Pathanjali - The Journey

    Vidya, a Bharatanatyam dancer and teacher, was captivated by the enchanting rhythms of salangai at the tender age of eight. She embarked on her devoted training journey under the esteemed guidance of Guru Smt. Rajalakshmi and later honed her skills under the tutelage Guru Kalaimamani Smt. Revathi Muthuswamy. In 2002, Vidya successfully showcased her mastery through her “Arangetram” under Guru Smt. Padma Mohan. She further honed her skills under Guru Kalaimamani. Dr. Subashini Chandrasekaran and learnt the basics of nattuvangam along with the nuances of the natya margam under Guru Kalaimamani Smt.Charulatha Jayaraman. Driven by her insatiable thirst for knowledge, she enhanced her Layam Nattuvangam further.

Vidya has possessed an unrelenting passion for the art form, and her fervent enthusiasm propelled her to transform her love for dance into a fulfilling career. Driven by her unwavering determination, Vidya achieved her dream by establishing the “Pathanjali school of dance” in 2012, with a mission of resolute pursuit of artistic excellence and steadfast dedication to preserving traditional dance forms. The school embraces traditional Pandanallur style, where the art is based on scriptures, sculpture and culture. She perceives the divine art of Bharathanatyam “as a spiritual path with a soul in every creativity, like painting with a brush, the naatya with nritta and nritya and making it colourful”

     Infused with Vidya’s endless passion, dedication and profound inspiration from her Gurus, the school has triumphantly completed 13 years, expanding into 3 flourishing chapters. It joyfully hosted its inaugural arangetram in 2018 and has since accomplished 18 Arangetrams in its ongoing pursuit of excellence.
The school gratefully receives the esteemed presence and privilege of accomplished individuals during its anniversary celebrations and Arangetrams, bestowing their encouragement and blessings upon the students. Notably, Kalaimamani Sri. Madurai R. Muralidharan, Smt. Chithra Muralidharan, Kalaimamani Smt. Charulatha Jayaraman, Smt. Shanthi Sarvothaman, Kalai Valar Mani Smt. B. Srimathi Venkat, Kalaimamani Dr. Radhika Shurajit, Kalaimamani Sri. K.N. Ramaswamy, Sri. N. Srikanth, Kalaimamani Dr. Chitra Gopinath, Dr. Himaja Athul Kumar, “Vani Kala Nipuna” Smt. H.N. Nandhini Suresh among others.

Pathanjali, why the name?
    
     Legend has it that once upon a time Nandi, Shiva’s carrier, would not allow Patanjali Muni to have Darshan of Lord Shiva (Nataraja of Chidambaram). In order to reach Lord Shiva, Patanjali, with his mastery over grammatical forms, spontaneously composed a prayer in praise of the Lord without using any extended (Dirgha) syllable, (without Charana and Shringa) i.e. leg and horn, to tease Nandi. Shiva was greatly pleased, gave Darshan to the devotee and danced to the lilting tune of this song at Sandya kaalam.

     Another legendary story depicts that Nataraja performed the Ananda Tandavam, the Dance of Bliss, in the presence of Shivakamasundari and all the Gods and Rishis, and fulfilled the wish of the two devotees, Patanjali and Vyaghrapada, by allowing them to witness it and thus satisfying them.