#natyamnaatak – “Just Be Careful, She is Very Sneaky”

As a dance teacher, an important part of the vision for my studio is a supportive culture where students feel they are in it together, and not competing with each other. I hope it starts young, and stays with them as they grow together. It’s heartwarming to see it in action.

It’s also hilarious to overhear some of the sage advice shared.

Beginner level class, post-class. New students have joined a group that has been together for a few years. The new students have experience elsewhere, and are getting used to the ways and methods at Kala Vandanam… and their new teacher.

It’s fun. And hard. There is more rigor, discipline and higher expectations than they are accustomed to. Moving forward with more intention, rather than rushing to the next thing. More corrections to put into practice.

 

Student 1 – “Do you like it?” ❤️

New Student 1 – “I do, but this is much harder than my old class. Does Suchi akka always make us sweat like this?” 🥵

Student 2 – “Oh yeah, I learned how to sweat in dance class from Suchi akka.” (had never sweat before?) 😂

New Student 1 – “I think the sweating is ok. Because she makes us sweat with a smile.” 😅

Student 1 – “Just be careful. Just because she smiles and jokes and makes us laugh and cares about us, don’t think she won’t make you sweat. I learned that the hard way.” 😅

Student 2 – “Oh yeah, she is VERY sneaky that way.” (while showing it with mukhabhinaya and kartarimukha hasta) 😏

Teacher – #mindvoice “My work is done. Old students welcoming new ones. ✅  Kids supporting each other. ✅  Students using abhinaya properly in conversation. ✅ ”