My Bharatanatyam Teaching Journey: Tradition and Personalized Learning
I never set out to be a teacher. After completing my MBA, life took an unexpected turn, leading me to a 25-year journey of guiding dancers. Here is the philosophy behind my work.
Sharing a bit about the dance items I started learning after joining my Guru, Rhadha aunty. Every step in a dancer's journey, including my own, is a building block for the future.
They say age is just a number. Here I am, at 50, practicing a Jathi to motivate my students and anyone who feels it might be too late to dance. The joy of movement is timeless.
This captures my perspective as a teacher. While my students feel the thrill of performing, I feel the quiet responsibility of ensuring they are confident and supported every step of the way.
For my students, it's about looking stunning in their costumes. For me, it's about ensuring every thread and accessory is perfect, so that nothing distracts from their performance.
This is the essence of an Arangetram. For the student, it's their first time on stage as a soloist. For me, it's seeing years of our collective training come to life in one magical evening.
In this video, I talk about my own Arangetram and my learning years with my Guru, Lakshman Sir. I even share a story of his surprise when I showed up for class the day after my debut, a memory that shaped my understanding of dedication.
Just a few casual photos taken over a year ago. Sometimes the most unplanned moments capture the simple joy and love I have for this art form, which I strive to share with my students.
Here, I talk about my experience learning the Vazhuvoor style of Bharatanatyam. The one-on-one training I received was a different, deeply enriching experience that has influenced my own teaching style.
My Guru, Shri Adyar Lakshman, sharing his view that students must not stop dancing after their Arangetram. His words are a guiding principle for me: education and work are important, but one must never give up on the art.
Unlocking your potential one move at a time. Here, I'm just enjoying the rhythm, reminding myself and my students that dance is a powerful way to connect with our inner greatness.
About My Teaching Philosophy & Journey
I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to dance. Whether you are a student balancing exams or a professional juggling work, I create a customized roadmap for your Arangetram. We move at your pace, balancing the intense technical discipline of the Vazhuvoor style with the flexibility needed for your specific life situation.
A Journey Unexpected
My path to becoming a Guru was not in my original plans. Having pursued an MBA in finance, I was prepared for a corporate career until life redirected me toward teaching Bharatanatyam. Over the last 25 years, this has become my life’s calling. My foundation was built through rigorous daily training with legends like Padma Shri Adyar K. Lakshman sir, whose discipline defined my understanding of this art.
The Philosophy of Dedication
I remember showing up to class the day after my own Arangetram, and my Guru’s surprise—‘Enna innaikke vanduttiya?’ (You came today itself?)—remains a cornerstone of my teaching. While that level of dedication is the standard I strive to uphold, I understand that every student is different. My goal is to ensure you never give up on the art, even when life gets busy. Education and work are important, but dance remains a vital companion.
Your Unique Path
My training methodology focuses on three pillars:
- Individualized Learning: I work with you to plan rehearsals that respect your current schedule, rather than forcing a rigid, generic template.
- Technical Precision: We dedicate time to Nritta (pure dance), Abhinaya (expression), and essential theory, ensuring your movements are grounded in history and proper technique.
- Holistic Growth: An Arangetram is a theatrical production. I guide you through every detail, from conditioning your body for stamina to selecting costumes that enhance your personality on stage.
My academy, Samarpana, is a space where tradition meets modern life, providing a nurturing environment for students of all ages to excel.
Preetha Arun
I am Preetha, and dance has been my constant home for 25 years. I believe that every student has a unique pace, and my role is to help you find it, whether you are stepping onto the stage for the first time or returning to the art.
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