Intriduction to Indian Music at the Y!

Introduction to Indian Music at the Y!

My gurus Smt. Maheshwari Nagarajan and Smt. Vanitha Jayan of Nritya Kala Kendra, Ahmedabad have always told us that a knowledge and appreciation of music is critical for the study of Bharatanatyam. Amma and didi teach us nuances of music and how to accurately recite sollukattu (spoken rhythmic syllables). They also encourage us to listen to music of all kinds, and gain an ear for melody and rhythm. 

On November 9, musician, historian, and author Kamini Dandapani will come to the YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood for a lecture/demonstration on Indian music. The goal of this session is to demystify Carnatic music, and to learn how Carnatic music is related to Bharatanatyam. 

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A few images from the event: 

Images below (PC: Sloka Iyengar)

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Image below (PC: CS Rani)

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Images and video below: PC Marina Thomas

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Images and video below: PC Aravind Mallipudi

Some testimonials:

• "I had a wonderful time, and thank you for letting me know about it." 
• "Hi Sloka!  Great class with Kamini!  It was a good learning experience!😊  Thanks for the performance honoring my request (of you dancing to Kamini's music)! 😊 It’s very nice and we should do more of them in future! 😊" 
• From Kamini: "Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to share my love for Carnatic music today. I had such a blast. What a great community you have built up - it was truly heartwarming to see."
• "Thank you for the special opportunity you created for us. I loved it, and I loved that you demonstrated. I am always mesmerized by the rhythms that you can do with your body. I see it in the point of view of healing. I enjoyed my friend to attend, and she enjoyed the lecture as well. I felt a bit nostalgic about the ragas - I must learn more."
• "I really enjoyed Kamini's presentation and appreciate her depth and knowledge of Indian classical music and history, as well as your insights into the connection of music and Bharatanatyam. Thanks, Sloka!"
• "I love you. My heart sings when you dance."
• From a regular student: "Thank you for inviting Kamini, and for making this available for us." 
• "Thank- you, dear Sloka.  It was lovely to be with you again and to receive such an excellent introduction to South Indian music."