NHSDA GOLD AWARD Essay 3

by RHEA CADAMBI

My legs burn. My feet ache. Yet the unwavering, exhilarated smile on my face is genuine every time.

The thrill of striding onto stage upon hearing Guru Sukanya’s signal of the kinkini has lasted from my first Bharatanatyam performance at age ten through my most recent, seven years later. Channeling the essence of each Hindu deity, captivating the crowd, and letting loose all inhibitions make every performance even more invigorating than the last.

However, Bharatanatyam extends far beyond exciting showcases. At age five, I read the Ramayana — a beautifully illustrated picture-book rendition. I felt that the images immersed me in the story, but now, stepping into the roles of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Ravana, and Hanuman has brought me an entirely more personal connection to the values present in the great Hindu epic. As I capture the nature of Hanuman through my mudras, footwork, and expressions, his courage and compassion enter my demeanor and heart. I am no longer dancing in my Guru’s basement; I am a valiant hero and loyal devotee, saving Sita from the evil Ravana. Likewise, as I embody Goddess Durga, simultaneously a maternal figure and killer of demon Mahishasura, I incorporate her colossal feminine strength and power into me.

Though the magic of the complex dance form is evident in every nuanced movement, there are undeniably times when motivation runs low. But showing up regardless to work towards my major Arangetram goal has instilled in me the discipline and grit to persist through the sore muscles, memory slips, and fatigue. The reward of seeing remarkable progress serves as additional motivation to continue pushing.

Like the strong beat of the mridangam reverberating through an auditorium, the benefits I reap from Bharatanatyam resonate throughout my life. Having learned the results that disciplined work brings, I encourage myself to practice cello and singing regularly. Workouts require similar commitment: even when exhaustion weighs me down, I push myself to get in a quick lift or a row on the machine, knowing that small steps add up to massive improvement. At school, I implement the collaborative skills that group dance has fostered — I listen and consider all viewpoints or interpretations so that we can converge on a solution, or dance rendition, that suits everyone.

The most meaningful principle I have derived from dance is advocacy for critical causes. Along with the common theme in mythology of supporting those in need, Shishya School’s annual fundraisers for worthwhile causes have reinforced my drive to promote marginalized groups. I was recently inspired to organize a fundraiser for the FMDG Music School for the blind; I then continued to get further involved with them to truly uplift the students and bring the school the recognition it deserves.

Going forward, I will spread cultural appreciation through Bharatanatyam and other arts, while continuing to advocate for causes that provide voices to communities who need them; fostering an inclusive, communicative society is my goal. Bharatanatyam has transformed my life — I am certain it can transform the world for the better, one mudra at a time.