We used to go to dance classes daily in the evening after school. Usually, between 6 and 9 PM. Early evening slot is allocated to juniors, whereas senior students used to come little late and practice till night.
Our teacher used to do 'deeparadhana' (lighting an oil lamp before GOD) every evening before starting the class. Dance class will start with all students performing 'Prardhana'. This is an 8 step ritual that we should compulsorily do before starting dance. This signifies importance of praying to God 'Nataraja' and 5 basic elements for life like Bhumi (earth), jala(water), vayuvu (air), agni(fire) and aakasham(sky).
Teacher used to show and make us practice different types of steps. Daily we have to perform those 12 types of steps which were like warm up exercises. Until and unless junior students perfect them, teacher never used to teach a new lesson. For any new student, it is painful initially to learn these steps, but these will help them understand correct posture and improve flexibility of muscles. After students perfect these steps, teacher used to teach one song 'shanthakaram', which is a poem praising lord Vishnu. By this time, it will be around 8PM and senior students start learning and performing a number of famous Kuchipudi songs like 'Krishna sabdham', 'Dasavataralu', 'Thillana', 'Bhama kalapam' etc.,(will explain more about these items in my next posts).
It used to be fun going daily to dance classes. All juniors used to complete dancing first and observe their seniors dance and learn from them. As a child, we can learn many things more by observation and discussion. Isn't it?
One important thing about classical dance or any classical art is , we should give respect to the teacher (Our Guru) to learn and master the art. Reason is simple - Classical art is not like maths/ science which comes with practice and understanding alone. It needs dedication and respect also. Even with these, some people may not perfect the art if they cannot understand rythm and enjoy the music by themselves. This is also one of the reasons, my teacher used to say that classical dance and music are inseparable. Learning classical music and understanding lyrics become an asset for a classical dancer.
So.. this was my daily routine in the evenings in my childhood.
Until next time,
Teacher used to show and make us practice different types of steps. Daily we have to perform those 12 types of steps which were like warm up exercises. Until and unless junior students perfect them, teacher never used to teach a new lesson. For any new student, it is painful initially to learn these steps, but these will help them understand correct posture and improve flexibility of muscles. After students perfect these steps, teacher used to teach one song 'shanthakaram', which is a poem praising lord Vishnu. By this time, it will be around 8PM and senior students start learning and performing a number of famous Kuchipudi songs like 'Krishna sabdham', 'Dasavataralu', 'Thillana', 'Bhama kalapam' etc.,(will explain more about these items in my next posts).
It used to be fun going daily to dance classes. All juniors used to complete dancing first and observe their seniors dance and learn from them. As a child, we can learn many things more by observation and discussion. Isn't it?
One important thing about classical dance or any classical art is , we should give respect to the teacher (Our Guru) to learn and master the art. Reason is simple - Classical art is not like maths/ science which comes with practice and understanding alone. It needs dedication and respect also. Even with these, some people may not perfect the art if they cannot understand rythm and enjoy the music by themselves. This is also one of the reasons, my teacher used to say that classical dance and music are inseparable. Learning classical music and understanding lyrics become an asset for a classical dancer.
So.. this was my daily routine in the evenings in my childhood.
Until next time,
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