SLOKA IYENGAR
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Seminar at the American Museum of Natural History on the Convergence of Arts and Science

5/30/2025

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Seminar at the American Museum of Natural History on the Convergence of Arts and Science

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Photo credits: Michael Tanksley, Melanie Futorian, Libby Lussenhop
On June 2, 2025, I look forward to speaking with volunteers of the American Museum of Natural History on the convergence of the arts and the sciences. More specifically, I will be sharing how a study of Bharatanatyam can give us clues as to how the brain functions. A few themes I will discuss are the study of symbols and semiology through hand gestures (hastas), the study of narration, movement, patterns, and rhythm (tala). 
Post-event reflections:
About 25 people joined, and there was rich discussion on a variety of topics.
A few things that stood out to me, including testimonials:
  • "Indian dance needs to be seen up close to appreciate it. American dance is more appreciated at a distance"
  • "(In Indian dance), it seems that the hands are as important as feet and integral to movement , I think."
  • "Yes, I've seen Indian dance. I see that every move is part of telling a story and the face is very expressive, especially the eyes."
  • A physician participant recounted her experiences of a class called "Compassionate Medicine" where they looked at art. The struggle of the fisherman in this Homer's painting was something she still remembers. 
  • Another participant talked about viewing art intensely as a way to learn how to pay attention. She mentioned losing the art of looking at others in the eye while treating them due to computerized systems, but that art can be a way to bring that back. 
  • Participants wondered the neuroscience of bird song and dance.
  • They also discussed the impacts of viewing works of art on enhancing attention and focus. 
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    About Sloka 

    My name is Sloka.  I am a neuroscientist and Bharatanatyam dancer; you can find more about me here. 

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  • About me
    • Profile
    • Service
    • Invited talks and interviews
    • Continuing education
    • Upcoming Public Events
    • Publications
    • Contact me >
      • Ensuring effective collaborations
  • Science
    • Science consulting
    • Global health >
      • Capacity building in global health >
        • Capacity building through leadership
        • Disaster relief
      • Mental health
      • Aging and palliative care
      • Neurological disorders
    • Clinical science
    • Preclinical science
    • Science advocacy >
      • Advocacy activities
      • ABC newsletters
    • Patient communication and advocacy >
      • Patient communication and advocacy (articles)
    • Science education
    • Awards and professional recognition
  • Dance
    • Dance resume >
      • Pictures and videos
      • Community engagement
      • Arts Administration (Biblioteca Madre)
      • SamyuktaNYC
    • Vichaar >
      • Vichaar: Episode 1 transcript
      • Vichaar: Episode 2 transcript
      • Vichaar: testimonials
      • Saṃbhūya
      • The Artful Mind
      • Exploring Early Brain Development through Science and Dance
      • Guru Vandana
    • Bharatanatyam for creative aging >
      • Bharatanatyam for all
      • Bharatanatyam for all: testimonials
      • Bharatanatyam for all: instructional videos
      • For Seniors, By Seniors >
        • Seniors & Financial Decisions
        • Staying Fit As We Age
        • Signs Your Aging Parent Needs Help
        • Embrace the Empty Nest
        • Empty Nesters Seeking Proximity to Their Children
        • The Bumps of a Midlife Crisis
        • Healthy Living for Seniors
        • Forging a Resilient Future
        • Beyond Medicare and Social Security
        • Seniors Living Independently
        • A Harmonious Multigenerational Household
        • Mental Health Boosts
        • Start Your Home-Based Business After Retirement
        • Reclaiming Mental Wellness