It´s 30
years back that I started to teach the classical south indian dance
Bharatanatyam under the name of Natya Mandir.
On 3rd of
December 1983 a small wooden stage in my flat was inaugurated with my dance
performance and the performance of my students. Candle light and the fragrance
of Agarbattis brought the atmosphere of an Indian temple to Vienna´s first
district.
More than 30
years of dance performances in solo and group presentations took place.
Bharatanatyam classes at Natya Mandir and at the University of Vienna
established the classical Indian Dance in Vienna. In 1999 Natya Mandir moved
from my flat to the ground floor and we had a dance studio for rehearsals,
teaching, concerts and presentations. Hereby the Natya Mandir Association was
officially registered.
My dance Gurus from India often visited the Natya Mandir
studio and my students got the chance to learn from the masters. In addition my
students got encouraged to go to India, especially Chennai, and gather new
experiences.
In those
many years hunderds of students participated in my classes. With a fair number
of students that are still partaking in the courses. More than 30 Arangetrams
(solo dance debuts) took place. For the first time Bharatanatyam was taught at
the University of Vienna. This output has enabled some students to open their
own schools or pursue different dance styles.
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