Introductory DVD for a novice in Bharatnatyam

freda23 · Post by **freda23** » 10 Aug 2009, 16:48

All,

Kindly suggest a DVD which I can play for my daughter. She is around 2 yrs 9 mths old. I would want her to learn Bharatnatyam in future.

Regds
Freda

ganeshpv · Post by **ganeshpv** » 11 Aug 2009, 00:14

Freda, I think learning any dance from DVD, let alone a complex one like Bharathanatyam, is not a good idea especially for novices (kids or adults). If you really particular about playing these dvds, I think there are some available. It may not be hard to find by googling.

I suggest you play a lot of classical carnatic music for her and also watch a lot of dancing with her. Cultivating interest is essential. I think most teachers don't take students below 5.

Ganesh.

Umesh · Post by **Umesh** » 11 Aug 2009, 03:48

Agreed. If the DVD could even manage to hold her attention, I think there is a greater chance of her being more turned off to Bharatanatyam than attracted to it!! I don't even recommend DVDs to older dancers.

Dance is something you should expose a child to at the appropriate age (when they are old enough to at least appreciate that it has some purpose and form, not just actions on a platform). and while it is being done live. As a performance art, the atmosphere is just as important as the dance itself.

That being said, I realize I didn't answer your question at all

. Try kalakendra.com, kutcheribuzz.com, etc. There are a ton. The best thing to do, however, is to go to an established store in India like Giri Traders in Chennai and buy them--- a lot cheaper than dollar prices.

vasanthakokilam · Post by **vasanthakokilam** » 11 Aug 2009, 04:56

Interesting counterpoint. How about taking a child to dance programs or as observers at dance classes? Would that be helpful in general for them to cultivate a familiarity which will help them when they go to classes themselves at the right age?

Umesh · Post by **Umesh** » 11 Aug 2009, 08:47

That depends; intention is everything. Taking them to a dance program as exposure to culture is harmless. Making it a point to direct the child's attention to the dance is not good, I think. This is what I see some parents doing and it's so disheartening! If the interest exists within the child, it will manifest naturally, either at that particular performance or the next, or 10 years later! As for dance classes... same, but this gets a little trickier. Observing a seemingly militant guru cracking down on araimandi during a particular class may be scarring for a youngster... !

freda23 · Post by **freda23** » 11 Aug 2009, 10:33

All,

Thank You. What would be the DVD options if I would like to play carnatic music for her as suggested by one of you.
Regds
Freda

manikand28 · Post by **manikand28** » 13 Aug 2009, 20:50

Freda, I understand you are in Bangalore from the other post. My suggestion is also to take them to dance programs. Sit far behind initially as if child cries you can take herout quickly. It will be struggle initially to get them attentive. Eventually when they are 4 years old interest will manifest automatically if they are so inclined. Kids are usually captivated by dress, bell sounds etc. Usually harder to maintain such interests in cutcheris at such a young age. Don't give up. Persist continuosly. Rather than learning Bharanatyam videos, I suggest you show some performance DVDs. Ananda Shankar Jayant's tyagaraja ramayanam and sampoorna margan are great dvds. Take her to performances, take to a teacher around 5.