Passion for Dance.

My passion for dance set out at the age of 6 when I started learning this dance. Bharatanatyam is a classical and ancient traditional art form with its origins steeped in divinity. 

It may seem like "it's just a dance" to some, but to me, it's a whole different thing. Bharatanatyam sort of connects you with God. When I dance, I'm don't feel like I'm in this world ; in reality anymore. As my dance instructor says it, "You know you are a good dancer, when you feel that connection with God whilst dancing". Therefore, in our dance class, we are thought to dance for passion, not just for fun or for the name of it. 

Just like other dances like ballet, belly dancing and even Hip-Hop for the matter in fact, Bharatanatyam also requires lots and lots of practice. Hence, most of my leisure time at home is spent by dancing.

In Bharatanatyam, we have to go through a few stages to complete the dance. We have to complete all the basic steps first in order to perform even the easiest number of song. After that we would have to learn many basic songs. When the dance instructor thinks we're ready, we are then prepared for the first stage which is the "Salangai Pooja".




This is performed by students who had learned all the basic steps and 7 basic songs. During Salangai Pooja, prayers is done by placing the salangai in front of Lord Nadarajan to get blessings. The salangai are tied to dancers ankle and live performance is done for the first time on the stage in front of the audience. Once salangai pooja is completed, the dancers exit from beginner stage and  proceed to advanced level to prepare themselves for Arangetram.








Hopefully I get to complete my Arangetram before I leave to the States in spring. *fingers crossed*!