The 4 Processes You Should Religiously Follow to Realize Your Artistic Dreams

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– An article by RADHAMANI VARADHACHARY

[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]TALENT, DISCIPLINED PRACTICE AND ABSOLUTE COMMITMENT TO YOUR ART FORM CAN SURELY MAKE YOU A BETTER ARTISTE. BUT THESE HAVE TO COMPLEMENTED BY A FEW PROVEN PROCESSES, IF YOU WANT TO GO PLACES AS AN ARTISTE!
READ ON TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THESE PROCESSES ARE.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]

EDITOR’S STATEMENT:

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Radhamani Varadhachary is a New Jersey based Indian classical dance exponent, and founder of Shree Nrithya Niketan, one of the most prominent Bharathanatyam academies in the USA, conducting classes in the Bridgewater and Franklin Township areas of New Jersey.

Smt. Radhamani Varadhachary had her initial training under Dr. Sinduri Jayasinghe of Savithry Dance Academy, Chennai. Later, she trained extensively under Smt. Thejaswini Raj of Shivajyothi Dance Academy in the Pandanalur style. Apart from being her student, she also trained several other students in group dance choreographies for both Classical and Traditional Folk forms.

Smt. Radhamani has a Masters degree in Computer Science. She has devoted all her time to her first love of arts and dance, especially Bharathanatyam. She holds an Associate Degree with High Honors in Bharathanatyam from Alagappa University. She continues to learn and delve more into the art form by extending her knowledge base by attending several Abhinayam and Layam Workshops conducted by renowned artists.

Shree Nrithya Niketan aims to have a professional approach to presentations, so that the global audiences may experience and enjoy this rich classical dance form. In future, it also looks forward to promoting the Indian Folk forms. Her students have performed in various venues in New Jersey and the NY-NJ-CT tri-state area in both solo and group appearances. They have won many dance competitions notable among them the ones conducted by New Jersey Natya Sangamam, SAPTAMI, Natya Spardha and also the prestigious annual Cleveland Thyagaraja festival at Cleveland OH.

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Realizing one’s artistic dreams requires immense discipline and devotion. The amount of effort required may seem intimidating, like a banyan tree with such complex root systems that it is difficult to decipher one branch from another.

The banyan tree first grows from a single seed, long before it begins to develop its complex root system. Like this tree, we must first grow ourselves before we are able to reach our roots outwards and achieve all the intricate details of our dreams. This process first begins when you …

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CULTIVATE YOUR MINDSET

Your mindset shapes how you react to the world. By constantly working towards adopting a kind and forgiving mindset towards yourself, you can free yourself from the burdens that weigh you down. Accept all inputs and criticisms, ponder on them, and apply what is necessary.

Developing a creative mindset is also important. Creativity is unique to every individual, but challenge yourself to think differently. Most important is to focus on the expressions of creativity you enjoy.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Think positively about your daily schedule. While it is easy to fall into a mundane ritual that may feel restrictive, changing your attitude and making your practice enjoyable will ensure that you don’t feel stuck. Don’t be afraid to be assertive about it.

As you cultivate this mindset, you are then able to.

IMPROVE YOUR WELL-BEING

Take care of your body by practicing good habits or daily routines. Eating, sleeping, and exercising are paramount to improve one’s physical, mental, moral, and spiritual well-being.

Connecting with nature and doing activities you enjoy are wonderful ways to feel spiritually fulfilled. Improving your well-being shouldn’t be a burdensome task—do what is necessary to help yourself feel restful, content, and energized.

Indian arts are invariably rooted in Bhakti and Vedanta. The phrase “kaayame koyil” reminds us that our bodies are a temple. Whether physically, mentally, or spiritually, we should be mindful of the things we put into our bodies; we should strive only to nourish ourselves.

As you continue to improve your well-being, you can begin to …

EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE

The first source of knowledge is your Guru. Follow your Guru’s instructions and advice sincerely.

Other great sources of knowledge are senior artists and your own peers. By observing them, you can learn different techniques and perspectives to augment your own presentation.

Read books. Work to understand the meanings of the songs you learn. It adds depth and value to your performance and enhances your connection to the art form. Be thirsty for relevant knowledge of Indian mythology and avidly search for the esoteric symbolism of Hindu characters.

If possible, try to learn more languages. Art itself is a mode of communication, which means that it too is a language. Learning new tongues deepens your ability to interpret meanings and can expose you to various regional cultures and practices.

Another way to connect deeply with the songs you learn is by understanding the psyche and life history of the composer. This will help you empathize with and bring out the mindset the writers had during their creative expression.

Knowledge does not only have to be about books or scripture. Equip yourself with proficiency in stagecraft like photography, lighting, props, costume, sound engineering, and audio and video editing skills.

As your knowledge expands, you will have the power to …

BUILD YOUR NETWORK

Reaching across styles or disciplines will help you grow as a performer. Connecting and networking with your peers and forming communities with diverse personalities will help you convey your ideas in the most vibrant manner. Being open to observing and learning from different music or dance genres helps one become a well-rounded artist.

Traveling is also a great way to build your network. You can observe different places and their culture in a unique way that molds your perspective and enriches your performance.

The people you meet and the connections you make builds that complex root system you need to nourish yourself as an artist and achieve your dreams.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that these four processes never end. As you become older, your mindset, well-being, knowledge, and network will grow with you. Each new experience you have in your journey will inform and add to your banyan tree. Above all, your heart will lead you on your inner quest through your artform to fulfill your calling.

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[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row enable_arrows_animation=”no” css=”.vc_custom_1474355814165{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]CONNECT WITH RADHAMANI VARADHACHARY ON

Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Facebook – Shree Nrithya Niketan

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