My earliest memory of dance class is watching the clock on a Saturday evening, dressed in all-white, being led right across the road to my school hall. I was around five years old then. Now, pursuing a law degree, on the threshold of my career, I wonder how 'dance class' became a part of my identity and my life.

In Aunty's class, learning was not limited only to dance steps. It expanded to include Music and Talam. Mythological stories, little anecdotes, history of dance, music, talam, of the very origins, made our experience and our learning more meaningful, priceless. Be it a big public programme or a private affair, we all got a fair chance to perform on stage. Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Shanmukhananda, Nehru Centre, temples, my school, SIES High School, SIES College, Government Law College, Chinmaya Ashram or at Maharashtra State Level competitions, I was given a chance to participate and experience the thrill...

My life holds many pleasures; from my great and wonderful family to worthy friends, a passion for reading, enjoyment for music and as a member of CHYK (Chinmaya Yuva Kendra). But I shall always be indebted to Aunty for the great joy of dance, Bharatanatyam, which makes my living complete.

Jenna Narayan
jenna.narayan@gmail.com