What’s one the best roses in life? When something you dream about and aspire to becomes reality.
I love the arts, and the positive impact it has on people. Dance and music have enriched my life more than I can describe.
However, how people in the arts function (or not) together often leaves a sour taste.
There are some absolute gems, who are open, generous and humble. There are others who aren’t able to “play nice” out of fear or arrogance.
How does this look through the Rose-Bud-Thorn framework?
Rose: Celebrate the Good
Bud: Nurture Growth & Potential
Thorn: Confront Challenges Head-on
One of my biggest roses during and after Kala Vandanam’s recent ensemble show, “Sampradaya” was the true embodiment of Ubuntu.
Ubuntu is a collection of values that teaches us each individual is part of a more significant collective.
Fundamental philosophy – “I am because of others.”
Fundamental value – “I’m valuable if I contribute to the well-being of others.”
Guiding principle – “I value others simply for who they are, and THEN for what they achieve.”
It’s not “we” INSTEAD of “me.” It means “we” AND “me.”
Ubuntu reminds us we have a place for ourselves and a responsibility and duty to others.
What did I see in this wonderful ensemble of 11 dancers and 5 musicians? Ubuntu in action.
I’ve personally trained all of the dancers over many years. I’ve aimed over 21 years to create a culture of collaboration and non-competitive aspiration. It doesn’t guarantee it will happen.
The 4 guest musicians are all accomplished, 2 of them highly acclaimed and having toured internationally for decades. What was beautiful? Not one ounce of arrogance toward more junior artists.
It was all about “we.” It was all about creating our best art AND having a great time doing it.
It was Ubuntu in action.
#SuchiWrites #reflection #rosebudthorn #ubuntu
https://kalavandanam.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/KV_rose-bud-thorn_ubuntu_20230709_845x321.jpg321845Suchitra Sairam/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/logo.pngSuchitra Sairam2023-07-10 12:00:322023-07-11 08:25:53When Collaborating with a Team, There’s a 1-Word “Rose” That Smells the Sweetest of All
“After this show, I think you’re an overnight success.”
I heard this from a very well meaning, generous audience member after Kala Vandanam’s recent ensemble show, “Sampradaya.” He was effusive about the show, and all the things he enjoyed.
Then someone (not me) burst his bubble with the truth.
This show was the result of 21 years of Kala Vandanam.
1 performance was presented, after
3 weeks of intensive ensemble preparation, after
9-15 years of training by each of the ensemble dancers, under
the same teacher whose studio celebrated 21 years of teaching, mentoring and creating art.
All of this aside from
said teacher who continues training and practice to never stop growing, and
accompanying musicians who are experts in their craft after decades of immersion.
It was deeply satisfying artistically, with a cohesive ensemble, and a shared experience with the audience.
When thinking about the Rose-Bud-Thorn framework, there isn’t enough space for the Roses and Buds from my perspective.
Rose: Celebrate the Good
Bud: Nurture Growth & Potential
Thorn: Confront Challenges Head-on
(at least a million) ROSES
It was about the art and the work. Everyone wanted to be good individually, but everyone wanted to be good as an ensemble much more. Egos left at the door. Joys and challenges experienced together.
(at least a million) BUDS
The least experienced dancer didn’t feel any less than the most experienced one. Each person had an opportunity to shine in their way. Looking into the future, this gave me much hope on how humans CAN be together if we make the effort.
(a few, but big) THORNS
After an immensely satisfying and high quality (based on audience feedback) show, it was hard to see how few people took the opportunity to support the arts financially. In most places, such as business, athletics, or entertainment, quality and connection are rewarded. Why doesn’t this happen in the arts?
Rose-Bud-Thorn is about celebration, nurturing potential and confronting challenge.
Let’s face this challenge – together.
https://kalavandanam.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/KV_rose-bud-thorn_suchi_20230707_845x321.png321845Suchitra Sairam/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/logo.pngSuchitra Sairam2023-07-07 22:00:332023-07-11 08:23:271 Performance - 3 Intensive Weeks of Preparation - 21 Years in the Making - Infinity Roses & Buds, and a Few Thorns
Using the “Rose-Bud-Thorn” approach makes room for individual and group reflection without undue influence on each other.
Rose: Celebrate the Good
Emphasize the positive and cultivate gratitude. Embrace the rose to uplift your spirits and inspire others.
Bud: Nurture Growth & Potential
Foster curiosity, encourage continuous improvement and anticipate future potential. Cultivating a growth mindset propels us forward.
Thorn: Confront Challenges Head-on
Confront challenges with determination. Share struggles and how they were overcome. Carry on with resilience. This inspires and empowers us to grow from adversity.
After Kala Vandanam’s recent ensemble show with 11 dancers and 5 musicians, the dancers shared their respective Rose-Bud-Thorn reflections.
11 dancers, 11 views, 11 lenses through which a common experience was viewed. What were the highlights and common threads?
ROSES
US not me
SO MUCH FUN
Proud of the work created
I let go. I danced for myself.
Amazing experience learning the production side
Dancing with and being accepted by more experienced dancers
BUDS
Building relationships
EVERYTHING to come
Dancing with besties again
Make more memories like this
How my dancing will mature with time
So many years of dance to look forward to
Seeing where dance takes me in the future
THORNS
Was over too fast
Stress related to costuming
Physical discomforts after intensive rehearsals. LOTS of them.
What’s beautiful about it?
The ROSES are permanently etched as positive memories
The BUDS give so much to look forward to.
The THORNS are all transient.
#SuchiWrites #reflection #rosebudthorn
https://kalavandanam.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/KV_rose-bud-thorn_group_20230706_845x321.jpg321845Suchitra Sairam/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/logo.pngSuchitra Sairam2023-07-06 22:00:452023-07-11 08:17:29How the “Rose-Bud-Thorn” Reflection as a Group Gives a Dance Ensemble (or any Team) 3 Reminders About What Really Matters
As a performing artist, the days after a big show leave your mind chattering with
Learnings
Excitement
Exhilaration
Experiences
Observations
Disappointments
One of our most important post-show rituals is meaningful, slow-cooked reflection. We have much to take away from these experiences.
This becomes more important and complex when it is an ensemble.
Sharing reflections and observations as a group spark conversation and ideas. It can also sway people unintentionally.
After Kala Vandanam’s recent ensemble show with 11 dancers and 5 musicians, we enjoyed each other’s company and shared thoughts over treats. But how to reflect meaningfully without undue influence on each other?
One dancer suggested the “Rose-Bud-Thorn” technique. It turned out to be an effective method for deep reflection and meaningful sharing.
Embrace the Rose: Celebrate the Good
Emphasize the positive and cultivate gratitude.
Start by identifying the rose, representing the highlights and victories of your experience. Cherishing the positive aspects creates a foundation for appreciation and gratitude.
Embrace the rose to uplift your spirits and inspire others.
Embrace the Bud: Nurture Growth & Potential
Foster curiosity, encourage continuous improvement and anticipate future potential
The bud signifies potential and growth opportunities within your experience. Recognize the areas where you can improve, learn, or explore further. Anticipate the excitement of potential. Cultivating a growth mindset driven by curiosity allows us to unlock hidden potential and propel ourselves forward.
Address the Thorn: Confront Challenges Head-on
Confront challenges and obstacles with determination and resilience.
The thorn represents challenges and setbacks that you encountered. Instead of shying away from them, address the thorn directly. Analyze obstacles faced, mistakes made, or lessons learned from difficult situations. Share struggles and how they were overcome, inspiring resilience. This empowers us to grow from adversity.
https://kalavandanam.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/KV_rose-bud-thorn_20230705_845x321.jpg321845Suchitra Sairam/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/logo.pngSuchitra Sairam2023-06-07 22:00:272023-07-11 08:23:17The Day(s) After a Big Ensemble Show - Meaningful Reflection Inspired by 1 Flower
I taught a 4 month introductory Bharatanatyam session for young children at a local Montessori school. We concluded the session with a short showcase for the students to share what they had been learning with their parents, teachers and schoolmates.
After the showcase, I gave each of the students small mementos, including a button saying “Keep Calm and Sit in Araimandi.”
Araimandi is the signature half-sitting posture in Bharatanatyam. All students learn about it from day 1, and it takes a lifetime to master. It’s challenging on the body and coordination, but beautiful when done well.
S1 – “Oh, these buttons are so pretty!”
S2 – “What does that word (pointing to araimandi) say?”
S3 – “It says araimandi – you know.”
S2 – “Araimandi? What is araimandi?”
T – “Excuse me, we’ve been been doing it in class for 4 months.”
S1 – “Actually she doesn’t do it in class, that’s why she doesn’t know what it is.”
T – #mindvoice “I think a little piece of me just died inside.”
https://kalavandanam.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/natyamnaatak_20230526-845-×-321-px.png321845Suchitra Sairam/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/logo.pngSuchitra Sairam2023-05-26 11:56:232023-05-26 12:08:42#natyamnaatak - "ARAIMANDI? WHAT IS ARAIMANDI?
I have a tendency to be, let’s say, repetitive when I want students to really “get” something I’m trying to teach.
I call it persistence.
They might call it me being like a pit bull.
Something major goes sideways as we are working on a phrase, “One more time.”
Something minor is missed, “One more time.”
One person misses something small, “One more time.”
Everyone finally gets it, “One more time.”
One young student finally told me, “I don’t think you learned how to count very well. You said ‘One more time,’ 10 times ago.”
(On a side note, they have since learned Sheejith Krishna sir says “One more time,” even more than I do! 😉)
https://kalavandanam.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/natyamnaatak_20230428-845-×-321-px.png321845Suchitra Sairam/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/logo.pngSuchitra Sairam2023-04-28 08:30:582023-04-28 08:30:58#natyamnaatak - One More Time...
#natyamnaatak – “IT SMELLS LIKE…”
/in #natyamnaatak, Blog /by Suchitra SairamDancers sweat. A lot.
What naturally follows? B.O. (body odor). No one is immune, even the littlest dancers. After awhile, we all smell.
After long sessions (or short sessions when it’s really hot), the dance studio air can get, let’s say, ripe.
It can hit you hard when you enter the studio, or come near someone who has been dancing. The nose needs a moment (or a few) of calibration.
What are some of the more memorable “odor” comments?
And maybe the best so far…
When Collaborating with a Team, There’s a 1-Word “Rose” That Smells the Sweetest of All
/in Blog /by Suchitra SairamBy Suchitra Sairam
1 Performance – 3 Intensive Weeks of Preparation – 21 Years in the Making – Infinity Roses & Buds, and a Few Thorns
/in Blog /by Suchitra SairamBy Suchitra Sairam
“After this show, I think you’re an overnight success.”
I heard this from a very well meaning, generous audience member after Kala Vandanam’s recent ensemble show, “Sampradaya.” He was effusive about the show, and all the things he enjoyed.
Then someone (not me) burst his bubble with the truth.
This show was the result of 21 years of Kala Vandanam.
All of this aside from
It was deeply satisfying artistically, with a cohesive ensemble, and a shared experience with the audience.
When thinking about the Rose-Bud-Thorn framework, there isn’t enough space for the Roses and Buds from my perspective.
Rose: Celebrate the Good
Bud: Nurture Growth & Potential
Thorn: Confront Challenges Head-on
(at least a million) ROSES
It was about the art and the work. Everyone wanted to be good individually, but everyone wanted to be good as an ensemble much more. Egos left at the door. Joys and challenges experienced together.
(at least a million) BUDS
The least experienced dancer didn’t feel any less than the most experienced one. Each person had an opportunity to shine in their way. Looking into the future, this gave me much hope on how humans CAN be together if we make the effort.
(a few, but big) THORNS
After an immensely satisfying and high quality (based on audience feedback) show, it was hard to see how few people took the opportunity to support the arts financially. In most places, such as business, athletics, or entertainment, quality and connection are rewarded. Why doesn’t this happen in the arts?
Rose-Bud-Thorn is about celebration, nurturing potential and confronting challenge.
Let’s face this challenge – together.
How the “Rose-Bud-Thorn” Reflection as a Group Gives a Dance Ensemble (or any Team) 3 Reminders About What Really Matters
/in Blog /by Suchitra SairamBy Suchitra Sairam
Rose: Celebrate the Good
Bud: Nurture Growth & Potential
Thorn: Confront Challenges Head-on
The Day(s) After a Big Ensemble Show – Meaningful Reflection Inspired by 1 Flower
/in Blog /by Suchitra SairamEmbrace the Rose: Celebrate the Good
Embrace the Bud: Nurture Growth & Potential
Address the Thorn: Confront Challenges Head-on
Reflection through Rose-Bud-Thorn
#natyamnaatak – “ARAIMANDI? WHAT IS ARAIMANDI?
/in #natyamnaatak, Blog /by Suchitra SairamI taught a 4 month introductory Bharatanatyam session for young children at a local Montessori school. We concluded the session with a short showcase for the students to share what they had been learning with their parents, teachers and schoolmates.
After the showcase, I gave each of the students small mementos, including a button saying “Keep Calm and Sit in Araimandi.”
Araimandi is the signature half-sitting posture in Bharatanatyam. All students learn about it from day 1, and it takes a lifetime to master. It’s challenging on the body and coordination, but beautiful when done well.
#natyamnaatak #dancehumor #araimandi #keepcalmandsitinaraimandi #indiandancersofinstagram #bharatanatyamdancersofinstagram #dancestudentsofinstagram #dancestudentlife #danceteachers #danceteachersofinstagram #danceteacherlife
#natyamnaatak – One More Time…
/in #natyamnaatak, Blog /by Suchitra Sairam“One More Time”
I have a tendency to be, let’s say, repetitive when I want students to really “get” something I’m trying to teach.
I call it persistence.
They might call it me being like a pit bull.
Something major goes sideways as we are working on a phrase, “One more time.”
Something minor is missed, “One more time.”
One person misses something small, “One more time.”
Everyone finally gets it, “One more time.”
One young student finally told me, “I don’t think you learned how to count very well. You said ‘One more time,’ 10 times ago.”
(On a side note, they have since learned Sheejith Krishna sir says “One more time,” even more than I do! 😉)