Article - From Aramandi to Allegro: How Bharatanatyam built my dance foundation - Samyuktha Gopi Raj

I was five when I first stepped into my guru's studio in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles County, my tiny feet learning the basic tattadavu. Nine years later, these foundational rhythmic patterns would become my secret weapon across all dance forms.

In those early classes, even the simplest sollukattu felt like trying to speak a new language. Now, in World Dance class at the Buckley School, Sherman Oaks, CA as we all work through complex beats together, I find myself quietly drawing strength from years of practicing tisram patterns, grateful for this foundation that helps me understand new rhythms. When working through the World Dance choreography, I silently thanked my guru for the years of rhythmic training that helped me understand these new patterns.

 

Read more in the site

Please type your name along with your comment. Anonymous and derogatory comments are likely to be removed.

Mozartayana: Column by Janaki Patrik

The title of India's great epic RAMAYANA includes the Sanskrit suffix -ayana. Literally translated, "Ayana" (अयन) refers to time periods -- the passage of the sun through the zodiac. Therefore, loosely translated, Ramayana means "The travels of Ram [through] time."

Linguistically improvising on the Sanskrit root "Ayana", I created the title MOZARTAYANA - The Travels of Mozart. It premiered on 28 July 2012 at the City University of New York, Baruch College, Manhattan campus. The title refers to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's travels. During his tragically short lifetime (1756 to 1791), Mozart traveled extensively in Europe, concertizing, playing his own and others' compositions, improvising and composing masterpieces.

 

Read more in the site

Please type your name along with your comment. Anonymous and derogatory comments are likely to be removed.

Impressive dance recitals across Delhi - Taalam: column by Leela Venkataraman

- WINSOME ODISSI AND KATHAK FEATURED IN BHARATIYA VIDYA BHAVAN'S 17TH SANGEET SAMAROH

- SPIRITED KATHAK

- DOUBLE DELIGHT IN DOUBLE BILL CONCERT

- DELIGHTFUL MOHINIATTAM

- KAMADAHANAM KOODIYATTAM BY MARGI MADHU

- YOUNGSTERS PERFORM TO THE MAGICAL SHEEN OF NEW IDEAS

- SOMA CATCHES THE MAGIC OF A MOONLIT NIGHT

- OBEISANCE TO THE GURU

Read in the site

Please type your name along with your comment. Anonymous and derogatory comments are likely to be removed.

Anita says...December 2025

The month of November has gone by and we are at the end of the year!

It's December and all of India is buzzing with so much dance, theatre, music, visual art, installation and outdoor events - this is really the time to be in this country. Not just Chennai, but every city is dressed up and throbbing with multiple events every single day.

For dancers, it feels like we need a 360 degree spiral of our head on a stick. Everywhere we turn there are performances and premieres. Festivals, conclaves, conferences - name them whatever you choose to but the energy is there - vibrant and hopeful. It is a wonderful time to be a young and ambitious dancer. So many opportunities and so many openings for collaborations and cross cultural understanding. It is totally up to the individual artiste to seize the moment.

Read more in the site

Please type your name along with your comment. Anonymous and derogatory comments are likely to be removed.