Aparna NS
For Aparna, loving an artform to the point of constant, perpetual self-exploration is a way of life.
What Aparna NS did here
Faculty performance of Mohiniyattam and Kathak for students
On Sunday, we organised a one-hour performance by our faculty for the students. It featured Mohiniyattam and Kathak. Watching live performances is an important part of learning dance. It lets students see how movement, expression and technique come together on stage. The performance was organised especially for the students. It gave them the chance to experience what a dance performance looks and feels like. They also learned by observing the artists.
Revising Adavus and reviewing their techniques
On Saturday, most students were absent because they were preparing for exams. We used the session to revise the Adavus we learned earlier rather than introduce new ones. We also reviewed their detailed notes and discussed the techniques involved.
Channeling energy through movement and new Adavu practice
The children arrived with lots of energy. We began with varied movement activities instead of repeating the same Adavus. We explored different kinds of jumps and steps to channel their energy and help them settle. After these activities, we learned a new Adavu.
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Introducing eye, neck and eyebrow exercises
On Sunday, most students in the adults' batch were absent, so we used the session to introduce new exercises for the eyes, neck, and eyebrows. The students who came were eager to learn. Some movements felt hard at first, but they kept trying. In Bharatanatyam, eye and neck movements are important for expression and technique. Practising these exercises helps students become familiar with them and control them better, which makes their dancing clearer and more confident.
Practising basic Adavus and exploring Paraval Adavu
In the second batch, students practised the basic Adavus and went through the detailed notes for the second Paraval Adavu. They then explored a more advanced movement sequence, building on the Adavus they had learned earlier. This practice helped students pay closer attention to body coordination and how their hands and legs move together. As they worked through the steps, they became more aware of how their bodies move.
Learning together across generations
Today, the children's batch and the women's batch came together for class. Some of the children's mothers are part of the women's batch. This was a special chance for families to share the dance space. We combined the children's and women's batches for a shared class. We guided the group through activities everyone could take part in. We guided students of different ages through Mudra practice. We practised Thalam together. Together, the students practised Mudras and Thalam. Learning side by side gave children and adults a chance to share the experience, observe one another and connect through dance.
Building stamina through continuous Nattadavu practice
Our women's batch, aged 30+, focused on building stamina in today's class. They practised all the Nattadavus without stopping. They did this at all three speeds. We encouraged them to maintain movement and rhythm through the sequence. The students felt tired, but they kept going. They completed the practice without giving up.
Beginning performance preparation for the seniors' batch
We introduced a dance item to the seniors' batch in preparation for their performances in February. Preparing students for a performance takes time, practice and continued learning, so we are starting early. Regular rehearsal will help the students become familiar with the item and work towards performing it with confidence and accuracy.
Dance Together Day: celebrating a new milestone
Students from our batches came together for Dance Together Day. They met, danced, and celebrated as one community. This brought together students from different batches and age groups. Students aged 40 and above danced alongside children as young as three years old. It was special to see generations sharing the same dance space. All four teachers were present at the dance gathering. Many students dressed for the occasion. Some students could not attend, but those who came brought plenty of joy and energy. We also celebrated students who were ready for the next level. They wore the chilanka (dance bells) for the first time. Teachers tied the bells for the students, who then danced wearing them. The day felt like a joyful meetup, as students from different batches and age groups shared the dance space.
Learning Thalam, Mudras and Adavus
Students practised basic Thalam and Mudras today. They explored how Mudras are used in dance to express different meanings and emotions. They also revised basic Adavus to strengthen their understanding of the steps and rhythm.
Building co-ordination, confidence and patience through Adavu practice
Today in our kids batch, children stayed engaged throughout the practice. They made a consistent effort to understand and perform the movements. Learning Adavus takes repetition, co-ordination, concentration and patience. As children become more familiar with the movements, they learn to co-ordinate different parts of their bodies. They also become more aware of how they move. Dance practice is about more than learning steps or perfecting technique. It gives children an opportunity to develop body-mind co-ordination, concentration, patience and perseverance.
A new dance batch for women 30+
As interest in our regular batch grew and new admissions continued, we started a new batch so we could welcome more students. The batch brings together women aged 30 and above, each arriving with enthusiasm and a strong commitment to learning dance. The faculty find the classes rewarding. The faculty value the interest and hard work the students bring to every class. For many of these women, the class is more than a place to learn dance. It is also a joyful space to explore a long-held dream. The enthusiasm across the batch reflects how worthwhile it can be to begin or return to dance at any age.
From play to learning: creating space for children to grow
The children arrived for Sunday's dance class in a playful mood, so we began by giving them some time to play before the structured session. They took part eagerly in the muscle-strengthening exercises before we started practising Adavus. The children stayed focused throughout the practice and kept trying to understand and perform the movements. Learning Adavus takes repeated practice, co-ordination, concentration, and patience. As children grow familiar with the movements, they learn to make different parts of their bodies work together and notice how they move.
Building rhythm and co-ordination through revision
On Sunday, most students were absent, so I used the class to revise Adavus and Mudras and introduced basic Chollu and Thalam. This helped me realise the importance of changing my lessons to fit the students' needs and giving them enough time to develop rhythm and co-ordination. I learned that even a small class can be a valuable opportunity to observe and support each student.
Breaking down Nattadavu: building co-ordination step by step
The students found the adavu Nattadavu difficult to understand, so I started with the leg movements separately. Once the steps were familiar, I added the hand movements. The students struggled to co-ordinate both movements at the second and third speeds, so I spent more time on the leg movements. This taught me that breaking down difficult movements into simple parts helps children learn more effectively.
Applying spatial awareness to Bharatanatyam
The Sunday class focused on directions and spatial awareness. These are important parts of learning dance. The students practised the "Tha Thai Thai Tha" adavu. This is the third set of steps in Bharatanatyam. They faced an interesting challenge. I demonstrated the movements facing them. Many students tried to mirror my actions. But in this exercise, they often needed to move in the opposite direction. This caused confusion. There were mix-ups with right and left turns. We did not see these mistakes as a problem. We used them as a learning opportunity. We discussed what was happening and tried different approaches. We also practised repeatedly. Sometimes I turned around and demonstrated with my back to the students. At other times, they consciously tried the opposite side. This helped them understand the directions better. Slowly, the students began to figure it out. By the end of the session, they moved with more confidence and awareness. We learned that learning dance is not just about memorising steps. It is also about understanding space and directions. It is about learning by trying things and fixing mistakes.
Aparna introduces Mudras and Sanskrit to students
On Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, Aparna focused on the fundamentals. She led the students through Thattadavu and Nattadavu. She explained why these basic steps build a strong foundation in dance. After working through the adavus, the students moved on to the Mudras. The movements interested them, but remembering and pronouncing the Sanskrit names proved difficult. Some students hesitated when the unfamiliar words did not come easily. Aparna had a simple solution: repetition. She kept encouraging them with the same words again and again: "Guys, repeat, repeat and repeat. You will remember." She did not expect them to get everything right at once. She gave them space to practise, make mistakes and try again.
Friends of Thudippu: Edition 05
Yes! Kerala has many art forms and traditions, and art is one of them. Many communities have practised and preserved these art forms for generations without expecting anything in return. These art forms reflect the history, culture and people of the land. The question for us was how to bring art forms like these into the mainstream. How can people come together with friends and engage with these art forms? How can we help them reach a wider audience and continue to thrive? This is when we started Friends of Thudippu (FOT). Since then, we have successfully hosted four editions at Thudippu Studio, Vennala. When we began planning the next edition, we wanted to try something different. “What if we take Friends of Thudippu (FOT) closer to a place that is deeply connected to Kerala’s cultural and historical landscape Fort Kochi and Mattancherry?” The whole team said yes! We started with a basic Google search and shortlisted a few spaces to see what might work. But Google was not our only source of information. We also reached out to friends and people around Kochi, and they suggested spaces and possibilities we had not come across ourselves. One of the spaces we came across was Artiko Tales, Mattancherry. It took us a while to explore the space because they had moved to this new location only about a month earlier. On the day we went to visit, we arrived a little early. Instead of going straight to the space, we walked through Jew Town. It was a beautiful, peaceful evening. The yellow lights were already on, and the streets were quieter. The character of that historic place felt different at that time of day. We decided to stop for a tea. Somehow, that chai time became an important part of the process. Sitting there and talking, we started thinking about what it would mean to bring the next Friends of Thudippu edition into this neighbourhood. It was not just about finding a venue anymore. The place itself started becoming part of the idea. When we arrived at Artiko Tales, we saw an artist painting in a room full of artworks, paintings and small sculptures. Some were finished. Others were still in the process of being made. She got up, smiled at us and said, “Hi, I'm Sudharshana.” She was the founder of Artiko Tales. We started talking about the space and our idea for Friends of Thudippu. Then she told us that she already knew about Thudippu. We did not expect that small connection to matter so much. At that point, the space felt less like something we had found. It felt more like something that had somehow come back to us at the right time. We were happy, excited and a little emotional about it. We decided to go ahead with Artiko Tales. And yes, the right space fits the audience and suits the experience.
Dance students move into adavu and mudra practice
Community dance classes are moving into a more technical stage. Students are practicing adavus and mudras. These are some of the more demanding parts of Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam. The sessions focus on posture, hand movements, and coordination. Students get the basics right through repeated practice.
Community dance classes move into abhinaya practice
The Thudippu team ran the community dance classes. They split them into children's and adults' sessions. Aparna now works with both groups on more technical dance, including abhinaya, expression and communicating emotions through movement.
Community students practice for an upcoming program
Community students met at aikyam space for dance practice. They were getting ready for an upcoming program. The sessions gave the group more time to learn together and support one another. They also built stronger connections through regular practice.
Dance class went on practising
The community dance class went on with regular practice. The dancers got ready together. They felt more sure of themselves in every session.
Rehearsals began for a performance in August
Community members practised hard for the performance in August. We improved our confidence, co-ordination, and stage presence. We prepared together through regular rehearsals.
Thudippu students practised for their first stage show
Thudippu Dance Foundation spent the day practising with students for their first official stage show. We focused on improving co-ordination and confidence. We also worked on getting ready for the stage. It was exciting to see the students preparing together for this important milestone.
The community dance class practised together again
The community dance class continued. Dancers practised together again. They grew in confidence through regular learning and working as a team.
Students grew steadier with every dance practice
Students kept up their regular dance practice. Every session built their confidence. It built their co-ordination too. Their expressions grew with each session.
Dance class for the community met to practise
The dance class for the community met to practise together. It brought participants together to practise, learn, and build confidence through dance.
Thudippu ran a semi-classical dance workshop for all levels
Thudippu ran a dance workshop. It was semi-classical. People of all levels came. We gave them room to explore movement, music and self-expression. They learned together.
Kids' dance class worked on new steps
The regular kids' dance class continued on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. Students practised new steps, expressions, and co-ordination. Regular practice helped them become more confident in a fun and encouraging environment.
The dance club practiced movement and teamwork
The dance club kept up its regular practice. Members built confidence, co-ordination and teamwork through movement.
Steps, rhythm and expressions practised again
The regular dance class continued with students practising steps, rhythm, and expressions. Going to every class helped them become more confident and comfortable with each session.
Dancers learned from each other in the group class
Dancers learned from each other in the group class. The community dance class brought people together to learn, practice and enjoy dance as a group. Regular sessions helped participants build confidence while learning from and supporting one another.
The dance class worked on new movements and expressions
The regular dance class continued. Dancers practised new movements, expressions and co-ordination. They grew more confident and more comfortable with each session. They made steady progress in their learning journey.
Dancers from different backgrounds practised together
The community dance class took place on March 14, 2024. People from different backgrounds learned and practised dance together. As their confidence grew, many felt more at ease with the movements, expressions and group work.
The children keep building skills and discipline
The children keep building their skills and discipline through regular practice.
New steps learned at the community dance class
The community dance class went on with enthusiasm. Dancers learned new steps. They practised together.
The children dance with more confidence than when they started
The children continued to make good progress in their dance classes. They were more confident, coordinated, and comfortable performing different steps than when they started. Regular practice helped them grow in both skill and confidence.
The adult batch started coming in dance uniforms
The adult dance batch started attending classes in their dance uniforms on March 14, 2024. We moved them to the next level of training. This shows their dedication.
Another dance session spent on movement and expression
Students gathered for another dance session on March 14, 2024. We spent time refining movements, rhythm and expressions. Through regular practice and shared enthusiasm, we became more confident performers while enjoying the connection and teamwork that dance brings.
Dancers built on steps learned in earlier sessions
Students returned to dance practice on March 14, 2024. They worked on new steps and revised old ones. We saw them improve in coordination, rhythm and confidence. They seemed to enjoy it.
The young dancers worked on co-ordination and rhythm
The young dancers kept working on their co-ordination, rhythm and expression. They did this with regular practice and gentle help. The sessions helped them build confidence. They enjoyed moving and learning together.
Children learn discipline and storytelling through Bharatanatyam
The children learned discipline and how to tell a story through Bharatanatyam. We practised the steps, the facial expressions and co-ordination often. Their movements became more confident.
Another day of Bharatanatyam practice for the children
We held another Bharatanatyam class at the space. The children continued to learn movements and coordination together while building confidence and discipline.
Bharatanatyam students learned to tell stories without words
The Bharatanatyam class was full of energy as students practiced expressions, postures, and movements together. With every step and hand gesture, the children learned how dance can tell stories without words.
Children and adults practised Bharatanatyam side by side
The Bharatanatyam class brought children and community members together to practise steps, postures, and rhythm as a group. With every session, the space slowly grew into a place where learning, discipline, and art came together.
The Bharatanatyam class now runs in two batches
The Bharatanatyam class now runs in two batches. Yesterday, five new students joined, bringing fresh energy as we continued to learn steps, rhythms, and expressions together.
Fee-based dance class started with students
We started a fee-based dance class on March 14, 2024, with students as part of the Change makers in Residence initiative. We did this to explore new ways of learning and growing within the space.
Hand movements and expressions practised in dance class
In the dance class, students practiced hand movements and expressions under guidance. With each correction and repetition, they slowly understood how every gesture tells a story.
Steps and body movements drilled in the Bharatanatyam class
In the Bharatanatyam class, we practised together and focused on basic steps and body movements. With guidance and repetition, each movement slowly became more confident and expressive, bringing the dance to life.
Expressions and gestures began to say something
The question turned into a moment of learning. Expressions, gestures, and small movements began to show what was happening.
Community members practised basic Bharatanatyam steps
Community members attended Bharatanatyam classes on March 14, 2024. We learned basic steps and practised together with focus and consistency.
We celebrated the dance faculty's birthday after class
Community members attended Bharatanatyam classes on March 14, 2024. We learned basic steps with focus and consistency. We also celebrated the faculty's birthday together after class.
Acting and expression added to the Bharatanatyam lessons
We did acting and expression training as part of our Bharatanatyam lessons. We learned how to show emotions and tell stories with our faces and bodies.
Twenty-five students finished a long Bharatanatyam session
25 students from Fort Kochi and Mattancherry finished a long, tiring yet beautiful Bharatanatyam session. Our esteemed faculty member, Aparna, led the session.