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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. Sowmya

    Hi Anjali,
    Wow!!!! U r simply suberb…I have become ur fan…. I have learnt dance for 6yrs but lost my touch and after seeing ur videos am getting back my interest..
    ..I can understand the great efforts u have taken for this…pls upload some more videos…if possible pls send me the complee continous song f natesa kautugam and mallari which will be useful for me to practice….

    My best wishes to ur gr8 work… may god bless u with all goodness…

    Regards,
    Sowmya

  2. bhavani sadanandan

    hello, anjali chechi, i had proper dance training under a very good dance teacher during my 11th grade but only for 7 months, and my lessons on the keralanadanam dance item for my arangettam was going on well, as i had learnt basic dance steps for 1 year when i was in 8th grade. but i had to stop the arangettem classes immediately due to various reasons. so i couldn’t do my arangettam. also as i’m 19years old now, my family doesnt think it proper for me to go to dance classes , atleast in my village. they told that i could learn the dance after 3 years after i complete my BTECH degree course, and get a job. but i cant wait as its my dream BE A DANCER so i want to learn it even if atleast 1day a week through dvds as i really want to be a bharatanatyam dancer, eventhough i’m in hostel. ur videos have renewed my hopes to be a dancer. could u PLS SUGGEST SOME DVDS so that i could learn whenEVER possible??? THANKS a lot for ur help in advance, and i wish u ALL THE BEST for inspiring many others like me who has a passion for dance.GOD BLESS YOU

  3. Anjali

    @Bhavani, glad to know that this website has ignited the dormant passion in you. Well the adults are right in their own way, since only dance does not earn you enough. So do complete your Btech. You can be good academically and artistically. Visit kalakendra . com and Kalakriya . com you will find many dance related DVD’s.

  4. shalini

    hi anjali,its an absolute pleasure to be on your blog. you have put in huge effort and given us so much of happiness.i use your blog for the training in this dance form for my daughter.keep adding continue to delight us. thanks

  5. radhika

    hi,
    its a good effort that you are providing. i have learnt bharatanatyam for 8 years and now taking a degree in kathak. sowhat ever i had forgotton i can recollect.
    thak ‘u’
    regards
    radhika

  6. Divya

    Hi Anjali,
    I had learnt Bharatnatyam as a kid for 5-6 years and now after 15 years I have decided to resume it. I want to do my Arangetram. I had learnt till Jatiswaras. I would like to know with regular practice how long do you think I can achieve this?

  7. Falguni Jhaveri

    Dear Anjali,

    I am Falguni Jhaveri residing at Mumbai, India.

    I myself am a Gold medalist visharad in Bharat Natyam Bhruhad Gandharva Gujarat.

    I am practicing this art as a profession locally and am keen to learn more.

    As to keep myself update, I happened to visit youtube and found your clips.

    Firstly the clips were really educative and I appreciate your work.

    I was quite happy to see them and I believe it would be of great help if you could allow me a compilation of all the work on a cd or share it online maybe.

    Do revert on my email id soon.

    Thanks,

    Falguni.

  8. Sugantha

    Can you tell me how to prepare for Dance exams (like Nritya Visharad etc.,)? I am looking for the same for my daughter. I don’t have any idea about dance. Also her teachers are not able to give any good info. Thankyou.

  9. Ayesha Butalia

    i want to know that the same hand gesture has different meanings. can i get a site, where these meanings are shown with the same hand gesture. for example pataka has so many meanings, how to demonstrate it differently.

  10. Cherie S

    Dear Anjali,

    I just heard about this website this evening and was so curious to see if it was possible to consider trying to learn Bharata natyam on line. I have been reading through many of these comments, fascinated by all of it and your thoughtful responses! I also want to say first that I rarely write in posts like this but was moved to say to Vaishali: I am a 48 year old non-Indian woman who began to learn Bharata natyam with a teacher in a my city in the Midwest 3 years ago (who has since stopped teaching in my area, so now I must travel 2 hours one way for lessons!). It has been incredibly challenging on many levels, physically, mentally…but I am very committed to the practice and wish to continue to learn as long as I am able. I have been practicing yoga and an eclectic mix of dance forms (as well as even martial arts for a couple years) and am a performing artist for many years, but nothing prepared me for rigor of Bharata natyam. I have asked myself many times – what do I think I am doing, learning a dance form entirely outside of my own culture of such a level of complexity and physical challenge that young Indian girls generally start at 5 or 6? But, I am hooked and I feel it is a lifelong practice, and perhaps even a devotional one at that, certainly at the very least, I am fully dedicated. It is not a piece of cake to start, that is for sure. My teacher told me it would be at least two years before I even felt like I was actually dancing, and having passed the 3 year point, I would agree with him. It takes me a very long time to learn one dance (especially as I travel and have other obligations in life). I am only now learning my third dance, after learning the adavus. But I can say that YES, it can be done in your 40’s, but as Anjali said, the speed and flexibility may never quite be attained, as it would were one starting at a young age and the body ‘grows up’ with the dance embodied. I doubt I will ever be able to do a good ‘third speed’, but I accept my limitations as the same time I enjoy every part of the learning …and practice regularly — which is -really- important……

  11. Anjali

    Hi!
    I came across your website on a quest to find dance classes in pune .I am currently pursuing my law degree . I had commenced my classes at the age of fie and continued till I was thirteen .However i did not do my arrangetram .Now after these many years I want to start again as my love for dance has been roused again. I still remember certain dance items that I had learnt like the kautukams and allaripu and jatiswaram vaguely while the others I am confident of brushing up.can you suggest any classes for me

  12. Anjali

    @Cherie, thanks. You said it all. It would take an eternity to master this Art form alone. What we can do best is enjoy the journey gracefully. Good luck and Bon voyage 🙂

    @Anjali, i am not sure where in pune , but the teachers I have heard of are Sucheta chaphekar, parimal phadke, shashikala ravi. Google for them.

  14. shankari

    Hi anjali,
    Good to see this.I had undergone caesaren before 7 months for delivering my first baby.Will it be safe to start my bharathanathyam classes.
    thanks ,Shankari

  16. Ritika

    Hie di ! I am in 8th and i like ur videos a lot. My guru’s name is Shri Ram Kumar Bhattacharjee. I have passed my PRA.1 n 2 and now (IN 1ST YEAR) i am having some problem in learning PADO BHED.
    So, kindly post the video or pics of pado bhed.

  17. Ritika

    Hie di! i am ritika and study in class 8th in GIS. I liked ur videos a lot. i also learn bharatnatyam and have pased PRA.1 n 2 and tmrow is my 1st year exam n i am not really gud in PADO BHED. so, kindly post video or pics of pado bhed. i know its too late but still snd it later. i smehow urgest it tmrow. thanks for helping me out in allaripu. PLS RPLY….:)

  18. Ritika

    HIE DI! I WANT TO KNOW PADO BHED. SO KINDLY POST VIDEO OR PICS OF IT. I LIKED UR VIDEOS A LOT AND I AM REALLY HAPPY THAT NOW I CAN IMPROVE MY DANCE……..

  19. vanitha

    hi anjali,your website is really useful and also enhance our learning interest.one small request.please we need the correct sequence of dance.in the website everything is scattered i feel difficult to oderize.for eg after steps alarippu.pushpanjali then after that what?wheather mallari or jatiswaram.then when to learn muthirai neck movements etc.teach us in pattern if we attend the real barathaanatyam class instead of online.you please frame a lesson what is next to what?expecting your response mam.

  20. Adrienne De Forrest

    Anjali, you are lovely and a very good teacher! I’ve looked at many web sites; have even ordered DVD’s – but I find you teaching method to be the best for rank beginners such as myself. Thank you so much for providing all of us this valuable resource!!
    Very sincerely, Adrienne

  21. shraddhachidambaram

    Hi Anjali,
    Thanks a lot for all the info u r sharing with everyone.My daughter is 5yrs old and she is learning bharatnatyam since last 3 months.Your site has been a real help in understanding all the steps she shows us at home.Will continue to visit ur site regularly to learn more about this beautiful art form.
    thanks,
    shraddha

  22. gayatri

    iam looking all ur teaching technique in youtube,my daughter is learning bhartnatyam with one of the dispile of padma subramanian,i need to know the step of that adavu ,can u provide the video on that same.,thank u for all the help u provide us to teach our children

  24. Uma Hymavathy

    This forum has reinforced in me a lot of zeal!!!. I have completed my junior examination in dance but I happened to discontinue after that. But now after 5-6 years I realize its an integral part of me and I want to go back to it. But unfortunately I have forgotten some steps. So could you kindly give me some insight about the CD’s I can look into that will help me recollect a few steps?

    Regards
    Uma Hymavathy

  25. vanitha

    Hi mam this is vanitha i like bharatanatyam from my childhood. But i didnt get any oppurtunity to learn that precious art .Now iam 18 can i start learning bharatanatyam .I like to achieve in this field can u help me by suggesting some ideas.I like ur page very much its useful for people like me.

  26. Anjali

    @Uma there are many CD’s available in the Market buy Priyadarshini Govind, Srekala bharath and kalakshetra. Also go to the index page on this website and scroll down to the videos sections. You will find adavus that have been posted in an orderly manner. This should be enough for you to get back to dancing.

  28. Shripriya

    hi Anjali,
    my daughter has just started learning dance and is learning from a guru who is the disciple of Smt.Padmini Ramachandran, disciple of Vazhuvoor Ramaiya Pillai. some times i take her, some times she goes with her father. she is currently learning Jaati adavus. i am looking for a demo of Nattu kattu jaati adavu. any info will be helpful.

  29. SHARI VIMAL

    I liked all yours notes regarding bharathnaatyam, it would b more good if you can add all theories regarding the mudhras and bhaavaas. I live in Sydney, would to open a dance school here.

  30. Swathy

    Hi Anjali 🙂 I’m Swathy I’m 24 yrs old… I wanted to learn Bharatanatyam but couldnt do so due to family’s pressure on studies.. I can dance well (just performed in school and college functions). Can i learn Bharatanatyam now??? or is it too late to start??? Plz advice…

  31. Dr vijayashree

    namaskaram,
    my daughter is 4 yrs old .she loves watching your online lessons and tries to perform . please let me know the right age when we can start the formal training for her .

  32. Reshma

    hi anjali. i really like the videos that you have posted on youtube. They are very helpful. i was wondering if you could teach me a 5-6 min bharatanayam dance. I have a program coming soon that i want to participate in. I have done bharatyam for 2 years

  33. arpitha

    hi
    I like to learn Bharatnatyam ,now my age is 20 i can learn
    .how many years it will it learn Bharatnatyam plz tell me

  34. meddyjackson

    This is a nice post in an interesting line of content, I appreciated what you have done here. Thanks for sharing. Regards

  35. Anjali

    @ Reshma, YOu can use any of my videos and learn. But I personally dont teach just for performances.

  36. revathi

    Hello mam,gud mrng…..i am 24.i want to learn bharatnatyam….i dont hav any knowledge about it…but i m very passionate and seriously to learnt it…is it possible for me to start at this age…suggest me the oppurtunities i have….i m doing my MS in punjab….awaiting ur reply

  37. Priti

    Namaskara Anjali,

    I run dance classes here in CA, USA. Sometimes needed I take few tips and descriptive part from your website. Exactly the passion you had in your child hood in learning Bharatnatyam, same is with me too. I took lessons for many years with my guru named Vijaya Laxmi @ Balanadam Dance Academy , which don’t exist anymore.

    Your website provides lots of information about art form. Thank you for publishing your website to explore the knowledge in Bharatanatyam to the interested people like me.

    Thanks again with full of gratitude and respect.

    Regards,
    Priti.

  39. pritam kulkarni

    Hi Anjali mam,
    I am baratnayam dancecr. i want to Alarippu,Jatiswaram,kautukams audio music.
    pls Request to you website name.

  40. Catia Marzoli

    HI ANJALI, NAMASKARA,
    MY NAME IS CATIA, I AM FROM ITALY.
    I’M STUDING BHARATANATYAM AND I’M TEACHER OF BELLYDANCE, IT’S A PLEASURE TO WRITE TO YOU.
    THANKS FOR ALL…VIDEOS, MUDRAS…( I’M VERY INTERESTED BUT I DON’T UNDESTED ALL BECAUSE I HAVE DIFFICULTS WITH THE ENGLISH )
    PLEASE, HAVE YOU ONE TITLE OF CDMUSIC WITH THE SLOKA “GAJANANA BHOOTA GANADI SEVITAM….” AND OTHER SLOKAS ? I WOULD LIKE BAY IT.
    AND, I WOULD LIKE BAY A DRESS FOR MY 1ST BHARATANATYAM DANCE…WHAT COLOURS ARE OK FOR PUSHPAJALI AND SLOKA GANESHA ? THANKS, CATIA

  42. ErhythmGuru

    Hello Anajali,

    This is a nice blog! I appreciate your efforts to spread the word about Indian dances. We at ErhythmGuru offer online tutoring in Kathak, Bharatnatyam, and Bollywood dance forms and would love to hear your feedback on the concept. We are a local group of dancers based on Raleigh and are trying to reach more people through our online dance studio. We appreciate your comments.

    Thanks
    Team ErhythmGuru

  43. poornima

    Hi Anjali,
    I appreciate your work.Really you are doing great….My daughter is learning from ur link….When i was childhood i learned till thilana after that i couldn’t able to continue…I’m teaching my daughter at home…..She’s 8 yr old…I have doubt after natta adavu what will come….Totally i forgot….Pl do recall me…
    Thanking You
    poornima.

  48. poornima

    hi..i would lyk to know about the books which i shud study for M.A bharathanatyam. This is my first year and I do not know where and how to get them. I have the syllabus. Right book and author details are needed. Can u help me please ??

  49. kathir

    Mrs.Anjali…Iam very much interested in learning Bharatanatyam…I din get a chance to learn in my childhood days….As I’ve crossed 18,the teachers who are in my locality are hesitating to teach me Bharatanatyam…so, now I’ve decided to learn through online…..cud u pls kindly help me where to start and what to learn first????

  50. Sangita Nair

    Hello Anjali, I chanced upon your tutorial of Mallari while searching on youtube. And I really loved your dance! Your technique is so organized and in line with the classical style.
    I wish you good luck with you endevour to teach dance online 🙂
    Best Regards,
    Sangita Nair

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