Art and me - As I spent time thinking of this relationship - I realised that different art forms have helped me relish life, change lifestyle, reach people, get recognised and surprisingly even build stamina!
Before I get to talk about the most influential form Dance, I would like to recall a meeting with a very renowned Bharatanatyam Couple - This meeting made me realise that Dance and music are mutually influencing and encouraged me to learn classical music also.
Today while writing this article, I was also discussing with my family, the influence of Food and how I relish it, both as a food lover and a cook came up. The argument ended with a clear statement that Culinary skills is an Art and not Science. I agree that it does have a lot of influence on me as there are days when I decide to cook, spending a lot of energy, or crave for a dish that helps to elevate my thoughts.
Let me get to the most influencing art form - Bharathanatyan and what it has done to me. Dance has always been a part of my life as long as I can remember. At the age of 6, I shifted to India and was mesmerised by the beautiful art form of Bharatnatyam, which I started learning from the age of 7.
Learning the wonderful art form has changed my life in many ways, making me a better person. We all experience pressure from education, work, extra curricular activities and so much more. Every person finds their own means of relaxation. For me, a great diversion from the daily strenuous routine is dance. It's also my means of expressing my feelings. If I feel low, I put on a slow padam song and dance or if I feel super excited then I dance to the tune of a fast thillana.
Dance is also a great physical exercise which is highly required, particularly during these challenging times. Practicing tirelessly for performances, learning new items day in and day out has helped me build my stamina and also helped in staying calm.
Learning about Hindu mythology through bedtime stories narrated to me by grandparents is usual, but for me, bharatnatyam is my main source of learning about the various stories from our ancient scriptures. Each item that I learn has a story behind it that increases my knowledge about our magnificent past. When we read the Bhagavata Purana we might be able to understand a few parts, but when I play the role of any of the characters, I understand in depth about the story and its morals.
The margazhi season has always been my most favorite time of the year. Filled with dance, music and food…. What more could anybody want!!! The season is not just a time of joy but also a time for stress. Having to do solo and group performances week after week, along with submissions and studies for the upcoming exams, and trying to sneak into my schedule to watch other aspiring and performing artists, it is both physically and mentally stressful. However, this has helped me learn how to manage my time and thus handle the pressure.
Meeting with close family, extended family, friends and well wishers in today's world, needs a reason as everybody is always busy with their priorities. My dance performances have provided the platform for making these meetings happen. I make it a point to let everyone know that I have a performance and am very happy when so many of them come to see the performance and we also get to meet and greet as a family.
This art form has also given me an opportunity to get to know a lot of new people, not only those who learn dance with me but I also get an oppurtunity to meet the guests who have later become my good friends.
For me, dance class is my second home and my second family. I spend more time with my friends from dance class than with my friends from school and college, especially during the margazhi season. Bharatnatyam has taught me to enjoy and savour every moment of my life. After I started learning to dance, really small things gave me great happiness… like the slow smile my guru gives when I get something right, hot chai and biscuit breaks during practice, getting a precious GOOD from my teachers, the numerous jokes that only my friends and I understand, and last but not least, the complete relief and absolute bliss at the end of every performance!!!
So, how has dance influenced my life?? Well, I cannot imagine my life without dance.
