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A group of children are gathered in a brightly lit room with a polished floor. Several children stand barefoot in the center and left side of the room, while others sit on the floor near the right wall. One child stands with their back to the camera, wearing a black top and a black-and-white checkered skirt. Another child in a patterned dress and red pants stands on the left. A third child in a red top and denim shorts stands near a low table. A child in a pink top and dark shorts stands in the middle. On the right, a child in a blue dress stands facing the group, and another child in a patterned outfit sits on the floor. A ceiling fan is mounted on the ceiling, and an air conditioning unit is installed above a large window. The window is covered with yellow and white curtains and has a decorative grille. A colorful mural covers the left wall, featuring stylized figures and floral elements.
  • 18 took part
  • 2 facilitators

Monday 21 September 2026

A beginner's first Sunday in Bharatanatyam

Facilitated by a facilitator

This Sunday started like a regular practice day. Our students practised what they had learned the previous Saturday, Kuthithu Mettu Adavu. They repeated the steps until their bodies slowly remembered them. Then three new members walked in with warm smiles and joined our community class.

The first day was always a mix of emotions. There was excitement and curiosity. There was also a little nervousness and, of course, the pain of making those first few movements. They learned their first Namaskaram. They also got a little introduction to Bharatanatyam and its history.

The class took small steps, with lots of repetition. There were a few mistakes and plenty of smiles. That is the beauty of learning. Everyone starts somewhere. For them, this Sunday was simply the beginning.

What changed for the people who took part, and what showed it.

Three new members learned their first Namaskaram and were introduced to Bharatanatyam, its movements and its history.

(We observed it)

EducationArt and cultureDance ClubThudippu Dance FoundationAparna NSaikyam space

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