My Bharatanatayam Journey

At the end of September 2021, I started doing dance as an artform at the age of 21. You might wonder why Bharatanatyam.

It all started when me and my mother were sitting down on the floor for lunch. Suddenly this thought popped into my mind: I am doing many art forms and everything I do first takes a form in my mind an then it is executed. Basically, all art forms are so called “mental” art forms. I wanted to find a way to express myself physically. I was also looking to become fit. We then started discussing which dance forms were likely to interest me the most. She also suggested that I take up a classical dance like Bharatanatyam. We visited my current dance teacher to talk about the artform. The way my teacher moved with grace and the way she spoke to us convinced me to join and learn it.

Since I already had (and still have) so much on my plate, the big question was how I could fit in practice. I then tried the art form for a month. If I was still interested and I had the time to practice, I could join permanently. So I made it a point to practice regularly and to pay attention in class. To my surprise, I found that I enjoyed the classes very much. At first, I saw it as a way to exercise, but now it is a proper art form for me and I am trying to integrate regular exercise on a daily basis apart from regular practice.

In the beginning I found it a little difficult to follow the moves as my body was not used to sitting in an aramandi (squat) and as I was dancing for the first time.

I started with the Tattadavu (tapping the feet in place) and I tried to follow my seniors. My teacher sent me videos. I watched those and observed how to do the steps properly. With practice, it became easier for me.

Nattadavu was more fun to learn since it also involved using the hands. It was also the stage where one would begin to dance.

I realized that with each new adavu that I learnt, my passion and interest for dance increased. I am now very fascinated with this dance and I find myself wanting to learn more and more as I progress. Hopefully one day, I will be able to dance on stage with a dance costume. Maybe this hobby of mine may turn into something more. Who knows? Only time will tell. One day I may look back at this moment and I may write about the experiences I had on stage and write about the tremendous progress I made.