For me, Bharatanatyam has never been just a sequence of steps. It has always been a living conversation between rhythm, movement, and devotion. As a child growing up in India, I was immersed in this world from the very beginning. My earliest memories are not only of dance classes, but of the sound of the nattuvangam, the voice of the vocalist rising and falling with emotion, the steady heartbeat of the mridangam behind me. Music was never something I danced to - it was something I danced with.
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This was such a beautifully written and heartfelt piece. The way you described Bharatanatyam as a living, breathing dialogue truly moved me. Your journey from the vibrant musical world of India to teaching in Kenya was expressed with so much depth. Hiring trained musicians and singers from India whenever possible and collaborating with the Indian classical artists already living locally, can definitely help recreate that lost musical sensitivity you spoke about. Your dedication to keeping the soul of this art alive, even far from home, is truly inspiring. Absolutely loved reading this.
ReplyDeleteGenuine concern and clear articulation. Yes we miss musicality in dance
ReplyDeleteTrue - that is why when some Dancers perform, we feel a connection and when others do no matter how perfect they are in presentation something seems amiss. In a world overwhelmed by artificial intelligence, this natural tendency of the mind and heart to long for a connection is rather belittled.
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