Meet Anupama, a Bharatnatyam dancer and a senior at high school and at Nrityanjali, Fairfax VA
- How old are you and what do you do? (grade/school/college)
I am 18 and I will be going to Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts.
2. When did you start dancing and who are your gurus?
I started dancing at 9 years old in 3rd grade. My guru is Shrimati Shanthi Ashok, however, I have done many workshops from Shri N. Srikanth and had the opportunity to learn works from Shrimati Indira Kadhambi and Shrimati Roja Kannan.
3. How do you prep for a dance performance?
I practice at home by listening to the songs and going over the dance steps repeatedly. If it is a group performance, I like to review with my classmates and practice with them.
4. Currently, what’s your favorite dance item and/or music piece you listen to?
My favorite song to dance to is Kalinga Nardhanam. I liked the choreography a lot and I also really liked the sound of the music.
5. How would you describe an amazing dancer and do you have any inspiring role models?
An amazing dancer is someone who is dedicated to their learning experience and actively listens to advice from their guru, and makes changes. They’re also open to criticism and can apply their knowledge to all forms of dance.
6. How has dancing helped you in other areas? School, friendships and other?
I grew very close to the other girls in my class. We see each other all the time in class and outside of dance; I love the friendships that I’ve made. It has also taught me how to handle a busy life. How to maintain grades while learning something completely unrelated to school subjects. Dance has made me smarter and more creative, and of course more athletic.
7. In your eyes, what’s your biggest achievement or moment of satisfaction (in dance)?
I don’t believe I have had a large moment of satisfaction of dance. Every time that I perform I am proud of myself and every performance I give is important to me. I think my moment of satisfaction is yet to come during my Arangetram this summer in Chennai.
8. It’s the year 2024 – where do you see yourself in the dance field?
In the year after college, hopefully I have the time to take up another dance course that is new to me. Something relaxing and fun to learn.
Like the showcase? Want to see the other fabulous dancers and teachers of NoVA? Click here
