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About Me

Namskaram !

My name is Anjali Nandan and ‘am currently in Plano,TX, USA. I have been learning Bharatanatyam from the age of 6. The learning has mostly been in Mumbai from late Smt. Madhuri Kelkar. I am a “Nritya Visharad” in Bharatnatyam from Bharatiya Sangeet Samiti.

I have got the good fortune to work along with Padmashri Smt. Hemamalini as part of various dance Ballets. It was a Divine experience working in her productions like “Mahalakshmi”, “Savitri” and “Geet-Govind”. She is a graceful and disciplined exponent of Bharatanatyam.

Apart from online lessons her school Natyam Academy in Plano, TX offers Bharatanatyam lessons to interested students in Dallas/Plano/ Frisco communities.

I am not any expert in the field having seen many greats in this art form. This Blog is a humble attempt to provide some information on the dance form as I have learnt it.

Thanks for your help and encouragement along the way!

Note (Updated Sep 21, 2009): Thanks for all the comments, suggestions and encouragement. I truly appreciate each of that.  To enable a better format for our discussion, I have added forums to the website. Request you to discuss your questions and ideas there.

1,241 Comments

  1. KAJAL KULTHE

    hi mam am kajal kulthe,
    I have just started learning Bharatanatyam. this dance is very good to keep our health good . and i saw ur video n am very happy that now i can take help from u at any time . great job .

  2. Haresh

    Hi Miss Anjali,

    Thanks a lot for your reply and thanks for the compliments… Unfortunately Im from Malaysia… Currently im still studying, doing my bachelor… Do u know any institute at malaysia where i can get the certificates mdm ??? Actually after my degree i wanted to learn baratham professionally and finish up arrangrettum mdm… Its my aim actually… :)) Please let me know if u know about the institute at Malaysia..

    By the way, I would like to ask for a small help from mdm… I really wanted to dance for few songs but its quite hard for me to understand it… So, would u dont mind to choreograph and teach me some steps mdm ?? Mainly i want to learn :

    1) Kurai Ondrum Illai song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-vEfCaWW9I)
    2) Vetham Anukilum ( Salangai Oli) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsZyEJF7v_Y)
    3) Abinayam Kanpathu (Salangai Oli) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Te1dMYRWXOc)

    Thanks a lot mdm…. :)))

  3. Roshni

    Hi Anjali,

    I love your dedication and passion for what you do. I am from the US. I did a few years of Bharatanatyam in the Kalakshetra style when I was very young (age 14). I am now 27, and want to continue my training. I am looking for a teacher in India so that I can have daily private tuition. There is one teacher I am speaking to but she teaches Tanjavur style. My question for you is what specifically are the differences between Tanjavur and Kalakshetra styles? I loved the geometrical lines and angles in Kalakshetra style. Will Tanjavur be much different?

    Thanks in advance,
    Roshni

  4. Pratap Chandra Pattanayak

    Anjali Madam!
    While thanking you for the contribution toward Indian Classical Dance, Iam to say that, Lord Krishna is not part of Dashavatar since Krishna is Avatari not Avatar as He bears
    16 Kala with reference to Hindu Puranas & upanishads.

  5. shilpa

    can you suggest me what should be the height of the cotton practice saree, knee length or below knee or mid calf ?

  6. Supreetha

    Anjali mam, I would like to know about the eye movements fone in Bharatantyam. I am just a beginner. Could you please help me out?

  7. Roma

    That is a really good tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere.
    Short but very precise information… Thank you for sharing this one.
    A must read article!

  8. Haritha

    Dear Anjali,

    your videos are really wonderful and inspiring. thanks for all the hard work and enthusiasm you have put into making them so lovingly. Keep it going!!

    Best regards,
    Haritha

  9. Yogita

    I stay in San Francisco bay area in US. I am currently working as a guest choreographer for studetns of Stanford University. I have written some articles and would like to post here if you allow. Also, I run an online diploma in Choreography (dance drama).

  10. Nirmala

    Excellent work Anjali! I have learnt bharatham from the age of 8 and continued till my college finals. After a long break now wanted to teach my little girl (6) bharatham. When searching for authentic nattuvaangam, songs, meanings and steps stubmled upon your videos. These are simply amazing. I am going to use it and will let you know the feedback. Now risiding in a remote village near Sathuragiri hills, your contribution is a treasure to me. May Lord Nataraja belss you always!

  11. Ganga Bhavani

    hi, am also learning classical dance from past one year. Since, eventhough its really helpful to those who canno go to classes. great job.

  12. Geetha

    Hi, I need your suggestion. My daughter goes to some dance school near my place. Her teacher is asking her to take up Aadya – I level exams conducted from Ravindrabharathi University. But none of my friends know about these Aadya, Madhyama exams in dance. We all know Junior, Senior and Vidvath. So, im in confusion, what to do. That exam costs 3000/- and every year there will be exams, which is not affordable for me. If it is really good, then somehow I will arrange the money. So please let me know, is it really necessary to take these exams or can she directly take junior exams?

    Please suggest

  13. Radha Arganis Rivera

    Mataji Namaste! Pranams. My name is Radha Arganis and I am learning wery well from you in the videos of You tube. You are my natya guruni. Pranams mataji. I had already know 4 adavus y two dances punspanjali and Alaripu. I am encourage to follow learning fron you. If you have Skype, I coul show my skill in the Natya dances. Please let continued be your sisya.
    With my best wishes.
    Radha Arganis-Rivera 9 years Radha Govinda’ devotee.

  14. Vipin

    Hi Anjali.
    I have visited your webpage quite a lot of times. I am a PhD student in the area of robotics. In my research work I developed a whole new theory of hand posture description by observing hand Mudras. In my thesis I would like to use some of the pictures you have posted in webpage related to single handed Mudras. It is only for research purpose not for any commercial purpose. Kindly allow me to use the pictures in my PhD thesis, as copyright act is a big issue nowadays.

    Hope you will respond ASAP

    Thanks and Regards
    Vipin

  15. Anjali

    @Vipin, Thank you for letting me know. If these pictures are helpful for your research, go ahead and use them. Make sure you mention the source in your citation.

  16. manasa

    Hatsoff to your interest and dedication towards this great devine art.you are really an inspiration to all the artistes …..keep up your good work:)

  17. parimitaa

    hi Anjali sis i’m 13, living in malaysia and i’m eager to learn bharatham.i’m very happy to find your blog its very helpful.If u know tamil and if u wanting to upgrade your blog why don’t u teach us in tamil so we could learn it more deeply.thank you.

  18. kannathal

    hi anjali sister,
    I am al.kannathal,from madurai in tamilnadu i have been learning classical from 2nd standard now i am in 9th.its very help ful to me.tahnkyou very much.

  19. Freedom Om

    You are simply divine! You are so professional it’s shocking! You make learning from you so enjoyable! You are so modestly beautifull and seemingly genuine! You are Devi sent! You are that divine Devi!
    Much praise unto thee from devotees of the Devi!!!

  20. Vasumathi

    Hai Anjali..
    i am really very interested in classical dance..but did’nt get a chance to learn it..your web page is very useful to me..
    with the help of your page i am gonna perform in my school day..thanks a lot..take care..

  21. Sudesh Shivaji Gaonker

    Ms. Anjali,
    Its a very good initiative by you to present before us this website. Indeed, good and talented artists like you are required to preserve our rich Indian culture. You are also helping to preserve our religion. Millions of thanks to you. May God bless you always and guide you in your beautiful endeavour.
    Regards,
    Sudesh Shivaji Gaonker
    NOTE: Did you perform at Thanjavur Dance festival in September 2010 to commemerate the 1000 years completion of Shri Brihadeeswara Temple, RajaRajeshwara Temple? If so please also upload a video of full dance steps of Nagendra Haraya Trilochnaya (Shiv Stuti) as it was performed in Thanjavur. Its really a beautiful Bharatnatyam dance. I hope you will consider my humble request. thanks in anticipation.

  22. monali

    HI ANJALI! I saw yur videos n its v helpful. U r v gud dancer n i found yur postures perfect while dancing. After watching yur videos i decided to mk u my dance GURU bt thn sadly found u in othr country. MY NAME IS MONALI n i am 35 yrs old. I learnt bharatnatyam at small age bt cldnt complete it. So now finally i decided to restart. I m home maker n have 2 kids n cant go far to learn at Nalanda university. so want your advice tht shall i go to class or get persnal tutor at home bcoz its tym consumin in Mumbai n plz contact me vd gud female tutor in south mumbai. Desparatly waiting to start my dance. Thnx, Monali Jain.

  23. Shubha

    Hi Anjali,

    Yours is really helpful site. The way of teaching online is very much understandable for me like new learner and 30 crossed age. My sincere thanks always. I am learning bharatanatyam in my area dance school at Chennai. Since I’m 32 years now, I am unable to do the Third speed (First 2 speeds – low and medium are able to do). Please suggest per day how many hours I can spend to work out to get this 3rd speed easily..I am 75 KG of weight with 5.7 feet of height (unmarried).

    Regards,
    Shubha

  24. Anjali

    @Sudesh, Thank for your kind words. The dance you are looking will be available on kalakendra. I had uploaded the link of these dances which has now expired. No I wasn’t a part of that festival.

  25. Gayathri

    Hi Anjali,
    I’m a 23 year old student studying in Canada. I’m from Tamilnadu and learning Bharatantyam is always my dream from childhood but never had a chance to. I dance to myself by seeing videos. Your online website is such a great venture to help people like me. I highly appreciate your effort. Thank you.

  26. Bhavani

    Sri Gurubhyo Namaha
    Anjali mam,u r my first Guru.I am very interested to learn Classical dance.though my parents are supportive,they said that first u complete your education.Recently I completed MCA.I am hurry to learn classical dance than getting a job.Because in my child hood due to some financial and other problems,I didn’t took first step on learning.Now I am able to do so.I am trying to do job In Bangalore.can u please send me the list of experienced dance Gurus in city of Bangalore and Chennai too….please mam….thank you for your site…..very helpful for the learners like me…

  27. Somu

    I am 19 years old boy. I want to learn bharatnatyam. I have no experience about this dance form. Can I able for this dance form?

  28. Mehul Shah

    Simply great work, I like your interactive videos, the way you explain each posture and meaning. Must say you’r very good teacher of this divine art, I experienced the power while watching your dance.

    Thank you !

    Best wishes,
    Mehul

  29. Madhumita

    Hi Anjali,

    Thanks for sharing information on Bharatnatyam its really helpful to understand the basic term.

    My daughter is 5 year old & she has recently join in Bharatnatyam class.Can you please tell me the different stages in Bharatnatyam to learn systematically.
    Regards
    Madhumita

  30. j.sandhya rani

    hi anjali,i am sandhya i have passion for dance but i dint shown it anywhere i want to learn bharatanatyam and dance for atleast one song in my whole lifetime..can you plssss help me.

  31. Prabhakar Gundlapalli

    Ms. Anjali, Any tips for my daughter to get through the interview at ‘Kalakshetra’ of Chennai, for admission to Graduate / Diploma course in Bharata Natyam ?
    Any of your students, having first hand information may also like to advice us, most welcome.

  32. Kalpana

    Hi,

    I am a 30 year old woman living in Seattle with my husband. I started learning Bharatanatayam when I was really young but did not continue for long. I always regretted leaving it since I really loved dancing. I now have some time on my hands and i feel i should start again.

    I think your webpage is a great place for me to start, since I am so totally out of touch, both mentally and physically. So firstly, thank you for your wonderful contribution.

    Secondly, is is advisable to start this late in life? Should I take any kind of precaution, since my body is out of shape, though I am somewhat thin. What would you suggest I start with?

    Thanks so much and again, really appreciate this great online resource you have put together.

    Best,
    Kalpana

  33. Sailakshmi

    Hi Anjali
    thank you very much for ur time and efforts in creating such a wonderful website. i learnt bharatanatyam for a couple of years when i was a kid. now almost after 25 years am able to refresh thanks to you. God bless u . look forward to more posts from u.

  34. Harini Lavanya Adhav

    Hi…Anjali mam…

    Its a boon in disguise for me to watch all your teaching classes and adavus…through online Barathnatyam… of course ur teaching lessons are the boost to improve my skills…. your way to teaching is very clear…and adavus are very prominent…. thanks very much for your teaching lessons….I visit it almost everyday…. its a boon for me….

  35. Anjali

    @Kalpana, Thank you. I believe you should get back to dancing. It is never too late. I have students much older than you, restarting all over again. Now they are much confident and enjoy sessions. What I tell them that it is important to get started and then be sincere and patient. Leave aside all apprehension. So Kalpana get started and good luck to you. Looking forward to see your dance sometime soon.

  36. Maliga

    I am 55yrs old I always wanted to dance but circumstances did not allow it .I just joined a dance class supported by the dept of arts and culture I would like some hint and tips on how to speed up the learning besides practicing everyday.You mentioned Hemamalini Is she the actress in Bollywood movies I always admired her

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