Bharatanatyam Workshop by Guru Rajee Narayan - 1st to 10th June, 2009

This summer, Takshashila Dance Academy, Navi Mumbai presented its students with a wonderful opportunity to learn from a great Guru. Thanks to the initiative and drive of its director, Gayatri Subramanian and her team of enthusiastic helpers, this learning process turned out to be a huge success.

Gayatri invited Guru Rajee to conduct a 10-day workshop for 15 of her bright, young students, at Yoga Vidya Niketan, where she regularly conducts her Bharatanatyam classes. There were two sessions daily, 10 to 11.30 am and 5 to 6.30 pm. Each session would be begin with Guruji’s lecture on the Natya Sastra. The students were provided with copies of Natya Sastra Mala, a textbook written by Guruji, giving the basics of the Natya Sastra.

After the lecture, Guruji would teach the young dancers a Varnam in Shankarabharanam, Karunai shaidida. Students of Nritya Geethanjali would attend the workshop each day, to assist Guruji. In a span of 10 days, the girls were able to learn this monumental piece, complete with intricate Jathi patterns and Sollukattus. The senior dancers also learnt a Tamil padam, Aduvum solluvaal. Guruji taught them the finer nuances of Abhinaya and how to bring out their deepest feelings with the flicker of an eyelash !

On the 11th of June, after 10 days of rigorous learning, Gayatri organized a grand finale – presentation of the two items by the students. She also felicitated Guru Rajee and invited Shri Sadashiv Nimbalkar, Founder-Director of Yoga Vidya Niketan to be the Guest of Honour. He graciously presented Certificates of Participation to the girls. The one hour presentation was thoroughly enjoyed by the participating dancers, as well as the audience of dance and music lovers.