Indian Classical Dance Recital by students of Indhra Rajashekar

Naatyaranga's Annual Dance Recital - Indian Classical Dance School based in Rockland County

Given the fact there  are  numerous dance schools around the country each depicting varied styles of dance, Indian  classical dancing  holds a special place. The Bharatnatyam  dance form dates back to many centuries. So naturally it has depth, meaning and a purpose of it's own.

 The glory and grandeur of Indian dance forms has been  beautifully brought out by NaatyaRanga Dance school of  New City. The Indian community boasts of hundreds of Classical schools in the United States itself. That is  phenomenal. However, the quality and precision of a dancer is known by his or her  Guru or teacher.  The Indian dance Bharatnatyam involves the movement of all of the limbs in synchronicity, with eye movement and face expressions along with miming. It is a form of dance  which is an art, an exercise, a theatrical outlet and a form of yoga. In a nutshell, a dancer projects his or her self union of the body heart and soul… that is Bharatanatyam. It is a purposeful and heavy art, steeped in meaning and it's beauty comes out when it is portrayed correctly. It cannot be taught without understanding the spiritual essence.One has to be emotionally, psychological involved to portray the scene. It is mandatory to instill a full rounded to bring out this dance form.

To teach such an art, while bringing out it's many facets of spirituality, is commendable. The teachers consist of  a wonderful mother and daughter team: Indhra Rajashekar and Rangapriya Rajashekar. This duo  and their  group of 72 dancers performed at the South Clarkstown High school on the June 15th  2013.  The auditorium was packed with an enthralled audience, who watched  dancers perform of varied ages: from a 4 year old to a  17 year old. The  most endearing moments were when each parent  took time to appreciate the  teachers. 

All of them  emphasized on how the Guru  teaches the Natya by addressing the  psychological needs of the child. I quote the parents “Children not only learn the art of dancing, but they also learn to deal with their emotions, learn etiquette, and respect”. Etiquette and respect is evidently not in abundance in most of the kids today.

There are many teachers, spiritual, religious Hindu leaders within the community who have  invaluable wealth of knowledge to direct the younger generation towards true spirituality. However, Mrs.Indhra Rajashekar has, in a simple way, artistically combined spirituality and Bharatnatyam to be brought out in her students  all of which  spills over in their beautiful dance performances  as well as in their proud parents. Each  boasting to have have been coming  from as far as  two hours to New City just to  attend Mrs.Indhra's dance classes on a daily basis.  Without any of the paraphernalia or grandeur, Mrs. Rajashekar has instilled in her students  a deep respect  for Indian  heritage and culture. 

"It warms my heart to see the performances and the comments from parents and audience. It definitely seems  that Mrs.Indhra's Naatyaranga students are opening a new path to a higher level of learning and the re-establishing the Indian culture and Heritage among the younger generation" - Jayanthi Ramaswami Raghu

Naatya Ranga Dance school programs are sponsored by ECHO (Eastern Cultural Heritage Organization) which is an organization with a big vision of  bringing the community together  through music and dance. All donations and contributions are welcome. Volunteers welcome. Www.echorg.com