A Journey Through Karnataka's Folk Dance Traditions
Every dance tells a story of where we come from. This is a look into my own path, from early school days to the gurus and family who shaped my commitment to Karnataka's vibrant folk art.
My very first tryst with Kavadi Attam as a young girl in school. This was one of the earliest folk dances I learned, planting a seed that would grow for a lifetime.
A photo from my Rangapravesha in 1999, with my Guru Bhanu ma'am and my mother. It was my mother's persistence that pushed me onto the stage, and I am forever grateful.
My Guru, Bhanu ma'am, adjusting my hair during my Rangapravesha photoshoot. She chiseled every bit of an awkward teenager into a dancer.
Receiving blessings from the esteemed Prathibha Prahlad aunty at my Rangapravesha. The encouragement from senior artists has always been a great source of inspiration.
With my father, Sreenivas G Kappanna, at the International Festival on Indian Dance. He was more excited than me and has been my constant support, connecting me to the world of folk arts.
Seeking blessings from the legendary Padmashri Smt. Sudharani Raghupathy. Moments with such great masters are humbling and deeply inspiring.
A cherished picture with Padmashri Smt. Sudharani Raghupathy, whose humility and generosity in engaging with young artists is a lesson in itself.
A beautiful, impromptu moment in the lobby of a festival, surrounded by artists of all ages, including the venerable Smt. Sudharani Raghupathy.
About My Journey: Roots & Milestones
My journey was not a straight line, but a tug-of-war between my teenage stubbornness and my mother's persistence that eventually led to my Rangapravesha in 1999. That moment taught me that dance is as much about the support of your people as it is about the movement of your feet, and it remains the bedrock of how I approach every production today.
Looking back at the last 25 years, I see a constant evolution. I started as a young girl learning the Kavadi Attam in school, unaware that these steps would eventually become my life's work. My transition from a performer to a researcher and curator wasn't accidental—it was guided by my gurus like Bhanu ma'am and the legendary masters I've met during my fieldwork in places like Halebidu and Belur.
Foundations of My Practice
- Academic Rigor: My book, Nrutya Beru, was born from the realization that folk dance needs more than just performance; it needs documentation. This is why my workshops are rarely just about steps; they are about understanding the cultural context.
- Production & Curation: Whether I am managing a troupe of 300 for a large-scale government production or choreographing a 5-minute piece, I rely on the same discipline my father taught me backstage. I don't just put on a show; I anchor the narrative, ensuring the audience understands the why behind the what.
- The Human Connection: I have always believed that art is a conversation. When I stand on stage, I am not just presenting a routine; I am sharing a piece of Karnataka's soul. If you are looking to bring this level of authenticity to your festival, corporate event, or educational program, let's talk about how we can tell your story through movement.
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