Nat(yam) Diaries

The last thing Natchitra’s late grandmother told her was that she would make a beautiful Bharathanatyam dancer. This sparked a newfound curiosity in this traditional Indian dance. There’s just one problem – Natchitra knows nothing about Indian culture. 
Born and bred in the States, the extent of Natchitra, or Nat’s, understanding of Indian culture is what little she gleaned from her parents and grandmother – and the occasional yoga pose name. Nevertheless! She’s determined to live out her grandmother’s legacy and discover more about Bharathanatyam. She heads to Malaysia, the homeland of her ancestors, to learn more. On the way, she meets the giggly Purnashree, a distant cousin who was once a dancer. The two haven’t seen each other in years. However, they warm up to each other quickly. Together, they embark on a journey to discover more about Bharathanatyam. For Nat, it’s also a chance to reconnect with lost roots and clear any doubts she has about her displaced Indian identity.
On this podcast, join Nat and Purnashree as they discuss what makes Bharathanatyam what it is, including its stories, music and rigorous discipline. Purnashree takes us through her own experiences learning the dance, and recounts her memorable once-in-a-lifetime graduation dance: the Arangetram. The duo then learn what comes after the Arangetram when they meet with Ms. Sheila, an accomplished dance teacher who has studied and performed extensively across the world. Not forgetting to mention that it was she also trained Purna for her graduation dance. Finally, they chat with an old dance friend, Hashwinee, discussing how Indian identity and self expression fits into it all. 
Bharathanatyam is a traditional Indian dance that has been practiced for millenia. From the curved hand gestures, to the feet stomping, to the dramatic facial expressions, Bharathanatyam is one of the most celebrated dances in the Indian community. However, in Malaysia’s multicultural society, such an art form tends to get lost in the mix. Natyam Diaries explores this magnificent dance further, and sheds light on its importance in celebrating Indian identity. 
 So grab your saris and kurtas and follow us as we embark on Natchitra’s natyam journey!