Driven by passion, the Young & the Talented
Originated in South India, Bharatanatyam is one of the most difficult forms of dance and can be mastered by only a dedicated few. Nidhita Gosai, a biotechnology student now living in Hamilton learnt Bharatanatyam at an early age and now intends to teach the rich dance form in New Zealand. Indian Weekender speaks to the bright eyed-dancer...
When did you start learning Bharatanatyam?
My mum is from Fiji and she loves dancing. Since she could not pursue her passion, she put me into a dance school at an early age. Initially I was pushed into learning dance but gradually it became a part of my life. I started loving this wonderful art form and couldn’t stay a day without practising.
I was trained under Mrs Kalaichelvi Uthayakumaran from Narthana Aalayam School of Indian Dance. She has been my teacher since I was eight. I also learnt a bit of Kuchipudi when I went to study in Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh, India) for a year.
What do you like the most about the dance?
For me, Bharatanatyam is tough and at the same time interesting. It uses every part of your body such as the chin, eyebrows, eye lashes, arm, wrist and fingers to perfect the dance moves. Bharatanatyam rejuvenates the body and the soul; it is like meditation for me.
Where have you performed so far?
I have performed at school level and also at different community cultural shows in Auckland. I also used to teach Bharatnatyam at a small community organisation called Puja Cultural Trust in South Auckland. There would be people mainly from Fiji and not only school children but also middle aged women would come to learn.
How would you manage studies and dance?
Coping up with studies and dance has been difficult at times because both are important to me. I would go to school then rush for the dance practice and return home to finish assignments. So at times it was tough to manage both but eventually I got used to the schedule. I practice around two to three times a week because without regular practice one tends to lose the perfection on the art form.
How has your family supported your dream?
The support from my mom has been incredible. I give a lot of credit to my mom. It is because of her support and guidance all these years, I have been able to master this dance form. She kindles the flame for my passion every now and then and also supports me in coping up with the deadlines of studies.
What encouraged you to pursue higher studies in Bharatanatyam?
Growing up I always wanted to know more about classical dance, so when the time came I took a course and completed the second of a Diploma in Bharatanatyam. It is one of many programmes that are available to overseas students through the Annamalai University in Chennai. Some other girls in my dance school are pursuing a degree in Bharatanatyam and also a Masters. An examiner travels from India to New Zealand and he/she examines students through a practical test and a theory test in the Bharatanatyam syllabus for that year.
Nowadays, not only Indians but also people from other ethnicities are interested in Bharatanatyam. I know a few girls from South Africa, America, Sri Lanka of both Indian descent and other ethnicities learning Kathak and Bharatanatyam.
Who has been your inspiration in this journey?
My mom’s hard work and support has been one of the biggest encouragements for me. My dance teacher Mrs Kalaichelvi Uthayakumaran is a big inspiration for me. Whenever I see her dancing, I say to myself that I need to be a perfect dancer like her.
Looking forward...
I want to learn more about Bharatanatyam and want to spread the knowledge of this dance as much as possible. I want to teach Bharatanatyam to children and anyone who would like to learn, for it is important to keep this form of art alive in New Zealand.
I would also like to travel to India to learn Kathak, as I have always admired it. It is another form of classical dance that has similar concepts to that of Bharatanatyam. I never want to stop learning dance, so this is my new dream.
Originated in South India, Bharatanatyam is one of the most difficult forms of dance and can be mastered by only a dedicated few. Nidhita Gosai, a biotechnology student now living in Hamilton learnt Bharatanatyam at an early age and now intends to teach the rich dance form in New Zealand. Indian...
Originated in South India, Bharatanatyam is one of the most difficult forms of dance and can be mastered by only a dedicated few. Nidhita Gosai, a biotechnology student now living in Hamilton learnt Bharatanatyam at an early age and now intends to teach the rich dance form in New Zealand. Indian Weekender speaks to the bright eyed-dancer...
When did you start learning Bharatanatyam?
My mum is from Fiji and she loves dancing. Since she could not pursue her passion, she put me into a dance school at an early age. Initially I was pushed into learning dance but gradually it became a part of my life. I started loving this wonderful art form and couldn’t stay a day without practising.
I was trained under Mrs Kalaichelvi Uthayakumaran from Narthana Aalayam School of Indian Dance. She has been my teacher since I was eight. I also learnt a bit of Kuchipudi when I went to study in Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh, India) for a year.
What do you like the most about the dance?
For me, Bharatanatyam is tough and at the same time interesting. It uses every part of your body such as the chin, eyebrows, eye lashes, arm, wrist and fingers to perfect the dance moves. Bharatanatyam rejuvenates the body and the soul; it is like meditation for me.
Where have you performed so far?
I have performed at school level and also at different community cultural shows in Auckland. I also used to teach Bharatnatyam at a small community organisation called Puja Cultural Trust in South Auckland. There would be people mainly from Fiji and not only school children but also middle aged women would come to learn.
How would you manage studies and dance?
Coping up with studies and dance has been difficult at times because both are important to me. I would go to school then rush for the dance practice and return home to finish assignments. So at times it was tough to manage both but eventually I got used to the schedule. I practice around two to three times a week because without regular practice one tends to lose the perfection on the art form.
How has your family supported your dream?
The support from my mom has been incredible. I give a lot of credit to my mom. It is because of her support and guidance all these years, I have been able to master this dance form. She kindles the flame for my passion every now and then and also supports me in coping up with the deadlines of studies.
What encouraged you to pursue higher studies in Bharatanatyam?
Growing up I always wanted to know more about classical dance, so when the time came I took a course and completed the second of a Diploma in Bharatanatyam. It is one of many programmes that are available to overseas students through the Annamalai University in Chennai. Some other girls in my dance school are pursuing a degree in Bharatanatyam and also a Masters. An examiner travels from India to New Zealand and he/she examines students through a practical test and a theory test in the Bharatanatyam syllabus for that year.
Nowadays, not only Indians but also people from other ethnicities are interested in Bharatanatyam. I know a few girls from South Africa, America, Sri Lanka of both Indian descent and other ethnicities learning Kathak and Bharatanatyam.
Who has been your inspiration in this journey?
My mom’s hard work and support has been one of the biggest encouragements for me. My dance teacher Mrs Kalaichelvi Uthayakumaran is a big inspiration for me. Whenever I see her dancing, I say to myself that I need to be a perfect dancer like her.
Looking forward...
I want to learn more about Bharatanatyam and want to spread the knowledge of this dance as much as possible. I want to teach Bharatanatyam to children and anyone who would like to learn, for it is important to keep this form of art alive in New Zealand.
I would also like to travel to India to learn Kathak, as I have always admired it. It is another form of classical dance that has similar concepts to that of Bharatanatyam. I never want to stop learning dance, so this is my new dream.
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