After being at the Baychester New York Public Library in Spring of 2024, I am so happy to partner with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (formerly known as the mid-Manhattan library) branch.
Below are a few images of the beautiful space and material from one of the sessions: 

Bharatanatyam as I am learning from my gurus requires immersion into many modalities of learning, understanding, and experiencing the world. Among other things, it is a study of pattern recognition and generation. The short video shows students at the YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood working on a pattern of movements with their feet and hands. One remarkable feature of the dance form is also the way in which these patterns can be layered on top of another to make complex pieces that can be learned in smaller modules. 

Bharatanatyam is also a study of words and their meaning. The slokam "Angikam Bhuvanam" mentions the word "aaharyam" meaning "adornment". In addition to its literal meaning of clothes and jewelry, it may also include a smile, sweet words, song, and one's character. A student offered the word "raiment" to describe this expanded sense of adornment. 

I am fortunate to learn from my gurus and at the same time, share this dance with students, placing me in the rich lineage of the tradition. 

I have written about Bharatanatyam being an excellent way to connect with the nature around us. While many forms of dance can do that, the lyricism of Bharatanatyam and the verses and poetry used make it an especially tangible way to do so. 
In the first verse, we describe the river made of droplets of water, bending with mischievous waves, the power of the river to rejuvenate and transform, and the eternal, ongoing nature of Narmada, but also all rivers. 
In verse two, we describe the life forms that are sustained by the river - small and big fish, crocodiles, turtles, egrets, and cranes. We describe the river Narmada as a place for pilgrimage. 
The song Narmada Ashtakam was composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya, and set to music by my teacher Smt. Nivedita ShivRaj of RagaChitra Fine Arts in the ragam Alarmagal. 
Learners are at the YM&YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood, ​
Video credit: Jeanette Shields 

One of my many fascinations is rivers - the lifeforms they sustain and nurture, the civilizations built around it, and their sheer power for change superimposed on their timelessness and continuity. Working on pieces like the Narmada ashtakam with participants at the YM&YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood reinforces the ways in which Bharatanatyam connects us to nature.
In this piece, we describe the river Narmada's mischievous waves, the capacity of all rivers for rejuvenation, and transformation. We talked about people going on pilgrimages, and leaners shared things like atonement, asking for forgiveness, or fulfilling a personal desire as reasons to go on a pilgrimage. One mentioned the "eternal and ongoing" nature of rivers, which was so beautiful, and another drew analogies to Yom Kippur - a festival that had just passed. 

The song Narmada Ashtakam was composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya, and set to music by my teacher Smt. Nivedita ShivRaj of RagaChitra Fine Arts in the ragam Alarmagal. 
Learners are at the YM&YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood, 
​Video credit: Jeanette Shields ​

The image shows how I use the written word to help learners grasp some nuances. You will see:

• The name of the river Narmada
• Saralivarsai (foundational notes in Carnatic music) written out 
• A map of India with the river Narmada