Staging BHARATANATYAM MARGAM by NIB

We are NIB - Natya Initiative Berlin — a collective of Classical Indian Dancers committed to building a vibrant, artist-led space for Classical Indian Dance Theatre in Berlin.

On October 11, 2025, we will stage a full-length Bharatanatyam Margam — a traditional repertoire brought to life by 9 Berlin-based dancers. To make this ambitious project possible, we need your support.

Bharathanatyam Margam by NIB

About the project

The Margam is a classical Bharatanatyam performance format — a structured progression through rhythm, form, and expression. It demands not only technical precision but also collective cohesion, emotional clarity, and deep artistic trust.

Bringing these dancers together for such a production — all of whom come from different backgrounds and are based in Berlin — is a rare and significant undertaking. It involves intensive rehearsals, space coordination, music preparation, costuming, lighting design, and compensation for everyone involved.

This Margam is a continuation of NIB’s commitment to presence, excellence, and community in the field of Classical Indian Dance Theatre.

About NIB – Natya Initiative Berlin

NIB is a platform for Classical Indian Dance Theatre (Natyam) of younger-generation artists in Berlin, celebrating artistic excellence.

We are committed to a perspective of diversity, mutual respect, open-mindedness, and collaboration as we work toward building a visible and sustainable Indian classical dance presence in Berlin.

Our mission is to:

Foster a dynamic Natyam scene in Berlin

Support each other’s artistic growth

Share our work with expanding and diverse audiences

Create space for dialogue, rigour, and care

We realize this through collaborative performances, workshops, and community events that prioritize the needs of artists and reflect the complexity of our backgrounds, practices, and intentions.

NIB was founded by Sri Lavanya Subramaniam, Shebana Devi Mangold , and Eva Isolde Balzer— three performers and teachers with differing artistic lineages, united by a shared dedication to Classical Indian Dance Theatre.

Why We Need Your Support

This performance is being produced independently, with no institutional funding. As a self-organized initiative, your contribution helps us cover essential costs, including:

Studio rental and rehearsal space

Technical crew and stage production

Costumes, make-up, and accessories

Compensation for dancers

Documentation (photo and video)

Publicity and outreach

Every contribution — big or small — makes a direct difference in making this work possible.

We are deeply grateful for any support you can offer — every contribution, big or small, helps bring this Margam to life.

Please note, that no gifts, sweepstakes, giveaways, or promotions are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe.