The Guru-Shishya Parampara: My Students and Our Work
The sacred tradition of passing knowledge from teacher to student. See my disciples’ dedication, our studio rehearsals, and their journey into the world of Bharatanatyam.
My dance troupe, Abhinayaa, in a classic Bharatanatyam formation. It is a privilege to guide these talented dancers as they grow, and to create productions that showcase their collective skill and my choreographic vision.
The invitation for 'Nrityasamarpanam', a Bharatanatyam recital by my disciples from Triveni Kala Sangam. It fills me with pride to present their hard work and talent to the world.
On stage with the orchestra and my disciple, Sudipta Chakraborty, after her performance at the India International Centre. I had the pleasure of conducting the nattuvangam for her recital.
A group photograph with my disciple and the talented musicians. Supporting my students as they take the stage is one of the most fulfilling aspects of being a guru.
In rehearsal with my students for the production 'Nadopasana'. The studio is where the hard work happens, where concepts are formed and movements are perfected before they reach the stage.
A glimpse from our rehearsals for the Debadhara Festival. My students are practicing a piece from 'Kalashruti: Sounds of Time', a thematic performance exploring the cycle of time through dance.
About The Guru-Shishya Parampara: My Students & Our Work
At my studio in Triveni Kala Sangam, the focus is never just on learning the steps. Whether we are preparing for a recital or a thematic production like 'Nadopasana', my students spend countless hours refining their adavus (basic steps) and understanding the narrative context of the pieces. It is a process of disciplined practice where technical precision meets the emotional depth required for true classical expression.
The Bond of Parampara
The Guru-Shishya Parampara is the heart of Bharatanatyam. It is not merely a teacher-student relationship, but a transmission of a lifestyle and a philosophy. When I work with my students in the Abhinayaa group, I am passing down the foundational principles I learned at Kalakshetra from Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale. We do not just perform; we uphold a legacy.
The Process of Rehearsal
My studio at Triveni Kala Sangam is where the real work happens. You will often find us deep in rehearsals for upcoming festivals like the Debadhara Festival or preparing for private recitals. The process involves:
- Foundational Rigour: We begin with the basics, ensuring the 'angashuddhi' (correct body alignment) and 'tala' (rhythm) are precise.
- Narrative Understanding: Students learn the 'abhinaya' (expression) behind every piece, ensuring they are not just moving their limbs but telling a story.
- Collective Harmony: As an ensemble, the Abhinayaa group focuses on breath control and synchronized movement, which is essential for our large-scale thematic productions.
Performing with Purpose
Every performance, whether it is an intimate concert at the India International Centre or a large stage production, is an opportunity for my students to demonstrate their growth. I often conduct the nattuvangam for my disciples, standing alongside them to ensure the musical and rhythmic support is perfect. If you are looking for an ensemble that combines traditional technique with a fresh, contemporary outlook, we are here to share that journey with you.
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