Life at Ambalam: A Community Beyond the Studio
Ambalam is where we dance, learn, and grow together. Here is a glimpse into the rituals, nature hikes, and shared moments that define our community.
A tribute to Lord Nataraja, the cosmic dancer. This altar was set up for Bhanu Priya's performance, invoking blessings for her journey in dance.
A tribute to a beloved artist. This image honors the memory of Manjunath, an excellent costume tailor who crafted beautiful costumes for my Ambalam girls.
My thoughts on the sacred title of 'Guru.' It is a responsibility that should never be taken lightly, and we must all remain lifelong students of our art.
Beginning every performance with a prayer. Here I am, lighting the lamp before my student's recital, seeking blessings from the divine for a successful performance.
A beautiful, divine evening at Ambalam. We recently started chamber concerts, and this Bhajan session filled our space with blissful energy.
Another beautiful costume created by the late Manjunath. His craftsmanship and dedication to his art will always be remembered and missed.
A moment of gratitude at the World Dance Day celebrations in Delhi. It is always an honor to be among fellow artists and rasikas.
A vibrant pink and magenta costume, another example of the beautiful work by our late tailor, Manjunath. His art lives on through these performances.
With my student Saudamini Rao after her performance. Despite challenges, she gave her best, and I am incredibly proud of her resilience.
A candid moment of joy and pride. Watching my students perform and grow as artists is the most fulfilling part of being a teacher.
About Life at Ambalam
Ambalam is where we move, learn, and sometimes simply be together. Whether it is a hike in the woods to reset, a quiet lamp-lighting ritual before a student's debut, or grieving a dear friend like our costume tailor Manjunath, this is how we keep the art real. It is a space where the dancer's life extends far beyond the studio floor.
At Ambalam, we do not believe in the separation between art and the artist's life. We are a family. When you step into this space, you are not just signing up for choreography; you are joining a community where we treat dance as a sadhana. This includes the rigor of our Adavu drills, the discipline of the practice, and the joy of our shared downtime. Our chamber concerts bring the music closer to the rasikas, creating an intimate connection that a large auditorium often lacks. Our hikes and nature walks serve as vital reminders to ground ourselves and find rhythm in the silence of nature. We take care of our own, from the first step of an Arangetram to the complexities of lighting and stagecraft. We also honor the people who support us, like our late tailor Manjunath, whose artistry lives on through the costumes our students wear. If you are looking for a place that values tradition, accountability, and the personal touch of a Guru, this is your home.
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