Bharatanatyam as a study of patterns and wordsBharatanatyam 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.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorMy name is Sloka. I am a neuroscientist and dancer; you can find more about me here. Archives
October 2024
|