'Regatta' which means a boat race, seems an unlikely name for a dance academy-but delve a little, and a beautiful connection becomes apparent. In the words of Girija Chandran, "The organisation was originally known as Regatta Cultural Society, registered under the Social Welfare Board - one that my father started with the aim of empowering women and making them self-sufficient. This was around the time that the Nehru Trophy boat race was in the limelight and a relative of ours suggested the name 'Regatta' as it implied movement forward - something that perfectly reflected the spirit of the organisation".
Initially dance was only one of the activities of the society, while training in book-binding, typewriting etc., gave wings to many women. Over the years the focus came to rest on dance, with Girija's keen interest. Soon Regatta came to be synonymous with the dance school whose students and presentations won the applause of many an audience.
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A WELL DESERVING TRIBUTE .KUDOS TO NARTHAKI A FORUM THAT DESERVES BIG APPLAUD FOR EXPOSING SUCH GREAT PERSONALITIES. SPECIAL APPRECIATION TO THE WRITOR AMBILI FOR HER LUCIS LANGUAGE
ReplyDeleteA very well written article and apt write up for a strong lady by Ambili Ramnath. Smt.Girija Chandran, a person who was eligible for a Bank job, gave up the cushy job and opted to come into a field where there was uncertainty. She worked hard to create one of the premier Natya institutes in Kerala through sheer determination and hard work. She has produced students who are all over the globe. The 50th year long celebrations comes to a finale in December 2022 with performances by students from all over the world as well as prominent performers in the field of Natya. Wishing Girija teacher and the whole team all the very best.
ReplyDeleteSuresh Kumar Sridharan
(Senior Disciple of Padmabushan V.P and Smt.Shanta Dhananjayan and faculty member(Bharatanatyam) at Regatta Sangeeta Kendra, Thiruvananthapuram.
Email:- suraanjali@yahoo.co.in)
Ambili Ramanath has written a well - researched tribute with facts and interesting facets of a sincere guru, who has striven hard for decades. Having known guru Girija Chandran for 2 decades now, I feel she is genuine lover or art and truly an upasak of Saraswati . In Madhavi, she has a good continuity and both serve the cause of art, very well. A national award is due!
ReplyDeleteThe strong and inspiring woman who made artists across the globe, marking 50 years of expertise in the field. So proud be the disciple of this personality-OUR GURU!
ReplyDelete👌👌👌👌 mam
ReplyDeleteThe strong and inspiring woman who made artists across the globe, marking 50 years of expertise in the field. So proud be the disciple of this great personality-OUR GURU!
ReplyDeletePranamams to my dear Guru Girija Chandran! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 Girija teacher is a MahaGuru , indeed a teacher of teachers!
ReplyDeleteIt is her total dedication to Natya Sasthra and strict discipline in all aspects of dance that has made her a great Guru and Regatta one of the leading Dance schools in India . Congratulations for Regatta on reaching the mile stone of half a century!🙏🏼🙏🏼
I was fortunate to receive Girija teacher’s Blessings and learn Mohiniyattom under her watchful eyes! She encouraged older ladies with interest in dance to resume and sharpen their talents and provided a stage for them - “Grihanayika “ .This way Guru Girija Chandran was giving fresh wings to many home makers and career women!
May Devi Mookambika’s Blessings be showered on Guru Girija Chandran and bring her and Regatta school greater accolades!🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Regatta family stands proud together as we all come together to celebrate 50 years. I still remember the pomp and splendour with which we celebrated 25th anniversary and it just feels like yesterday. Teacher has groomed so many of us. Her home and heart were always open to the ones thirsty for knowledge. Growing up Regatta was my second home, where I found solace in dance. She has been my mentor and guide all through my life. Words fall short to explain the love, gratitude and regards that I hold. Wishing Teacher and Chikku, the best of luck! I look forward to the grand celebration of dance, love and passion!!! Thanks for the beautiful article!
ReplyDeleteSorry forgot to add my name! Divya Reghunathan.
Delete50 years of Regatta's journey is the story of Girija teacher's surrendering and commitment to the art form-dance. Somehow it is my story too. I was one of the first students of Regatta, and naturally it became my second home and my family. The dance she planted in me is still there in my soul. For me it wasn’t only dance school but a personality developing centre too. I still remember how I used to get best student for academics in Regatta Annual day functions.
ReplyDeleteGirija teacher’s vision of a Centre for dance forms, now completing 50 golden years and standing tall and proud. I can keep on writing 5million word about Girija teacher, her achievements, her success, her sacrifices and her everlasting determination. Let she and her school shine brighter, and let many more souls blessed with her gift of teaching.
Very well written article about an inspiring personality and her amazing contributions to art and artists ! Though a relatively new student of hers , I hold utmost love and respect for Girija teacher 🙏🏽. May God bless her with good health and long life !
ReplyDeleteTruly legendary! Congratulations on 50 glorious years and here's to many more🙏.
ReplyDeleteMore than a decade of being her student and she has taught me lessons that I am using in so many areas of my life along with dance. Thank you dear teacher. Proud to be your student ❤️
Very apt article about Guru Girija Chandran,Really proud and that both my children are learning not only dance but much more than that.Looking forward for the 50th anniversary celebrations. Thank you teacher and chikku for everything .proud to be a part of Regatta.
ReplyDeleteSreeja
A well written article about my beloved teacher and a truly visionary woman. I had the privilege to learn from this legendary guru for over a decade and the learnings from Regatta continue to be my guiding light in not just arts but in many walks of life. Congratulations on the 50th anniversary and best wishes for many more!
ReplyDeleteGirija Teacher - The ultimate Guru - I have been blessed to be a disciple of Guru Girija Chandran of Regatta Dance Academy , for the past 7 years and I am immensely happy that I could be a part of her tutelage . These past 7 years has been a memorable and passionate journey for the artist in me and am very sure that whoever is a disciple of Girija Teacher would give a similar response . The discipline and knowledge which she instills in each student is so profound that it becomes a part and parcel of your daily life . Kudos to Girija Teacher and Madhavi for bringing Regatta a pioneering Institute of Dance and Culture , all the very best to all the Regattians for conducting the 50 th year and am so proud to be a part of the endeavour
ReplyDeleteSreelekha Dinesh
sreelekhadinesh9@gmail.com
I am feeling overwhelmed reading the article about my dearest teacher. Haven’t seen such a passionate, dedicated, sincere, true lover of dance. Her classes brought a new light to my vision of dance. She transfers her positive energy to her students. Talking to her for 2 minutes itself i feel refreshed. Both theory and practical classes are amazing. Regatta Natya sangeeta kendra is an institute where a student can learn not only dance but also good values in life. Madhavi,a talented, wonderful dancer and choreographer is a strong pillar of Regatta along with girija teacher. Girija teacher is like a mother who scolds, advice, cares and loves her students. I am proud of my mentor and guru - my dear Girija teacher🙏
ReplyDelete