Creating the foundation to use Bharatanatyam for creative aging
To make sure people of all backgrounds are included in my classes, I use a variety of techniques; one is to adapt steps that are usually done in the "half-sitting" (Aramandi) position to be done seated on a chair, standing up, or even with just hands.
In the image on the left, you can see an adavu (a sequence of movements) that I have adapted to be done with one's hands only.
I have started formalizing and systematizing this work in the form of short written pieces that you can find here. Testimonials about this work can be found here!
To make sure people of all backgrounds are included in my classes, I use a variety of techniques; one is to adapt steps that are usually done in the "half-sitting" (Aramandi) position to be done seated on a chair, standing up, or even with just hands.
In the image on the left, you can see an adavu (a sequence of movements) that I have adapted to be done with one's hands only.
I have started formalizing and systematizing this work in the form of short written pieces that you can find here. Testimonials about this work can be found here!
Top image: Naatadavu #3 adapted to be done just with hands
The Memory Tree (Friday Creative Arts Series)
August 2023: NYC-based classical flutist Zara Lawler and I will be collaborating to bring an hour of flute music and movement to participants at The Memory Tree. We will talk about mythology and visual art related to the flute and its sounds, inspiring us to move together with the music of the flute
August 2023: NYC-based classical flutist Zara Lawler and I will be collaborating to bring an hour of flute music and movement to participants at The Memory Tree. We will talk about mythology and visual art related to the flute and its sounds, inspiring us to move together with the music of the flute
Series of workshops at India Home
July and August 2023: I am back at India Home to conduct several Bharatanatyam sessions. The mission of India home is to " to improve the quality of life of South Asian older adults through culturally appropriate social services". This time, we are learning a Padam together.
July and August 2023: I am back at India Home to conduct several Bharatanatyam sessions. The mission of India home is to " to improve the quality of life of South Asian older adults through culturally appropriate social services". This time, we are learning a Padam together.
Program coordinator: The Memory Tree
May 2023 to present: Program coordinator for those with early dementias at The Memory Tree. The Memory Tree is "NYC's first program solely devoted to people with mild memory problems and early stage Alzheimer's disease." Sessions include memory aerobics, literary expression, art and perception, musical journeys, in the news (current affairs), and chair yoga.
May 2023 to present: Program coordinator for those with early dementias at The Memory Tree. The Memory Tree is "NYC's first program solely devoted to people with mild memory problems and early stage Alzheimer's disease." Sessions include memory aerobics, literary expression, art and perception, musical journeys, in the news (current affairs), and chair yoga.
Arts for the Aging
May 2023 to present: Trainee (in a probationary role currently) Arts for the Aging Teaching Artist faculty. The mission of Arts for the Aging is to "engage older adults and caregivers with diverse abilities and backgrounds in health improvement and life enhancement through regular participation in the multidisciplinary arts."
May 2023 to present: Trainee (in a probationary role currently) Arts for the Aging Teaching Artist faculty. The mission of Arts for the Aging is to "engage older adults and caregivers with diverse abilities and backgrounds in health improvement and life enhancement through regular participation in the multidisciplinary arts."
- August 2023: Presented at the Teaching Artist spotlight series. The goal of this session is to have teaching artists collaborate and build relationships with each other.
comMotion
February 2023 to present: Consultant on developing and delivering a program for veterans with PTSD and/or TBI that will have measurable benefits for the participants. Executed by September 2023. comMotion aims to build community and wellbeing through adaptive and inclusive movement".
February 2023 to present: Consultant on developing and delivering a program for veterans with PTSD and/or TBI that will have measurable benefits for the participants. Executed by September 2023. comMotion aims to build community and wellbeing through adaptive and inclusive movement".
Teaching artist with Su-Casa
February to June 2023: Awarded a fellowship as a teaching artist with Su-Casa, a community arts engagement program that places artists and organizations at senior centers. This fellowship is awarded by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC). I was matched with the senior center at STAR Older Adult Center in Washington Heights. The title of my program is "Katha" (storytelling through dance)". A list of all the teaching artists for 2023 can be found here.
SU-CASA is a community arts engagement program that places artists and organizations at senior centers across the five boroughs of New York City. This year’s SU-CASA residencies will provide free, accessible arts experiences for older adults at 30 senior centers across Manhattan from now through June. In partnership with each senior center, SU-CASA artists will
design and deliver unique programs that promote creativity, story-telling, and overall well-being through hands-on arts projects and instruction.
I will start the series of workshops at SYAR Older Adult Center with a performance on March 1 2023. A few images and videos from March 1 are below (Photo and video credit: Stephany Cruz).
February to June 2023: Awarded a fellowship as a teaching artist with Su-Casa, a community arts engagement program that places artists and organizations at senior centers. This fellowship is awarded by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC). I was matched with the senior center at STAR Older Adult Center in Washington Heights. The title of my program is "Katha" (storytelling through dance)". A list of all the teaching artists for 2023 can be found here.
SU-CASA is a community arts engagement program that places artists and organizations at senior centers across the five boroughs of New York City. This year’s SU-CASA residencies will provide free, accessible arts experiences for older adults at 30 senior centers across Manhattan from now through June. In partnership with each senior center, SU-CASA artists will
design and deliver unique programs that promote creativity, story-telling, and overall well-being through hands-on arts projects and instruction.
I will start the series of workshops at SYAR Older Adult Center with a performance on March 1 2023. A few images and videos from March 1 are below (Photo and video credit: Stephany Cruz).
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In June 2023, I finished the 2023 Su-Casa residency, and below are a few images and videos from that event:
(PC: Stephany Cruz)
(PC: Stephany Cruz)
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Series of workshops at Center on the Square
April - June 2023: I facilitated a Bharatanatyam workshop for older adults at the Older Adult Center at Center on the Square. The center offers "social, educational, physical and cultural programs to engage members, promote healthy and active lifestyles, and most importantly, support the members of our Older Adult community throughout our multiple locations in Manhattan. These programs are free for all adults 60+, all you need to do is register online or in person at one of our centers."
A dance participant's testimonial was "Wonderful. The instructor is very skilled as a dancer and a teacher.”
April - June 2023: I facilitated a Bharatanatyam workshop for older adults at the Older Adult Center at Center on the Square. The center offers "social, educational, physical and cultural programs to engage members, promote healthy and active lifestyles, and most importantly, support the members of our Older Adult community throughout our multiple locations in Manhattan. These programs are free for all adults 60+, all you need to do is register online or in person at one of our centers."
A dance participant's testimonial was "Wonderful. The instructor is very skilled as a dancer and a teacher.”
Series of workshops at India Home
April and May 2023: I will facilitate a Bharatanatyam workshop for older adults at India Home. The mission of India home is to " to improve the quality of life of South Asian older adults through culturally appropriate social services". A short reel of one of our practice sessions can be found here.
Below are some of the class recordings:
April and May 2023: I will facilitate a Bharatanatyam workshop for older adults at India Home. The mission of India home is to " to improve the quality of life of South Asian older adults through culturally appropriate social services". A short reel of one of our practice sessions can be found here.
Below are some of the class recordings:
- April 4, 2023 class: link here
- April 11, 2023 class: link here
- April 18, 2023 class: link here
- April 25, 2023 class: link here
Series of workshops at Hudson Guild Older Adult Center
April 2023: I will facilitate a Bharatanatyam workshop for older adults at the Hudson Guild Older Adult Center in NYC. The goal of Hudson Guild is to "create and sustain a strong, effective community that acknowledges and responds to the potential, achievements and interdependence of its diverse members. Rooted in and primarily focused on the Chelsea neighborhood, we seek to empower all individuals and families to achieve their highest potential, while maintaining a priority focus on those in economic need."
April 2023: I will facilitate a Bharatanatyam workshop for older adults at the Hudson Guild Older Adult Center in NYC. The goal of Hudson Guild is to "create and sustain a strong, effective community that acknowledges and responds to the potential, achievements and interdependence of its diverse members. Rooted in and primarily focused on the Chelsea neighborhood, we seek to empower all individuals and families to achieve their highest potential, while maintaining a priority focus on those in economic need."
Series of workshops at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House
March 2023: I will facilitate a Bharatanatyam workshop for older adults at the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House in NYC as part of the Intercultural Festival. The event was presented by The Center @ Lenox Hill Neighborhood House and the Older Adult Center @ Saint Peter’s Church.
May 2023: I will facilitate four Bharatanatyam sessions for older adults at the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House in NYC. These sessions will culminate in a showcase in June 2023.
March 2023: I will facilitate a Bharatanatyam workshop for older adults at the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House in NYC as part of the Intercultural Festival. The event was presented by The Center @ Lenox Hill Neighborhood House and the Older Adult Center @ Saint Peter’s Church.
May 2023: I will facilitate four Bharatanatyam sessions for older adults at the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House in NYC. These sessions will culminate in a showcase in June 2023.
Central Florida Lewy Body
April 2023: Bringing my Bharatanatyam for creative aging program for people with Lewy Body and their caregivers at the Central Florida Lewy Body organization. Central Florida Lewy Body "provides people living with Lewy Body Dementia and their care partners and families with support, education, and resources while building relationships with healthcare professionals to foster early diagnosis and treatment."
April 2023: Bringing my Bharatanatyam for creative aging program for people with Lewy Body and their caregivers at the Central Florida Lewy Body organization. Central Florida Lewy Body "provides people living with Lewy Body Dementia and their care partners and families with support, education, and resources while building relationships with healthcare professionals to foster early diagnosis and treatment."
Sirovich center for balanced living
March 2023: Educational Alliance’s Sirovich Center for Balanced Living makes aging in New York City easier—and fun! I brought Creatures on the Move to the Sirovich Center for Balanced Living for Brain Awareness Week 2023. Inspired by the movement diversity of animals, whether it’s the sinuous movement of a snake, a raptor soaring in the sky, or a leaping squirrel, the study of animal movement is filled with joy, wonder, and delight. The workshop brings my love of neuroscience and creative aging, and is titled "Creatures on the Move: Exploring Animals Through Neuroscience." A link to the event can be found here. This program is part of a bigger initiative called "Healthy Brain, Healthy You".
A few pictures and videos from the event can be found below (picture and video credit: Jaci Hirschfeld)
March 2023: Educational Alliance’s Sirovich Center for Balanced Living makes aging in New York City easier—and fun! I brought Creatures on the Move to the Sirovich Center for Balanced Living for Brain Awareness Week 2023. Inspired by the movement diversity of animals, whether it’s the sinuous movement of a snake, a raptor soaring in the sky, or a leaping squirrel, the study of animal movement is filled with joy, wonder, and delight. The workshop brings my love of neuroscience and creative aging, and is titled "Creatures on the Move: Exploring Animals Through Neuroscience." A link to the event can be found here. This program is part of a bigger initiative called "Healthy Brain, Healthy You".
A few pictures and videos from the event can be found below (picture and video credit: Jaci Hirschfeld)
Encore Community Services
February - present: Bringing my Bharatanatyam for creative aging program for older adults at Encore Community Services. Encore "provides seniors with a range of caring and quality services to help them live independent and dignified lives."
February - present: Bringing my Bharatanatyam for creative aging program for older adults at Encore Community Services. Encore "provides seniors with a range of caring and quality services to help them live independent and dignified lives."
The Memory Tree (Friday Creative Arts Series)
February and April 2023: Bringing my Bharatanatyam for creative aging program for people with dementias at The Memory Tree. The Memory Tree is "NYC's first program solely devoted to people with mild memory problems and early stage Alzheimer's disease."
February and April 2023: Bringing my Bharatanatyam for creative aging program for people with dementias at The Memory Tree. The Memory Tree is "NYC's first program solely devoted to people with mild memory problems and early stage Alzheimer's disease."
Indian classical dance for seniors and for caregivers at Presbyterian Senior Services (PSS)
January and February 2023: I will facilitate four online Bharatanatyam sessions for seniors and caregivers at Presbyterian Senior Services (PSS).
January and February 2023: I will facilitate four online Bharatanatyam sessions for seniors and caregivers at Presbyterian Senior Services (PSS).
Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias Family Support Program at NYU
March 2023: I brought my Bharatanatyam for creative aging program to the Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias Family Support Program at NYU. The program director Ann Burgunder mentioned: "Huge thanks for a wonderful program. I began the program doing the movement with you, but then I turned to watching everyone. The whole group was so engaged in the movement and the music and your singing. It was lovely to feel the calmness that you brought to each person. You opened up imaginations and memories." For testimonials from others on my creative aging work, check out this page.
March 2023: I brought my Bharatanatyam for creative aging program to the Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias Family Support Program at NYU. The program director Ann Burgunder mentioned: "Huge thanks for a wonderful program. I began the program doing the movement with you, but then I turned to watching everyone. The whole group was so engaged in the movement and the music and your singing. It was lovely to feel the calmness that you brought to each person. You opened up imaginations and memories." For testimonials from others on my creative aging work, check out this page.
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Workshop at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House
January 2023: I facilitated a Bharatanatyam workshop for older adults at the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House in NYC. On the top are some pictures and to the side is a video where I am working with dancers on the poem "Mooshika Vahana" on Lord Ganesa. Picture and video credit: Jessica Leylavergne |
Member, NGO Committee on Ageing, NY.
November 2022 - present: Member of NGO Committee on Ageing, NY. "The NGO Committee on Ageing, NY works to raise world awareness of the opportunities and challenges of global ageing. The Committee advocates within the United Nations community to further integrate ageing in UN policies and programs."
November 2022 - present: Member of NGO Committee on Ageing, NY. "The NGO Committee on Ageing, NY works to raise world awareness of the opportunities and challenges of global ageing. The Committee advocates within the United Nations community to further integrate ageing in UN policies and programs."
"If Not Us, Then Who? The Arts, Healthcare & Wellbeing"
November 2022: In this panel discussion with Hidden Truths Project's founder Dr. Julie Thompson-Dobkin and Cynthia Perlis, director of the UCSF Art for Recovery program, I will talk about my the role of arts as a part of holistic approach to healthcare. More about this event can be found here, and its recording can be found here.
November 2022: In this panel discussion with Hidden Truths Project's founder Dr. Julie Thompson-Dobkin and Cynthia Perlis, director of the UCSF Art for Recovery program, I will talk about my the role of arts as a part of holistic approach to healthcare. More about this event can be found here, and its recording can be found here.
Dance as Medicine: The Science and Practice of Sloka Iyengar; Workshop, Public Program
October 2022: I will share some dance first, and then explore the movement stylings that I have used in my creative aging sessions at various organizations. Once the participants have worked with our bodies, they will settle in for a thought-provoking interview regarding my work as a scientist, and arts and health practitioner. This workshop is part of The Creative Center Training Institute October 2022.
October 2022: I will share some dance first, and then explore the movement stylings that I have used in my creative aging sessions at various organizations. Once the participants have worked with our bodies, they will settle in for a thought-provoking interview regarding my work as a scientist, and arts and health practitioner. This workshop is part of The Creative Center Training Institute October 2022.
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Goddard Riverside NORCs (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities)
October 2022 - February 2023: I am facilitating creative aging sessions for individuals that are aging-in-place at the Goddard Riverside communities in NYC. Photo credit: Manon Manavit I am bringing these sessions at Goddard Riverside again from March 2023 - June 2023. |
Block party at the Y
September 2022: I will be facilitating a session for the Block Party for participants at the Center for Adults Living Well @ the Y. A few pictures and a video from the block party where I am working on an adavu sequence with seniors is below (photo and video credit: Padma Narayan).
September 2022: I will be facilitating a session for the Block Party for participants at the Center for Adults Living Well @ the Y. A few pictures and a video from the block party where I am working on an adavu sequence with seniors is below (photo and video credit: Padma Narayan).
Assistant Teaching Artist; Dance for PD
August 2022 - present: I am working as assistant teaching artist for a Dance for PD hybrid class at the Mark Morris Dance Center in Brooklyn.
August 2022 - present: I am working as assistant teaching artist for a Dance for PD hybrid class at the Mark Morris Dance Center in Brooklyn.
An open session for seniors at the RING Garden
August 2022: In an hour-long session for seniors, I am planing on starting with a warmup, go through some movement patterns of Bharatanatyam and then take a look at how emotions can be portrayed on stage. The session will end with a cooldown and reflections.
Some pictures from this session are below.
August 2022: In an hour-long session for seniors, I am planing on starting with a warmup, go through some movement patterns of Bharatanatyam and then take a look at how emotions can be portrayed on stage. The session will end with a cooldown and reflections.
Some pictures from this session are below.
Center for Adults Living Well @ the Y
July and August 2022: An “Innovative Senior Center” (ISC) funded by the New York City Department for the Aging (NYC DFTA), the Center for Adults Living Well @ the Y (CALW) is Northern Manhattan’s place for adults 60 and better to enjoy social engagement, meals, and dining, while accessing benefits and entitlements assistance. In July 2022, I will be offering a series of Bharatanatyam sessions to seniors.
A short snippet of the session at CALW can be found here. Video credit: Tom Frambach.
July and August 2022: An “Innovative Senior Center” (ISC) funded by the New York City Department for the Aging (NYC DFTA), the Center for Adults Living Well @ the Y (CALW) is Northern Manhattan’s place for adults 60 and better to enjoy social engagement, meals, and dining, while accessing benefits and entitlements assistance. In July 2022, I will be offering a series of Bharatanatyam sessions to seniors.
A short snippet of the session at CALW can be found here. Video credit: Tom Frambach.
Showing gestures seated to participants at the YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood.
Photo credit: Padma Narayanan.
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Working with participants at the YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood on Bharatanatyam movement patterns. Photo credit: Padma Narayanan.
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Awarded the Aseemkala Choreography Fellowship 2022-2023
August 2022 - June 2023: The Aseemkala Initiative aims to provide a platform for ideas, dialogue, and creativity using traditional arts and dance to address issues of health inequity in healthcare. Through this fellowship, I will explore age and aging through Bharatanatyam. I will express these themes: dancing with an aging body, losing one’s memory, losing one’s friends, the subtle but sure ways senior citizens are treated with almost-contempt, the gradual exclusion from society, and the infantilization of senior citizens. The message is positive as well, with an enhanced wisdom and experience that age brings. Here is a description of my proposal.
August 2022 - June 2023: The Aseemkala Initiative aims to provide a platform for ideas, dialogue, and creativity using traditional arts and dance to address issues of health inequity in healthcare. Through this fellowship, I will explore age and aging through Bharatanatyam. I will express these themes: dancing with an aging body, losing one’s memory, losing one’s friends, the subtle but sure ways senior citizens are treated with almost-contempt, the gradual exclusion from society, and the infantilization of senior citizens. The message is positive as well, with an enhanced wisdom and experience that age brings. Here is a description of my proposal.
Sirovich center for balanced living
June 2022: Educational Alliance’s Sirovich Center for Balanced Living makes aging in New York City easier—and fun! I led a workshop on Bharatanatyam for older adults.
June 2022: Educational Alliance’s Sirovich Center for Balanced Living makes aging in New York City easier—and fun! I led a workshop on Bharatanatyam for older adults.
DOROT
June 2022: DOROT is a nonprofit organization addressing the challenges of an aging population. I facilitated a movement-based workshop for older adults with warm-up, movement, mudras, emotions and storytelling.
In August 2022, I will be conducting a series of sessions using Bharatanatyam for older adults at DOROT.
June 2022: DOROT is a nonprofit organization addressing the challenges of an aging population. I facilitated a movement-based workshop for older adults with warm-up, movement, mudras, emotions and storytelling.
In August 2022, I will be conducting a series of sessions using Bharatanatyam for older adults at DOROT.
Dance for PD Community Festival
April 2022: To celebrate 20 years of innovative community programming, Dance for PD® hosted Dance for PD Community Festival: Around the World, Around the Clock. My proposal was selected as one of the entries for the festival.
A video of this demonstration on how Bharatanatyam can be used in those with Parkinson's can be found here.
April 2022: To celebrate 20 years of innovative community programming, Dance for PD® hosted Dance for PD Community Festival: Around the World, Around the Clock. My proposal was selected as one of the entries for the festival.
A video of this demonstration on how Bharatanatyam can be used in those with Parkinson's can be found here.
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Teaching artist with Su-Casa
February to July 2022: Awarded a fellowship as a teaching artist with Su-Casa, a community arts engagement program that places artists and organizations at senior centers. This fellowship is awarded by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC). A list of the artists and the senior centers we are matched with can be found here. I was matched with the senior center at Union Settlement in NYC and my project is entitled "Navarasa: Time and Timelessness of Emotions in Dance". As part of the residency, I did a public performance in at the Gaylord White Senior Center in July 2022. |
Teaching artist at The Creative Center
The Creative Center is an organization dedicated to bringing the creative arts to people with cancer, chronic illnesses, and through all stages of life. In April 2022, I conducted 4 week-long workshop with the participants on "Navarasas". Bharatanatyam has in it codified an array of emotions, called “rasas”. The nine rasas (Navarasa) include love, laughter, sorrow, anger, courage, fear, disgust, wonder, and peace. While Bharatanatyam is a form rooted in tradition, the emotions laid out are relevant even today, and perhaps more so. In this project, I will work with participants and their caregivers to explore the emotions they feel throughout the course of their days the vocabulary of the Navarasas and Bharatanatyam.
I am so excited to bring the program back to The Creative Center in October 2022.
The Creative Center is an organization dedicated to bringing the creative arts to people with cancer, chronic illnesses, and through all stages of life. In April 2022, I conducted 4 week-long workshop with the participants on "Navarasas". Bharatanatyam has in it codified an array of emotions, called “rasas”. The nine rasas (Navarasa) include love, laughter, sorrow, anger, courage, fear, disgust, wonder, and peace. While Bharatanatyam is a form rooted in tradition, the emotions laid out are relevant even today, and perhaps more so. In this project, I will work with participants and their caregivers to explore the emotions they feel throughout the course of their days the vocabulary of the Navarasas and Bharatanatyam.
I am so excited to bring the program back to The Creative Center in October 2022.