Appreciation from Students

I've been here for the past 7 years. I take great pride and pleasure in saying that the Dhananjayans are my gurus...they not only teach dance but slokas, they tell us the mythological stories...

- Subhashini

I've been a student here for the past 10 years. I'm really fortunate to have such great gurus as my teachers and very privileged to be part of Bharata Kalanjali...they are very open to other dance forms and imbibing certain aspects of those..equal emphasis is laid on improving the students in talam, kalari, yoga, music etc.

- Annapoorni

I've been here for the last 9 years. They emphasise a lot of perfection. I' ve learnt a lot about discipline...apart from the items, we also learn a lot of theory...

- Tulsi Naresh

You will both be in my memories for life; I wanted to tell you that you have both had such an impact on me. You inspire me to continue my study of dance, and to also pursue a deeper knowledge of both dance and music.

- Geeti Shirazi Mahajan

From participants of the dance camp at Austin.

Thank you for helping me with my dance moves. I will never forget it.
- Preethi

Thank you so much for coming to Austin for this dance camp. I feel so privileged to be able to attend this camp and learn from such renowned artists. Thank you.
- Krithi

Thank you. My dancing has gotten better thanks to you.
- Divya B

Thank you so much for teaching us (and tolerating us). My time at camp was great! Thank you!
- Anu

Thanks Akka & Anna for all the years of guidance and advice. You are the best.
- Lakshmi

Thanks a lot for all the valuable things that you have taught me!
- Priya R

Thank you so much for the wonderful opportunity.
- Divya Madhusudhan

Thank you for everything you have ever taught me, not just dance, but discipline and self-control…
- Neeti

Wow! This was fun. Do it again please…
- Swetha

Thank you so much for teaching me dance and making my stay so great.
- Shilpa Botla

Thanks for a really great time at camp.
- Ashley Bose

It was such a great experience dancing with you. I hope I get to do this again soon. Thank you for everything.
- Sharmada

As usual, it was wonderful working with you both. I can’t wait to do this again. Thank you!
- Pallavi

We have written a poem for Anna and Akka
Who helped us with our thayyas and thakkas
We want to thank them with all our heart
For guiding us through this beautiful art
They have put this form in a new light
By putting each one of the aspects in our sight
Their patience has led us to improvement
By correcting each one of our movements.
We thank them again for all of their dedication
And bringing to this Austin Dance camp so much love and affection.
- From the participants

Thank you for so generously sharing your wisdom, knowledge, and artistry with me. It was an honor to be your student. My best times at camp were those spent in your company and I will hold these memories close to my heart. I am deeply inspired by both of you, and the way your lives seem to emanate the richness of Bharatanaatyam on so many levels.

- Andrea Zuchese (Aruna)

To my dearest Master and Akka,
The gift of love and knowledge is truly a priceless fortune; my life has been gifted by your generous love and knowledge. I treasure every moment that I have spent with you and keep it very close to heart. Thank you for being such a positive influence in my life.

- Verushka Kamendran

Dear Master and Akka,
I am very grateful to you for giving me the opportunity to learn at your academy. It was a great joy – a wonderful experience. Thank you ever so much.

- Syantani

A meaning of life – to profoundly and positively touch the lives of others. I hope that I will be able to achieve the same one day. Whether it be the attention that you pay in class, the devotion and haunting beauty/serenity of bhajans, or simply the positive energy that you emanate, I will remember it all until I return. For all of this, I must thank you sincerely, Anna and Akka.

- Niharika Bansal, Maryland.

A true meaning of the word artiste in the dance field should include the characteristics of a dancer, choreographer, teacher, connoisseur, scholar and crusader for the arts. In my opinion, I feel that the Dhananjayans possess these qualities and more. I have been an admirer of their dancing as a couple and their capacity to put together group productions. Their ability to choreograph interesting patterns and formations in-group, to sustain the interest of the viewer in a dance drama or group presentation is superior to anyone else.
They have always paid attention to production values and details without which a presentation cannot be a success. They are scholars of the art. But what has earned my respect for them is their capacity to appreciate talent when they see it and promote it even if it is outside their school, and their enduring efforts at reforming the dance field, which is subject to extreme corruption. They have never hesitated to speak up when they felt something was wrong. They have also never hesitated to help out younger artists whenever they could. Such generosity and conviction come from the deep-rooted security of oneself as an artist and human being.

- Vidya Sreedhar (USA)

For you are a very rare person and special teacher, guide, parent, etc., Akka, and I thank you for being a wonderful part of my world. Before I met you, dance was not a big deal to me, but now it is. You are the best teacher, and whoever learns from you is lucky.

- Sumana Chintapalli, Texas

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