The Nritya Maadhuryam dance programme, part of the Sri Sathya Sai Gnyana Dayini initiative, held its first dance exam ‘Milestone 1’ at the Sri Sathya Sai Vaatsalyam on February 17, 2024. This exam, representing the progress made after six months of dance training for the village children, aimed to thoroughly evaluate the students’ progress achievements so far.
Structured and Dedicated Learning
The Nritya Maadhuryam syllabus provides structured Bharatanatyam training, guiding students from basics to advanced concepts, nurturing them into skilled dancers. The semester-based curriculum with regular assessments not only evaluates student progress but also marks milestones in their dance journey.
Beyond dance, the programme cultivates discipline, perseverance and dedication, instilling values that enrich students’ lives. It promotes self-confidence, faith in God, and the ability to experience devotion through dance.
Starting with 10 enthusiastic learners in August 2023, the programme now caters to over 30 students eager to learn the traditional art of Bharatanatyam. In the past six months, students have embraced various postures, movements, hand gestures and verses (adavus, hasthas, and shlokas) with growing confidence.
Empowering Through Dance: The Genesis of Nritya Maadhuryam
Nritya Maadhuryam was conceived under the Sri Sathya Sai Gnyana Dayini initiative in an effort to empower village children, from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, with quality education and access to Indian art forms and culture. In the rural village of Uyyamballi, where access to dance classes was limited, the programme was founded to preserve Indian culture and dance forms.
With the divine blessings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Nritya Maadhuryam commenced in August 2023 as part of Gnyana Dayini at Sri Sathya Sai Vaatsalyam. It provides Bharatanatyam classes to children from Uyyamballi and neighbouring villages, allowing them to learn the art and discipline of dance form.
Evaluating Growth: The ‘Milestone 1’ Examination
The recent ‘Milestone 1′ exam enabled Uyyamballi students to demonstrate their learning and advancement in the dance form. Tailored to each student’s level, the exam provided an opportunity to exhibit their strengths developed over the preceding months. The examination assessed students individually, tailoring questions to their learning levels to showcase their strengths. Instructors provided prompts during the exam, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of students’ understanding and progress made over the past six months.
Following the exam, students will receive detailed feedback on their performance, along with a certificate commemorating their accomplishment. The examination concluded on a note of encouragement from the instructors, motivating students to continue their journey with dedication and enthusiasm.