Thanks to online platforms, the audience in general has started appreciating classical performing arts in their purest form
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A quick chat with ARDRA RAJESH, Young Achiever in Indian Classical Dance
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IN THIS QUICK CHAT SESSION WITH INDIAN SOUNDS & STEPS, ARDRA RAJESH SHARES A DEEP INSIGHT INTO ALL MATTERS IMPACTING ANY ASPIRING INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCER, BE IT PARENTAL SUPPORT, BEING FOCUSED ON YOUR DREAMS OR THE PRESSURE TO GET CRAZY RESPONSE ON SOCIAL MEDIA. CHECK THIS OUT!
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]EDITOR’S NOTE: Ardra Rajesh is an Indian classical dancer, from the south Indian state of Kerala. She started learning classical dance from the age of three, and has been performing throughout India since 2010.
A Post-Graduate (Master of Arts) in Bharatanatyam from the University of Madras, Ardra is the Director of the Athma School of Dance, which takes both online and offline classes. She has been training beginner, intermediate, and advanced level dance students since 2015. She also teaches Indian classical music.
She has also completed her Graduation in Physics.
Ardra has been a two-time winner of the prestigious MG University Kalolsavam in Kuchipudi; winner of Kerala State Youth Festival in Kerala Natanam; and also runner-up in the Kerala State Youth Festival in Kuchipudi. Her other accolades include the Sasthriya Nrithyakala Samman Award, Param- The Ultimate from the All India Dancers Association (AIDA),2022; the Yuvaprathibha Award 2017 by the Guru Gopinath Trust Kerala; and the Student Excellency Award 2015, from the Suryakaladi Mana, Kottayam, Kerala. Over the years, has had the privilege of learning different art forms under the tutelage of eminent gurus, such as Shri RLV Pradeep Kumar, Kalaimamani Dr. Sreelatha Vinod, Smt. Kalakshetra Vilasini, Smt. Anupama Mohan and Shri Sabu George.
Ardra is also a member of prominent arts associations, such as the Indian Classical Dancers Association (ICDA) and the National Association of Malayalam Artistes (NANMA).[/vc_column_text][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1624010429324{padding-top: 3% !important;padding-bottom: 1% !important;}”][vc_column_text]
WHAT ARDRA RAJESH SAYS:
On the evolving response to Indian classical dance forms in recent times
The response and criticism towards Indian classical dance forms have truly changed in recent times. The average audience had very little knowledge about dance earlier. They only wanted the entertainment part and not the art in its purest form. They were not too aware of the technical side of traditional art forms. But, nowadays the trend has changed. Through different visual media and other platforms, audiences have also started understanding the art forms more. They have become better critics too.
Earlier, when I used to do programs, people always had the urge to watch more semi-classical dances and the dances in the songs they are familiar with. But, now they started preferring a traditional and pure form of it.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row enable_arrows_animation=”no” css=”.vc_custom_1676791947764{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row enable_arrows_animation=”no” css=”.vc_custom_1676791972019{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/rqj7mKwjKa0″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]
WATCH ARDRA RAJESH PERFORM ON KAPPA TV CHANNEL
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]On her most enriching experiences as an arts guru?
When my student gets an appreciation, I get the same indirectly. I myself feel proud to be transferring my art from one generation to the next. This self-satisfying feeling that I mentioned earlier helps us to grow within ourselves as an artist. It is a kind of encouragement for the dancer in me. We recognize the value of the same art again and again and we try to enhance its beauty in many other ways too.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row enable_arrows_animation=”no” css=”.vc_custom_1676792149900{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 40px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1676792103840{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]On the role of technology and social media in promoting classical dance forms.
These can surely promote arts and artists. Many times, we are being invited for a performance only because they know us through the online media. We also get students the same way. Social; media allows us to promote ourselves by showcasing our talents through our own channels and pages. Bigger online groups of people will start knowing us as artistes which also helps us grow as art practitioners. Also, technology allows us to teach students through online platforms in cases where we are not able to meet them personally.
On the trend of youngsters seeking instant ‘success’ or ‘recognitions’ on social media and multiple competitions
This kind of temptation is not at all healthy. There are so many youth festivals happening nowadays. Just for the sake of winning and achieving instant fame, aspiring artists go after these. There is also a trend of artists chasing a big number of ‘likes’ and ‘shares’ for reels and posts on social media. Such achievements can never be long-lasting permanent. They might bring some pleasure, but not happiness. This pleasure will not stay with us for a long time[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1624012669427{padding-top: 3% !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_gallery interval=”5″ images=”12434,12435,12436,12437″ img_size=”450×360″ onclick=”” css_animation=”fadeIn”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]On the support she received from her parents.
My parents were the first people who inspired me to learn the “thattadavu and nattadavu” (basic steps of Bharatanatyam) even before I started learning basic language alphabets. I have been a studious person, having completed my graduation in physics. Also in campus recruitment, I was hired by a reputed company. At the same time, I got admission to do my post-graduation in physics. But ignoring all these, I opted to do my Masters in Bharatanatyam. It was my parents who strongly supported me and my dreams and sent me to Chennai to pursue my higher education in the arts field.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]
‘Performing arts can refresh both your mind and body. It is a perfect healer for multiple health problems.’
On the role of performing arts in helping its practitioners in excelling in other fields
Performing arts can refresh both your mind and body. It is a perfect healer for multiple health problems. I sometimes start a day with morning practice. Such days are so different and energetic when compared to the usual lazy days. I was able to study well in school and get good results, because of my time spent on performing arts, which helped me become confident and strong in general.. Most parents would say arts would spoil their kids’ academics. But I would say, art has the power to complement and enhance your academic performance.
On her ultimate dreams and ambitions in the world of performing arts
My dream is to showcase my art form to the maximum number of people around the world. I believe that my art should bring a smile to the face of my audience. So my ambition is to bring that smile to the maximum number of people around the world. I spent a lot of time practicing and improving my art form and utilizing each and every chance I am getting to realize my dream.
On her ultimate inspirational figures in performing arts
I never try to emulate someone else. My inspirational figures keep changing as I myself evolve. It changed from my senior students in dance class to my teachers, and now, to senior dance practitioners.
‘I am all for the inclusion of performing arts into the mainstream curriculum of schools.’
On the evolution of her dance institution – Athma School of Arts
The Athma School of Dance is a vibrant platform for budding artists. It was also launched online recently, and on a few offline platforms. The institution is training students from across the world. Though only about 10 of its students have done their Arangettam, the institution will be promoting more students and also will be launching different branches in the near future
On the inclusion of performing arts in the mainstream school curriculum
Discussions should be conducted by the concerned officials regarding the inclusion of performing arts into the mainstream curriculum of the schools, as it enables the overall personality development of students.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1624011263768{padding-top: 3% !important;padding-bottom: 3% !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row enable_arrows_animation=”no” css=”.vc_custom_1474355814165{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
MEET ARDRA RAJESH ON SOCIAL MEDIA
YouTube I Instagram I Facebook Page I Facebook Personal
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