Balancing Bharatanatyam and Medicine: A Professional Perspective
I am a pathologist by day and a dancer by heart. If you have ever wondered how to find space for your passion while managing a demanding professional career, let me share how I integrate the two.
I was honored to be part of this panel of artists who, like me, navigate dual careers. We discussed the challenges and rewards of pursuing a professional life alongside a full time commitment to classical dance.
A screenshot from the Nirvikalpa Talks panel discussion on "Passion vs Practicality". It was an insightful conversation about what it takes to sustain a career in dance today, whether as a sole or dual profession.
Introducing the panelists for a discussion on pursuing dance as a career. It is so important to have these conversations in our community, especially for aspiring dancers who are also considering other professional paths.
A short clip from my introduction for the Nirvikalpa Talks panel discussion. I am passionate about sharing my journey to show that it is possible to pursue excellence in both art and another demanding field.
A selfie from my other world. My life as a pathologist, looking through a microscope, is about precision, detail, and diagnosis. This discipline and focus directly translate into my dance practice.
The culmination of three years of intense study. This is my MD thesis in Pathology. Achieving this milestone while continuing my dance journey taught me invaluable lessons in time management and perseverance.
About A Doctor Who Dances: Balancing Passion and Profession
Many ask how I balance the clinical precision of a pathologist with the expressive nature of Bharatanatyam. The secret is that they are not separate. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned dancer, we treat every session with an anatomical focus, using my background in medicine to ensure your posture, endurance, and movements are safe and sustainable. In my classes, we don't just learn steps, we build the mental and physical discipline to carry your art into your daily life.
A Different Approach to Training
Learning Bharatanatyam is a commitment, and it requires more than just enthusiasm. It requires discipline, focus, and a structured approach to the body. Because I manage a full-time career as a pathologist, my classes are designed for those who need to maximize their efficiency without compromising on the depth of the art.
What You Can Expect
- Anatomical Awareness: My medical background helps me correct postures and movements with a focus on musculoskeletal safety, preventing injury while enhancing your lines.
- Rooted Methodology: My training follows the pedagogical standards of my gurus, Smt. Indira Kadambi and the late Guru B. Bhanumati. We start with the Adavus, the foundational building blocks, ensuring your base is rock solid before moving to complex repertoire.
- Abhinaya focus: It is not enough to dance with the feet. I place immense importance on Abhinaya, the art of expression. We explore the Sahityam (lyrics) and mythology to ensure that your dance communicates a story, not just a sequence of movements.
- Small Batch Sizes: I keep my in-person classes in HSR Layout, Bengaluru, limited to 8 to 12 students. This ensures that every student receives individual correction and direct feedback on their Nritta and Talam cycles.
Who is this for?
Whether you are a working professional looking to reconnect with yourself or a dedicated student aiming for technical perfection, you will find a space here. We bridge the gap between tradition and modern life, helping you find your rhythm regardless of how busy your schedule may be.
Ramya Suresh
I am Dr. Ramya Suresh. I see no conflict between the microscope in my lab and the ankle bells in my studio; both require absolute precision and presence. If you are looking for a teacher who values discipline as much as creativity, I would love to guide your journey.
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