Blog and News
A place to exchange ideas, reflections, and thoughts
A place to exchange ideas, reflections, and thoughts
Kala Vandanam is proud to be a part of Minnesota Dance Festival 2024, presented by Ballet Minnesota, and looks forward to sharing the stage with many wonderful Minnesota dance groups. […]
Kala Vandanam is proud to be a part of Minnesota Dance Festival 2024, presented by Ballet Minnesota, and looks forward to sharing the stage with many wonderful Minnesota dance groups. […]
#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! 😉)