The journey of an artist and that of a scientist are quite similar.​ Both require the guidance of a teacher or guru, a long period of study, knowledge of a codified vocabulary, continual study and practice. Apprenticeship, refinement, and repetition are common to both. 

In this piece, danced to Zara Lawler's flute [Bach's Allamande: flute Partita in A Minor], we show the journey of an artist (and/or a scientist) as she moves from student to practitioner to teacher. We show the trajectory of immersing oneself in learning, encountering doubt, trepidation, and eventually finding our place. We show that this journey is eternal, and we give thanks to the many people who have nurtured our art and science. 

This piece is a note of appreciation to the many gurus, teachers, elders, and instructors who helped train us in our fields. As Kylie Madhav mentioned, this is a love letter to art, science, and study.   

Venue: Aaron Davis Hall, City University of New York
Video credit: Libby Lussenhop
Narrator: Kylie Madhav ​
īkṣaṇa (“caregiving”) was made possible in part with funds from Creative Engagement, a regrant program supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) in partnership with the City Council, and administered by LMCC. 

A few years ago, I was invited to speak as a keynote speaker as part of the Readynation Brain Science Speakers Bureau for an organization called Parents as Teachers. Combining neuroscience and Bharatanatyam, I showed how caregiving has the potential to profoundly impact the brain.

This year, thanks to a Creative Engagement grant by LMCC, I expanded this idea by presenting four dance shows in my neighborhood of uptown Manhattan. We showed caring for our beautiful parks, ourselves, each other, and the art forms we practice.

Kylie Madhav narrated Bharatanatyam pieces in Spanish at the YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood, and came up with a translation for Modaka into Spanish - buñuelo de harina de arroz! At Aaron Davis Hall, Zara Lawler and I presented pieces combining Bharatanatyam with Bach. Over the next weeks, I look forward to sharing clips and highlights from these shows!

It was a team effort, with so many people to thank! 

• Eternal thanks to my gurus, Smt. Maheswari Nagarajan, Smt Vanitha Jayan, and Sri Nagarajan of Nritya Kala Kendra, located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. ​
• Thanks to musicians Sri. Jayan Nair (vocal), Manav Nair (percussion), Krishna Nair (cymbals), Rajendra Nair (bansuri). 
• And thanks to Carlos Chasi, Genny Alonso, Jeremy Alonzo at the YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood; Grayson Sepulveda and Sarina Prabasi at Buunni Coffee; Gregory Shanck, Piero Ramos, Yvette Spellman, Jessica Lino, Zane Cameron, and Ryan Mahany at Aaron Davis Hall, City University of New York!

īkṣaṇa (“caregiving”) was made possible in part with funds from Creative Engagement, a regrant program supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) in partnership with the City Council, and administered by LMCC.