Shailaja Ravikumar (New Zealand)
Humble pranam to our beloved Aunty, our Guru who has helped shape many of our lives including mine, through the beautiful art form of Bharatnatyam. I reminisce every moment I have spent as a student in our dance classes while in Mumbai, India and have fond memories of spending countless hours dancing and practicing either at class or in Aunty’s house. Words fall short of what Aunty has been to me and my life.
Her disciplined way of teaching not only dance, but also important life lessons has helped me be the person I am today, far away from Mumbai home, now in New Zealand, where I try my best to impart Aunty’s teachings in every possible manner, to the wider community here, including non-Indians.
I am grateful for Aunty’s gentle love and care in training us to be successful dance practitioners and teachers. Being in a country with lack of knowledge of traditional Indian arts and culture, I try my best to incorporate them in my work, by conducting workshops, performances that incorporate Bharatnatyam, in both traditional and innovative ways. I offer our beautiful art form in simpler ways to young children at a primary school that I work in as a learning assistant, especially with special needs children. I try and include simple mudras, footwork and basic steps to the children.
With Aunty’s blessings, I got to perform at prestigious events in Hamilton, showcasing our traditions and was greatly appreciated. Whenever I get stuck choreographing a new piece or an innovative idea, I pray to Aunty to guide me, to help me succeed and perform or teach others as best as I could. Just like how aunty would always feed us with love and care during practice sessions, I try my best to do the same here with my fellow peers who learn from me or perform with me. Due to challenging family commitment, I might have not build an academy or institution but dance has never left my side for the last 16 years living in NZ. I have preserved my love for dance and teaching in many different ways which to me is my sadhana. I’ll always be indebted and grateful to Aunty for imbibing this knowledge of art in me. Love you always Aunty. We miss you. Sri Gurubhyo Namaha.
