methods are adapted to ensure accessibility for beginners and for those with varying physical abilities. Participants are encouraged to listen to their bodies and rest when needed. Alternatives are offered for movements that may be difficult due to injury or mobility challenges, and one-to-one support is available for those requiring additional guidance.

Why Bharatanatyam?

Bharatanatyam offers a unique combination of physical, emotional and cultural benefits. It strengthens the body through grounded stances and rhythmic movements that build balance, core strength and coordination, often without participants realising how much exercise they are doing. At the same time, it invites deep concentration, breath control, and full presence, helping to connect the mind, body and emotions.

This classical Indian dance form also allows space for creativity, storytelling, and joy. Expressive gestures and facial movements become powerful tools for exploring and releasing emotions, giving participants the opportunity to learn a meaningful art form while bringing their own personality into the dance. Each movement carries symbolism, like drawing a rainbow or scattering petals, making the experience both engaging and reflective.

For many women, particularly those seeking asylum, formal exercise spaces can feel inaccessible due to financial barriers, cultural differences, or lack of confidence. Bharatanatyam, delivered in a welcoming, women-only environment, transforms movement into a celebration of the body rather than a source of pressure or comparison. It provides a safe space to explore something new without expectation or judgment.

Learning in a group fosters connection and solidarity. Even when language differs, moving together creates a shared experience, one that helps build a sense of belonging and community. For some women, this may be their first time dancing this way, but the focus is never on getting it perfect, just engaging, expressing, and enjoying the journey.

Moments That Matter

While the movement itself is beautiful, what really stands out are the moments between the steps.

We’ve seen women from different countries, speaking different languages, laughing together, moving in sync, and forming friendships. In a time when so much of life can feel uncertain, the sessions offer space for relief, creativity and joy.

As one member of staff put it:

"It feels like a supportive space where women can escape life's worries"

How Naya Rhythm Supports Women Seeking Asylum

Naya Rhythm forms part of our ongoing commitment to supporting women seeking asylum, many of whom face immense challenges, including isolation, trauma, and the stress of living with uncertainty. Projects like this can offer more than just a break from daily pressures. They offer the chance to rebuild confidence, reclaim space in the body and connect with others in a joyful and meaningful way.

For women who may have experienced displacement, violence, or cultural loss, Bharatanatyam offers a form of expression that transcends language. Its rhythm, movement, and storytelling provide a space to explore identity, process emotion, and feel seen without the need to speak.

By creating a safe, supportive space where women can come together, move freely, and feel held by the group, Naya Rhythm offers more than a creative outlet; it becomes a source of healing, resilience and connection.

At its heart, this project is about more than dance. It’s about confidence. Expression. Joy. And most importantly, community.

With Thanks to Sport England and The National Lottery Players

We would like to thank Sport England and the National Lottery players for funding this project and making Naya Rhythm possible. This funding has enabled us to create a space where women seeking asylum can explore movement, build strength, and connect with one another in a supportive, empowering environment. This partnership has been vital in helping us deliver a programme that promotes physical activity, creativity, culture, and community.

We’re incredibly proud to be running Naya Rhythm and to witness the strength, spirit and creativity it brings to the women who take part.

The funding for Naya Rhythm runs until October 2025.