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 – Fall Down 7 Times, Get Up 8 – It Works!
/in #natyamnaatak, Blog /by Suchitra SairamStudents were learning a difficult new movement, and were getting a little discouraged. The movement requires repeatedly going up and down to the knees and back up. It takes strength, balance and concentration.
It was time for a little pep talk. And some high philosophy.
One week passes, and students are back in class.
#natyamnaatak – You’re Not THAT Mean.
/in #natyamnaatak, Blog /by Suchitra SairamJust another day in class, and I’m challenging the young students with a sequence of steps. We mix and match the order to test memory and do it without breaks to challenge stamina, and make it a little game.
Nothing too crazy. Or so I think.
#natyamnaatak – “My whole school needs a kaarvai”
/in #natyamnaatak, Blog /by Suchitra SairamYoung students are learning some new steps, starting with the rhythmic pattern, then footwork.
#natyamnaatak #dancehumor #takeapause #takeabreak #silenceisgolden #indiandancersofinstagram #bharatanatyamdancersofinstagram #dancestudentsofinstagram #dancestudentlife #danceteachers #danceteachersofinstagram #danceteacherlife
20 Experiences | 20 Years
/in Blog /by Suchitra SairamBy Suchitra Sairam
You only get to celebrate a 20th anniversary once.
Twenty years is long enough to have a clear history and track record. It’s long enough to see an evolution. It’s short enough to have a lot of growth and progression ahead.
It’s the perfect amount of time to have traveled, have clarity on where you want to go, and know-how on how to get there.
As Kala Vandanam’s 20th year comes to a close, I reflected deeply on the memories. It was overwhelming.
Rather than list specific memories, here are 20 experiences over 20 years that have had a lasting impact.
We have immense Gratitude for all that has been good, all that has not gone according to plan, all the people that have been a part of the journey.
Each has contributed to this journey of:
Giving and receiving
Learning and growth
Struggle and success
THANK YOU for the gifts you have shared, your positive energy and good wishes going forward. We look ahead to years filled with experiences that stretch our imaginations and give us endless joy.
Happy New Year 2023
/in Blog /by Suchitra SairamThe promise of a new calendar year… warm wishes to you from the entire @kalavandanam family ❤️
We started the year with a “New Year Natyamela” – a nice sweaty adavu class and a round of Bharatanatyam Bingo (maybe the longest round of bingo ever? 😂 ) What better way to start the year than with natyam!
#natyamnaatak – SURPRISE!
/in #natyamnaatak, Blog /by Suchitra SairamToward the end of each year, I ask students to do a reflection of their past year of learning, and set a few goals or intentions for the year to come.
#natyamnaatak #goals #newyearsgoals #newyearsresolutions #surprise
#natyamnaatak – Character flaws
/in #natyamnaatak, Blog /by Suchitra SairamAs much affection as students show, they are equally (maybe more) willing to identify all of a teacher’s flaws. My students are no exception – for example…
(When mixing and matching movements to help them become more mentally and physically agile) – “You are nice… but sneaky.”
(When making them do tough adavus that make them sweat) – “You are evil… but in a nice way.”
(When showing them a technique sequence that is challenging) – “How do you move that fast when you are so old.” (particularly #ouch)
(When I’ve given corrections and ask them to do something “one more time”) – “I don’t think you had a good kindergarten teacher. You said ‘one more time’ ten times ago!”
And maybe the best one so far….
(When I had a brief menopausal dizzy spell, and nearly hit the deck during class) – “Aren’t you supposed to be more graceful?”
#natyamnaatak #halloween