Our Banjar

These past two weeks in class have been quite beneficial to me, in the sense that I am creating a stronger relationship with our banjar. Two weeks ago, we had class outside (enjoying the beautiful weather) and we discussed how we each had a fish, which was a goal we wanted to achieve. After going around the circle and discussing our "fish", we made a strong bond I believe in the sense that we are all working in one way or another, towards a common goal. I also feel that I would rather help others find their fish rather then mine because I feel that is what a banjar should do, help one another.

Then this week we had a very intense discussion in class in regards to the economy and how it affects everyone. I like how Guru Francis took the time to really discuss the things we discussed because in a usual class setting, the likelihood of that happening is zero. For the first time, I really really realized that this class is different from my other classes on so many levels and it makes me happy knowing that I can go to this class with an open mind and discuss things that are effecting us. So basically, I am very appreciative of our banjar.

Last week was a good review of all the mudras and steps we learned. I liked splitting up into two smaller groups and having the gurus focus on us in smaller groups. It was a lot more helpful and beneficial. I feel that I've immensly approved from week one which is a lot considerng my lack of coordination.

I also thought it was interesting when we did the monkey activity a few weeks ago...I've never witnessed something so different and frightening all at once. At first I was having trouble letting myself go and get into character but I also got frightened at the end when people were just in full on monkey gear...BUT it was a good excercise

This week I hope we can learn to put together the many steps we learned into a routine, I think it would be fun and complicated but rewarding at the end. Well see what this week entails....

I'm glad that we have two gurus now for bharatanatyam. Our new guru, Ravali, is also really good, and I hope I can learn something new. I'm enjoying learning the new steps but get easily frustrated because my hand and foot coordination is terrible. I keep stumbling or forget to change the positions of hands when we move a certain direction. But I feel that if I practice some more...I can get it down. I also am trying to figure out if there is another way of stomping my feet without really hurting them-so far I haven't really found a technique and don't think there's really anything I can do about it but its ok, I'll get used to it eventually.

I am beginning to create a strong liking and appreciation to bharatanatyam-its a lot harder than I thought it was. I've had some friends in highschool perform it but I never really understood how hard it was until recently-and all I can say is it took a lot of hardwork and dedication.

I'm hoping that this week I can improve the steps from last week-while learning the new ones. I'm starting to remember the names of the mudras which is neat because I never knew them really at the start.

Well heres to the new week...and new lessons

So this past week has been great. I thought it was really neat to learn some small lessons of bharatanatyam from Kalyani (sorry I hope thats the correct name and spelling!). It was intimidating at first but she was very patient and took the time to make sure we got it down correctly. I personally was having issues with coordinating my movements but hopefully I can get it down soon! I think that its really neat that we got a chance to learn something about bharatanatyam because I have some friends who have learned it and know that it is very very hard.

It was a great experience watching Ramayana, the play, on Wednesday's class. First I was a bit confused because their was absolutley no dialogue and just dance. But I was able to relate some of the scenes from the reading to the play. It was interesting and confusing at first, when their were several dialects in the beginning. I had no clue what they were saying but realized their were several different languages being used in that scene. Also, because I haven't read the entire story yet, I wasn't able to follow at the end. But overall, it was a great play.

I was inspired and terrified after viewing this play. I was inspired in the sense that I didn't know that a entire play could be performed without any form of dialogue and be based entirely on dance. However, I don't think I am coordinated enought to perfrom those moves or play. I have trouble moving my feet and stomping and just dancing in general. I look forward to learning more and keeping an open mind but this play made me nervous.

Starting Fresh

Ok so first off, I really suck at technology because I really was having trouble making this blog for the longest time, soo I have to make up for missed blog entries into this first one. I never have really taken a dance class, so this is entirely a new experience for me. I'm not really that coordinated so its takes a bit of time for me to catch up to speed and really learn new steps. But so far in class we've been focusing on stretching and our greetings which is great-baby steps.

The first day of class was mostly streching which I enjoyed. It really helps relieve stress and clear my mind. However, I didn't do much stretching over the summer so certain areas in my body were sore. But the next few days it got a lot better. I also learned that you shouldnt wear jeans on the first day of dance class-big no no. But so far, the stretching seems to be going great. Now, introducing the hand motions and leg motions at once is a bit tough for me. I'm having trouble focusing on both at once but its getting better.

I also never knew how much thought and detail was put into dance until this class. Everything from your posture, movement to facial expressions can change the entire message of the dance.

Chanting was another new thing for me as well. I've never really done it before so the first time I felt a little akward but it got better as we practiced more.

My goal for the end of this course and semester would be to get a better understanding of the meanings of these dances we will be learning and being able to properly perform them. I guess only time will tell how badly I can do it. :)