Tuesday, 19 August 2025

Article - Finding my balance: A teen's journey through Bharatanatyam - Samyuktha Gopi Raj

As a 15-year-old growing up in a world of TikTok challenges, Instagram filters, and constant digital connectivity, I've found my center in an unexpected place - the art of Bharatanatyam. While my peers sweat it out at CrossFit or practice mindfulness through meditation apps, I've discovered that this classical Indian dance form offers a holistic approach to wellness that perfectly addresses our generation's needs. 

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22 comments:

  1. Samyuktha, I enjoyed reading this article from a GenZ perspective. Well written

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  2. Well written samyuktha. Very insightful and personal! Great writing style too. How has Bharatnatyam shaped you as a person?

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  3. Congratulations Samu πŸ‘πŸ½πŸ‘πŸ½
    Well written—an in depth analysis and very personalised πŸ‘πŸ½πŸ‘πŸ½really fantasticπŸ‘ŒπŸ½

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    1. Thanks for your encouragement

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  4. Well written. At 15,you are able to reflect on your thoughts and emotions,but most importantly you are able to interprete in words your experience as a student of Bharatanatyam.Your self awareness is phenomenal- to be able to understand the impact of Bharathanatyam on your emotional intelligence is great.πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

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    1. Thanks for your kind words

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  5. Samu, Beautifully written and presented . I am glad you are pursuing this art form and have a great awareness about the overall benefits at this young age. Keep up the good work.

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    1. Thanks for your encouragement

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  6. Dear Samyuktha,
    Your words are so heartfelt and inspiring!
    It’s wonderful to see how you’ve embraced Bharatanatyam as your way of finding balance amidst today’s digital distractions.
    At just 15, the maturity and clarity you’ve shown is truly admirable. Wishing you continued joy, learning, and fulfillment on this beautiful journey of dance. Keep shining always!

    Regards,
    Hari

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  7. Samu- Very well written and captures the essence of the traditional Indian dance form. The perseverance you have shown to continue the dance form has been impeccable.

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  8. Absolutely loved this article! Very well written and inspires generations ahead of the beauty of finding peace of mind in a fast paced world;

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  9. Lakshmi Srinivas20 August 2025 at 23:26

    Dear Samyukta!
    I am truly impressed with such lucid writing ,that too coming from a fifteen year old practicing dance student!
    Your article on the discipline required in classical Bharatanatyam dance was especially insightful. I appreciate your clear insight on how classical dance helps with holistic wellness.
    Keep up the magnificent work and I look forward to reading more of your wonderful work in future.
    Well done!
    Congrats and good luck!
    Keep shining dear one !

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  10. Very insightful and well articulated Samyuktha. All the best in your journey - keep dancing, keep writing!

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    1. Thank you for your kind words

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  11. Ramesh Subramanian21 August 2025 at 17:09

    Inspiring, insightful and articulate Samyuktha. My compliments to you and your guru for instilling in you a deep appreciation of Bharatanatyam at such a young age. I look forward to reading more such insights from you. Wishing you the very best.

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  12. This illustration complements your narrative beautifully.
    The poised posture and expressive gesture mirror your description of storytelling through every movement.Well done

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  13. Brinda Jayaraman21 August 2025 at 19:12

    Dear Samyukta,

    Your article is a beautiful blend of clarity, depth, and emotion—a rare and impressive achievement, especially at your age.
    You’ve captured so gracefully the contrast between today’s fast-paced, screen-driven world and the quiet strength of classical dance. It’s truly inspiring to see how deeply you connect with Bharatanatyam—not just as an art form, but as a source of balance, focus, and inner calm.
    What you’ve written goes far beyond dance. It’s a thoughtful reflection on identity, resilience, and growing up with intention.
    Keep writing, keep dancing, and most importantly, keep sharing your journey.

    With love and admiration,
    Brinda

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  14. Seethalakshmi Naganath
    Samyuktha is my granddaughter.At 15,her article is truly commendable for its insightful and heartfelt exploration of Bharatanatyam’s importance and the deep impact it has had in her life.
    At the outset,I would like to appreciate the beautiful artwork by Samyuktha.The painting captures a Bharatnatyam dancer in an elegant posture,showcasing graceful footwork and expressive hand gestures that symbolise the harmony between dance movements,physical fitness and exercise.
    In this article,she has beautifully highlighted how Bharatnayam is much more than just a dance form—it is a holistic practice that nurtures physical health,mental clarity and emotional growth for GenZ.Her writing reflects keen self awareness and maturity,drawing from personal experience to make the classical art form feel both relevant and accessible.She has efficiently demonstrated that in this age of social media and constant digital connectivity,which cause distraction in focus and concentration in her GenZ,this art form has the potential solution for contemporary challenges.Her narrative is very inspiring, and easy to relate,helping readers to get a glimpse of how Bharatnatyam can enrich their own lives.
    I am very proud of my granddaughter,Samyuktha.
    I was fortunate to accompany her to some of her dance sessions with her guru,and I was truly impressed by her dedication.She is deeply committed not only during her sessions with her guru but also in the practice she puts in at home.Her passion and perseverance are truly inspiring.
    Seethalakshmi Naganath

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  15. Annam Venkatraman3 September 2025 at 00:44

    ' Dance is the hidden language of the soul ! ' - it blends music, expression and rhythm '.

    Your article eloquently addresses the cultural context with contemporary relevance and the connection to the rasas, Indian heritage and mythology are indeed praiseworthy!

    The article portrays and intertwines Dance, Devotion and Divinity - the ' Dancer with the Divine '.

    The article written with so much clarity and passion was a delight to read , dear Samyukta! Looking forward to yet another !

    Your illustration highlights the Caption !

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