It’s Saturday morning at BRT Academy and Shylaja Ramprasath’s students are limbering up for Bharatanatyam lessons at the classical Indian dance and music studio. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * It’s Saturday morning at BRT Academy and Shylaja Ramprasath’s students are limbering up for Bharatanatyam lessons at the classical Indian dance and music studio. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? It’s Saturday morning at BRT Academy and Shylaja Ramprasath’s students are limbering up for Bharatanatyam lessons at the classical Indian dance and music studio.
Setting aside their modern accoutrements, earbuds and cellphones tucked away, they prepare to immerse themselves in worlds far removed from ones they usually inhabit. Clad in jewel-coloured silks and brass bell anklets that ring with every step, their practiced hands apply makeup — a crucial part of the performance — paying special attention to the eyes. In Bharatanatyam the entire body and face are in service to dance.
BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS Mayura Manivasan demonstrates a general dance pose while wearing a practice saree costume. Bharatanatyam dancers emote through movement, conveying shringara (love), hasya (laughter), karuna (compassion), veera (courage), bhayanaka (fear), bhibatya (disgust), raudra (anger), shantha (peace) and adbuta (amazement). These preparations are an integral part of the lesson and will aid the danc.
