APPRECIATION
- Appreciation from Students
- Appreciation from others
Appreciation from Students
From a young onlooker
July 1, 2003
We had a casual holiday visit to Atlanta on our way to the Yogaville. Our old students from Bharatakalanjali, Krishna, Subadra, and Uma, on our arrival, said they had arranged a small reception the next day July 1st. This was without our permission. Anyway, we did not want to disappoint them. The so-called small reception turned out to be a big gathering of nearly 300 people in a shopping center hall. Surprisingly the crowd was expecting us to do a lecture cum demonstration. No preparations.
The best thing was the local Bharatanaatyam teachers had brought their siblings and they danced in our honor. They were very happy and enthusiastic in showing us their student’s performance.
After that the crowd expecting us to dance, we did not want to disappoint them, so Shanta sang and I danced “Varugalaamo Ayya” and small Nritta piece. After the performance a little boy of 10 walked up to me and announced innocently to the astonishment of everyone standing around, “ can I say something, you are the best Bharatanaatyam dancer I have ever seen, if I can dance like you I also want to learn Bharatanaatyam.” I was so taken aback as if a million-dollar prize had been awarded on me. I told him to write and give me his comment. In a small piece of paper collected from the floor, he wrote this:
Dear Mr.Dhananjayan, I loved your performance, it was great. Out of all the people I have seen dance you’re the best.
- Vignesh Kalidas
Memories of Bharata Kalanjali, Anna & Akka
I am a bharatakalanjali trained artist working since 23 years (Arrangetram with the dhananjayans 1980) in the field of bharatanatyam as a performer, lecturer, teacher and book author. My book on dance is called "Lotosblüten öffnen sich." It is in German and I work all over Germany.I teach in Munich in Ahimsa Studio, Amalienstr. 41, 80399 Muenchen and in Odenwald (forest region near Frankfurt) in Airlenbach39, 64743 Beerfelden.
My favorite item of the Dhananjayans is the Balamurli Tillana, which I have never learned and wish to learn before reaching the age of 60.!!!!!!!!! therefore I keep coming to India and I am trying, apart from working on 3 new books!
I have memories of tremendous support by the Dhananjayans, traveling in full trains, without comfort, to help me to stage performances all over India. For that, I have great gratitude to them and unforgettable good memories which add to the value of my rich live.
- Angelika Sriram (Anjali) (Germany)
Memories of Bharata Kalanjali, Anna & Akka
I joined Master and Akka at the age of 7. As a daughter of the versatile musician T.V. Gopalakrishnan, Master and Akka were well known to our family. They used to come home and I instantly got attached to them. Learning from them has been a great experience, as they teach not only dance but discipline, dedication, and devotion to art and all art forms alike. They take personal care and affection to each and every student and show no difference to anybody. They are wonderful human beings and great artists and choreographers.
Living far away from India and my family, I always think of the fond memories of my days in BK. It was filled with fun, love, a lot of discipline and learning. Even though I continue to be in the dance field, teaching in Geneva, I would like my daughter Anjali to learn with Master and Akka and be with them and live the same experience we have all had.
I cannot say I would like to learn one favorite item with them, but there are many which I would like to learn again and again from them. But one item is my father’s composition - Pullayar Varnam, beautifully choreographed by them! Another item I loved to perform among others was “Aadinaye Kanna”.
Master and Akka are always with me in my heart and thoughts and they are simply incomparable. Their warmth, kindness, discipline, inspiration and human values which I inherited from them, now I pass on to my children Vignesh and Anjali!
As we say in French, ‘Ils sont les meilleurs et seront toujours les meilleurs’.
-Aparna Raghavan (USA)
(daughter of Sangita Vidwan Sri. T.V.Gopalkrishnan)
Our Gurus our Guiding light
I am Gayatri Krishnamurthy one of the “Trio sisters,” now settled in Sydney(Australia). I am happy to be called one of the senior students of the Dhananjayan and excited to hear that Barathakalanjali is launching its website. As a librarian, working in the information field, I am constantly using the web to seek information. I am thrilled to hear that in the future I will be able to login to the Barathakalanjali’s webpage and feel the happiness and belonging I felt in my younger days when I was a part of this great institution. I hope I will be able to capture all those joyous moments we shared with our teachers. My memory is as fresh and green with everything my teachers thought me and all the life’s greatest lessons we learned by just observing their life. They were our living examples, all our hopes and motivation in life and every moment we aspired to be like them and tried to emulate their ways. Not that their geniuses (genii) could have been copied, but certainly their simple ways of life and their strong faith that hard work will eventually be rewarded, even when returns are not so easily forthcoming was a lesson indeed to be learned.
I’ve known the Dhananjayans for nearly three decades and it is nothing but admiration that we have for our Gurus. Now recollecting the past, I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been simply amazed at their style of teaching values to their students. I must confess that it is the training that we acquired at Bharatakalanjali that has taught us several disciplines in life. I owe it all to my gurus.
Living so far away from my sisters and the rest of my family, I always think of the most pleasant moments of my childhood. And here I should confess that most of them in some way were linked to my Gurus. Be it the small storytelling sessions in the makeup room, or traveling on the train with them for dance performances or simply time spent talking with my Master when he had some time to spare in his office. Not to forget those happy moments spent with Akka trying to pack costume boxes or painting the pots and the sticks used in folk dances or ironing/ mending clothes. It is just by doing things with them I’ve learned several values, which come in handy now when I am on my own trying to cope up with my work and running my family. I don’t know what gurukulam system is, but only know the Dhananjayan’s homely atmosphere given to us.
My mother sent us to the Dhananjayans who lived close to where we lived. We were three sisters all one year apart, should say more than a handful for my mother to handle. That is how our great association with dancing began. Eventually it became a passion and a driving force for both my sisters. Though I secretly hoped that the “Trio sisters” would suddenly become a big hit on the stage. That dream stayed a drem, but yet I am happy those memories of the dream are still alive in me. We were from a very middle class family and did not have any aspirations to make it big in dance any way. But of course any young mind has its own dreams and hopes, and at some point I did want to make it big in dance. At one point, I even neglected my studies and contemplated on taking dancing my profession and so started teaching at Barathakalanjali. But eventually, I took up librarian ship as my profession and went far away from dance.
Though my dreams of becoming a great dancer never became a reality, the pleasure of learning the great art from the great gurus is indeed a valuable treasure and the most precious thing that I’ve earned in my life.
My guru is my guiding light and I am a great admirer of his ways. Even as a young child I tried to copy him - both in dancing and in life. Now, I still think of him fondly, when ever I hear Indian music or practise my items. Should I be asked what I like to achieve in life. The answer would be - “I want to be like my Guru”. I know that’s not an easy task, but I will try my best to emulate his ways.
Into the future there is still that sliver lining in my cloud and I hope to teach dance and be associated with the most precious gift that my gurus have given me.
- Gayatri Krishnamurthy (Australia)
(daughter of Sangita Vidwan Sri. T.V.Gopalkrishnan)
Memories of Bharata Kalanjali, Anna & Akka
Dear Anna and Akka, As I write these words, I know I am a speck in your ever so expanding world of students, friends, well-wishers, and admirers. But you make me feel special, as you do every one whose lives you touch. I am all of the above and feel extremely fortunate that I can walk into Bharatha Kalanjali any time and be a part of that wonderful world of constant dance and music. Your unconditional and tireless giving is mind-boggling. I am eternally grateful for everything you have done and for all the encouragement.
Thank you and may God bless you.
- Jothi Raghavan (USA)
"Nrityanjali Academy of Indian Performing Arts"
My Days At BHARATKALANJALI
When I went to Chennai to do my advanced course under Guruji Dhananjay and Shanta Akka, I was full of doubts in my mind. Leaving my parents and my State Gujarat, and going to a place where I did not know anyone or the language of that State was really bad, but not knowing the people under whom I was going to study was worse. Even today I remember my first meeting with them. Guruji's loving smile made me feel welcome and Akka's quiet but sympathetic approach made me easy. I never knew at that time that I am meeting two people who will influence my life so deeply not only in dance but in every aspect of my life. They never allowed me to feel that I was away from home. They were loving teachers as well as my guide. They taught me with such loving care that it made my stay there easy and the golden period of my life. Their devotion to dance, their hard work and their method of teaching student have left its indelible print on my mind. They opened my eyes to the vast knowledge of dance and today in my own institution as a teacher I try to be like them. Their approach to dance helped me in becoming a professional dancer and a teacher. Without saying anything, by their behavior, they taught me how to live life in true sense.
In their training with students they are stern, perfect and loving but most of all patient. Whenever I think of them my heart is full of love and loyalty towards them. I am very happy to understand that not only I but each one of us, who have studied under them has something of them within us. They live in our hearts.
My favorite item - Ganesha Shabdam and Atana Varnam.
At the time of my programme, Guruji composed, especially for me, a Geetgovind "Astapadi" - 'Nibhrut Nikunj Griham Gataya Nishi'.
- Harinakshi (Dolly) Desai (Gujarat)
Memories of Bharata Kalanjali, Anna & Akka
Accompanied by my parents, I entered the portals of Bharata Kalanjali at Adayar for the first time more than one and a half decades ago. Although the years have faded away, memories of the time I spent there still remain fresh.
My sole commitment then was to obtain advanced training in Bharatanatyam under the world-renowned exponents, the Dhananjayans. I spent the whole day, from early in the morning till late in the evening, undergoing very intensive and rigorous training in both dance and music.
The atmosphere at Bharata Kalanjali was divine and serene. My gurus, Dhananjayan master, and Shanta akka, exuded immense devotion to the art, and showered abundant love and concern on the disciples. I was placed directly under two senior members of the staff, a highly trained and exacting teacher, Mr Moorthy, and a much renowned lovable dancer, Shrimathy Radhika Surjit who has blazed her excellence on many a stage the world over with the Dhananjayans, while master and akka undertook my coaching personally from time to time as they often had to visit other countries for programmes.
It was indeed a divine experience to dance in a palm-thatched, cadjan roofed, mud-walled hut in the manner of the damsels of yore who underwent training in such places filled with mysticism.
Among the items I learned at Bharatakalanjali which were all edifying and enriching was the dance of "Aandaal" specially composed for me.
It was memorable that my final stage presentation on completion of the course was done on the 20th Wedding Anniversary of my dear gurus at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai, presented jointly by Bharata Kalanjali and Sankarabharanam. Dhananjayan master and Shanta Akka did the Nattuvangam. It was equally memorable that none other than the famous philosopher and producer of monumental classical movies, Shri G.V Iyar surprisingly graced the occasion with his presence, from whose hands I received the certificate.
I definitely am happy and proud to be a disciple of the Dhananjayans and an alumnus of Bharata Kalanjali. Now, though a mother of three children, yet I am determined to emulate my gurus and continue performing as well as contributing towards the growth of Bharatanatyam and the glory of Bharata Kalanjali.
- Nirmala John (Sri Lanka)
Memories of Bharata Kalanjali, Anna & Akka
I don't know where to begin about my experiences in Bharathakalanjali with master and akka but I am going try and write it as precisely as I can. I have been learning from Master and akka for the past 15 years and have had many memorable days at Bharatakalanjali. It was(is) my second home. I learned a lot from Master and akka who have been like parents to me. They are gurus in the "true" sense of the word. Not only have they taught me (and many of my classmates) how to dance well but have helped us become better human beings. We know a lot about our culture, values, and traditions thanks to them. I remember how much I learned on the dance tours by just being with them. I learned how to deal with various people from all over the world, how to talk in front of an audience, how to behave, everything.
Now if I am confident and able to present myself well in another country without being the slightest bit uncomfortable, I know that they are one of the main reasons for it. Master and Akka have composed a few items which they thought would suit me. One of my favorites is a Thillana which is a composition of Sri Lalgudi Jayaraman in Brindavani Raagam. This was composed for my arangetram and is according to me one of their best Thillana compositions. Another favourite is a Javali in kalyani Raagam "Yenthati Kulukke" which I thoroughly enjoy performing. A padam in kedaragowla raagam, "ariya paruvam" and an ashtapadi "thava virahe" is another favourite of mine which was also composed for me many years ago.
There are so many more compositions that were not composed on me but I think are fantastic and great to perform. I am specially fond of "sakhiye varnam" in anandabhairavi raagam since it was the first varnam which was taught to me for my arangetram. I also like are Raama varnam in ragam karaharapriya, Ninne varnam in atana raagam. Maata Paraashakti in ragamalika with brilliant jatis and a universal favourite is the nrittaswaravali, a jatiswaram in ragamalika and taalamalika.
Apart from these,there are some compostitions that I would love to see master and akka perform time and again. I can see master perform "yenna thavam", "vazhi maraikirude" and "bhaja mana raama" a million times and would want to see it another trillion times!!! Akka is so phenomenal when she performs the ashtapadi "saa virahe" and "kuyile". Akka's adavus till now are the best I have ever seen. Her aramandi, "kai shuddham" is fantastic, I wish I could do it as well as her. I can probably go on and on but I think I will stop here.
- Priya Mohan (USA)
Guru Appreciation
Master and Akka are truly legendary not only in their artistic work but also in terms of the powerful impact they have on the lives of their students.I studied at Bharatakalanjali for many years and the most lasting memories are the subtle details they pay attention to --like how they insisted on shoes being lined up in a straight row outside the class area, or always being in neatly pressed clothes and appropriate accessories. Just being around them, their house and the school will influence anyone to pick up a habit or two on cleanliness and orderliness, especially when you watch them pick up small pins dropped on the floor as they walk around.
When I went to take intensive sessions with their international students in 2005, I had the first-hand experience of seeing their commitment to promoting Bharatanatyam worldwide by sponsoring students from diverse backgrounds to experience the tradition in the most authentic way.
The word that clearly comes to mind when I think of them is ‘perfection’. They strive to be perfect in everything they do, whether the details in the mudra, aligned posture, timeliness, or the masterfully orchestrated annual Vijayadashmi functions. They have truly taught me to set high standards for every small thing I do.
- Reshma Ananthakrishnan (USA)
New year wishes (2011) to her Gurus sent by Rincy (Renuka)
- Rincy (Renuka) (London)
Memories of Bharata Kalanjali, Anna & Akka
Dear Master and Akka namasteit has been so great visiting your site - brings back memories that will be forever etched in my mind.
Thinking about you and Akka
to me, the two of you are like a perfect construction of poetry.
every glance, every gesture, every movement - so meaningful and beautiful
I miss the two of you so much. Hope to see you soon. Take care.
love always
your student,
-Selvarani Crystal Pillai (SA)
Our Gurus our Guiding light
I was very fortunate to be one of the first students taught by Anna and Akka when they founded Bharata Kalanjali. My lessons began in January of 1970, on the thatched rooftop of their old Shastrinagar house. I had Shanta Akka to myself most of every morning, and her impeccable teaching has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. Now, after 24 years of teaching myself, I still appreciate more every day the patient perfectionist, consummate artist, and warm, loving person that she is. At that time, Anna was still going off with his briefcase to work at a regular job every morning, and Sanjay was just a very little boy. I was thrilled to be able to study with the Dhananjayans because I had begun my training in Rishi Valley School with Kumari Meenakshi and continued in Varanasi with Dr CV Chandrashekar, and I knew the value of a truly dedicated artist and teacher.I will always thank my lucky star that led me to ask Kunhiraman Sir if he knew of any teacher from Kalakshetra who might be able to teach me outside my classtime at the Central College of Carnatic Music. He said, "There are two friends of mine who have just begun their own school, and I think they may take you as their student." The next day, I was at their house, and for me it was love at first sight. I knew that I had truly found the teachers for whom I had been searching: totally dedicated to beauty and perfection in art, yet unpretentious and unassuming; full of joy in life and in their budding careers.
There were hours and hours of rehearsals every day for "variety" programs, which were the rage in Madras at the time. Folk and classical dances from all over India, with dozens of different costumes, changed so quickly I'm sure it made even the audiences heads spin. I know our heads were spinning backstage! We had great times, joking and laughing and working together.
Then it was time for my arangetram, at Rasika Ranjani Sabha in Mylapore. Of course I didn't feel really ready, but somehow the performance--to a packed theater--got great reviews. As I danced more and more, both in solo and group programs, my confidence developed under Akka and Anna's careful guidance and I actually began to enjoy being on stage as much as I loved their wonderful classes and rehearsals.
Years went by, and the time came for me to return to the United States. I tried again and again to arrange programs for Anna and Akka in Alabama, but the Southern culture took many years--and many performances by myself and my students here--to warm up to South Indian classical arts. Now, I can proudly say that this goal is fianally being realized: the Silver Jubilee of my dance school and company, Natyananda will be celebrated next June with a gala performance of the Dhananjayans, myself, and all my students. And this performance is supported not only by the Indian community, but by the Alabama State Council on the Arts, and our local companies of Classical Ballet, and Spanish, Middle Eastern, and African dancers and musicians. The whole festival is called "Celebrate Unity, Honor Diversity", and will bring my beloved teachers and their incredible musicians together with wonderful artists of different genres in the American Deep South.
- Sheila Christian Rubin (USA)
Sheila Christian Rubin
Memories of Bharata Kalanjali, Anna & Akka
Dear Anna and Akka, When I joined Bharata Kalanjali, I was only 6. They had just started Bharata Kalanjali. I had no particular interest in dance. For me, interest in dance came much later.
We were closer to akka and master than our parents; we even discussed our personal problems with them. More than dance, the human values that we have learnt from them, has inspired me to be a better teacher, when I started my own school. I learnt to mingle with my students as a person, not just as a teacher. If they don't think you are a good human being, they never respect you as an artiste.
We especially learnt a lot of technical details, which no teacher will teach you. Since we were present when the choreography was being evolved, we learnt a lot about how to choreograph, how to do group choreography, how to work with children.
Each production is unique in some way, Valli had a rustic theme, Ramanaatakam was high flown, but in my opinion Sanghamitra is the best we have done so far.
When we moved out of Madras, we started our own institution, but we have always taken master's guidance. Just because we have left Bharata Kalanjali does not mean our ties are cut. Whenever we need help, we always approach master and he is ever ready to lend his support and guidance, that's the relationship we have with them. Whatever we are today, we owe to master and akka.
-Shobana Balchandra (one of the Trio Sisters) (Chennai)
My Days At BHARATKALANJALI
I remember my parents’ concern when I told them that I had made up my mind to go to Madras to learn dance after high school, rather than head off to college with the rest of my classmates. At that time, there were plenty of people who dissuaded me from going, but looking back, I am convinced that my decision to go to Bharata Kalanjali (BK) was one of the best choices I have made in my life. I told everyone I knew that I was confident and content with my decision. Inside, however, I was scared for a number of reasons. First, I had not visited India for nine years; second, I had never been to Madras; third, I had no background in Tamil; fourth, I did not know where I would be living while at Madras; fifth, I was unsure if I would fit in well with the students, and finally, I was insecure that I would not be able to learn as quickly and thoroughly as the other BK students.
To my surprise, I felt very much at home in Adyar, and quite natural and at ease at BK. Many of the students made me feel as though I was a part of their own family and even involved me in their personal activities, from reviewing dance items to shopping trips. Some of my greatest lessons came from my experiences living with Anna and Akka. Each moment was truly instructional, if not for dance, for life. I treasured the late nights when Akka would conjure up different hairstyles for dance dramas, using my head as the guinea pig! Running behind her in the shopping centers was almost the same amount of exercise as the adavu class itself. I still smile when I think back on the time when Akka asked me if I wanted to do anything special for my birthday. My response was quite spontaneous, “an extra class with sherakal adavu combinations!” My request was immediately granted. I will always remember the enthusiasm that Anna showed in checking over my samskritam homework and his willingness to answer my most basic grammar questions at any time of day or night. It was this warmth and love that I valued most about my association with Anna, Akka, and the BK family.
On the dance front, everything seemed to naturally fall into place. I attended virtually every single class, every single day. During the times when I was not in class, I practiced on my own. I remember one particular day when I was wishing that Anna would teach my class since no other student or instructor was around. I tried to remember all of the corrections I had been given in the past as I practiced “Yen Palli Kondiraiya Sri Ranganatha”. When I finished reviewing the item and came inside the house, Anna came outside and gave me some new corrections; he had been watching me from his office room as I was dancing. I felt so blessed to have such thoughtful gurus, always trying to help me improve.
Growing up, I used to imagine what it would be like to dance on the same stage as Anna and Akka. During my summers in the Natya Adhyayana Gurukulam in Yogaville, I used to hear about all of the productions and the stories behind the sets. It never occurred to me that one day, I could also become a part of that team. During my time at BK, I took part in Thygaraja Vaibhavam and traveled to Konark and Delhi with the BK troupe. It was through those trips that I realized why BK students felt so close to one another.
Even though I have not been back to BK since 1996, a large part of my heart will forever be there. I pray that Anna, Akka, and all of the students at BK will always be blessed with peace, joy, love, and light.
- Sruti Ranjani Nataraja (USA)
Memories of Bharata Kalanjali, Anna & Akka
It still feels like yesterday, but it has been more than twenty-five years now when I first met Anna and Akka. I was truly fresh off the boat from Sri Lanka in the midst of the raging civil war. When my father dropped me off with Anna and Akka, they not only accepted me as their student but also took care of me like their own daughter. Bharathakalanjali was truly a 'Gurukulam' experience where I learned my life lessons that formed the basis of my value system apart from Natyam. Anna and Akka opened up their hearts and minds and taught us everything they knew and never held anything back.
My happiness knew no bounds when Anna selected me to join him for the South India tour, after being a part of the school for a mere month. This was the starting of a lifelong journey that has formed the basis of my personal and professional life.
When I moved to the UK, I was blessed to continue the journey with Anna and Akka by performing in their productions. Working with Anna and Akka, I learned how to reach the western audiences through this sacred art. Though Bharathakalanjali, I have met some wonderful people who have become my lifelong friends.
Following the footsteps of Anna and Akka, I have started a dance school 'Bharathakala Natya Academy' in Atlanta, USA. I try to impart the same values like that were instilled in me by Anna and Akka.
-Subathra Sudarshan (USA)
Memories of Bharata Kalanjali, Anna & Akka
I started at Bharatakalanjali in July 1985 just before Akka and Master left for their multi-city US tour. Since then, I have learned with them for over a decade. The experience of learning at Bharatakalanjali is very special and memorable. You are not only considered as a student but also a ‘Developing Artiste’.Imagination and creativity are highly encouraged. You are encouraged to interpret the song on your own, and express your own abhinaya based on what you feel in your heart and body without deviating from the traditions. The other important aspect that is instilled in us is that dance is just not a physical activity of having perfect anga-suddam, which is a basic requirement of dance, but more a spiritual odyssey where you find the beauty within you.
One of my most memorable experiences is that during my Arangetram my parents were not there with me, and it was Master and Akka who were there for me, like my parents and took care of everything.
Some of my most favorite items of Bharatakalanjali are, the bakti enduring ‘Devi niye thunai’ - a keertanam, the scintillating ‘Adinaye kanna’ - also a keertanam and the famous and grand ‘Ninne nere nambinanura’ – a varnam/nrityopaharam. There are so many other items that are also my favorites. But the list is too long to mention here.
-Uma Pulendran (USA)
I have learnt dance from many teachers, but none of them is so meticulous. The Dhananjayans are exacting teachers.
- V A K Ranga Rao
I owe my present position in the field of art to the Dhananjayans. Meeting them was the turning point in my life. They have always encouraged my mission of dissemination of arts in teaching and community work. To them I just cannot say ‘Thank You’ adequately.
-- V R Devika
I was the first student of Bharata Kalanjali. My first class was in their drawing room. Master and Akka simultaneously took classes then. There was no time limit. Classes went on and on. We thoroughly enjoyed those beautiful days. Master used to get angry very easily, largely because he's a perfectionist. But I see that he's sort of mellowed down...They used to treat me like their own daughter, even feed me...For my arangetram, all the items were new, 'Natyanjali', 'Shanmuga Shabdam'...the latter was choreographed in just one evening. It is a great experience to watch master choreograph a piece.
- Sumathi Sriram