THE JUNOON GURUKUL
If great importance is attached to the search for knowledge in India, there ought to be a system that duly honours this give and take, this exchange of it and in doing so, facilitates it.
This is a Gurukul.
A system of education that is an immersive and wholesome learning experience for the students that choose to attend such an establishment and inhabit this ecosystem.
The students are versatile yet focused.
Their education: painstakingly thorough yet profoundly fulfilling.
Their futures: Full of promise, whatever way they choose to go.
The path to knowledge of any subject is crucial - the journey significantly more important than the destination - in all the wisdom amassed along the way.
A Gurukul is that path. Its emphasis on the performing arts takes every shishya through a vital process of transformation and instils a deep-rooted sense of self, spirit and responsibility. A practitioner is accountable to her Art - in practice and perpetuation.
In the realm of performing arts, this search for knowledge, is better described as a quest for beauty. For the purpose of all Art is to add more beauty into the world.
A Gurukul is a place where beauty is allowed to breathe and burgeon.
This search to know more and give more is a journey of faith, hope, tolerance, humility, acceptance, discipline, obeisance, surrender and patience. In the presence of these, the relationship between teacher and student - Guru and Shishya - two individuals of unequal knowledge, is established, strengthened and possible. This bond proves vital in keeping both centred through life. For the Art, in its passage from generation to generation, will always be larger than the artiste.
It takes great sensitivity to learn and teach, to give and gather knowledge. A Gurukul is the home of the curious, hardworking, perceptive and humble - the truest servants of a subject of learning, the purest practitioners of an Art, the most passionate beings on earth.
JUNOON.
As the mysteries of the Arts unfold,
Literature, movement and metaphor;
Poetry, rhythm and cadence;
Sculpture, poise and posture;
Painting, strokes and colour;
Music, melody, grace and movement;
Expression, written, verbal and facial;
Theatre, technique, spontaneity and emotion
And ultimately, the Dance,
Is better understood, better executed, more open than it ever was.
And open to any and all.
Here, at,
THE JUNOON GURUKUL.
THE JUNOON GURUKUL
at AVASARA
VISION
To provide our girls with an Arts education centred on Classical Dance that is immersive, holistic, promising and fulfilling.
PROGRAM CONTENT
TECHNIQUE
The students are trained primarily in the Classical Dance forms of Ballet and BharataNatyam for an understanding of both Western and Indian Classical Dance. Derivative dance forms such as Lyrical, Contemporary and Jazz will also be incorporated as a diversion.
THEORY
They will garner a general literary appreciation, be introduced to Art appreciation and criticism as well as understand and formulate their own opinions on how Art can be an instrument for social change.
FITNESS
Since artists who practice Classical Dance are athletes in their own right, our girls will also be put on an intense fitness regimen that incorporates Yoga, Athletics, Calisthenics, Pilates and Other Stretching, Strengthening and Flexibility Drills.
HOW THIS ADDS TO THE
AVASARA EXPERIENCE
A training in The Junoon Gurukul instils an instant awareness of Classical Dance and art and culture that has existed and been passed down for centuries. The students therefore feel responsible to carry it to more people thereby enabling a diffusion and promulgation of the very heritage they have received. How they choose to extend the privilege – professionally or otherwise – is something they will be able to make an informed choice about since they have participated in an immersive artistic learning experience outside of a general academic curriculum. The objective is to allow history and culture to build their artistic identities and then, give them the freedom to contemporize this knowledge so they may hold their own in an ever-changing world.
DEEP WITHIN THE GURUKUL
A feature from The SHOUT! Network
Our ideal of a Gurukul, formulated by ancient Art beheld in paintings, murals and other canvases, resides in our imaginations as differently positioned Banyan trees, thatched huts and roofs, sage-like Gurus mentoring keen Shishyas rapt in attention and wild and designed arenas where different arts, interests and subjects are striven for.
That ideal is beautiful, dreamy, transporting and traditional. And some traditions just don’t need updating. For a start, what it does deserve is a sincere appreciation of the ideals it stood for and furthered, the very evolved process of teaching and learning it engendered, the austere but versatile pathway of study and exploration it established and the thorough education it therefore made possible and accessible to its disciples.
Aeons ago, the learned met young learners and reared them in faraway, raw yet functional surroundings that allowed the latter space from the material comforts of home and therefore, the focus to master multiple disciplines.
An invaluable, unsaid and unfathomable bond developed between Guru and Shishya, Sage and Disciple, Teacher and Student. This eternal bond was characterized by an exchange of respect for deference. The Guru knows, shows the way, tells you what to look for but never what to see. The Shishya listens, follows and then, discovers for herself. Somewhere in the process of the Guru giving and the disciple receiving, a thread of trust, faith, loyalty, love, devotion and surrender is woven. The Guru gives, wholeheartedly, rightfully, respectfully. And the Shishya receives with passion and vigilance, fully submitting to the direction, wisdom and keener sense of the Guru. And even in this equation of unequal knowledge, age and experience, there exists mutual respect and enormous consideration, care and concern for one another.
Gurus gave unreservedly of themselves from the many different realms they had inhabited and imbibed –
The Arts – Classical, Martial, Performing, Fine, Sports, The Sciences – Life and Social, Philosophy, Mathematics, Yoga and other physical and spiritual practices and of course, Academia – ancient texts, treatises, rituals, studies and the literature we know today as "Classical".
Classes were conversations. They were often tests of tolerance, endurance and capabilities, on either side. Talents were unveiled, encouraged and refined. Discipline was ingrained, second to no organ of body or mind. Confidence was built, shaken, rebuilt and secured, once and for all. Shishyas competed healthily, outdid one another, constantly raising the bar, but more importantly, outdoing themselves. An emotional intelligence was further cultivated in those whom it was perceived and every attempt was made in making every Shishya perceptive, receptive and sensitive. Paired with their dexterity in plentiful pursuits, a Shishya of a Gurukul was quite simply beyond compare. Gifted, enormously grateful and very aware of their identity, purpose and what they’d like to give back to the world, these Shishyas were dynamic, necessary and ever-evolving additions to the world.
As the shishya journeyed along this path laid down by the Guru – embedded in the very establishment that is a Gurukul, she had an immersive learning experience across the spectrum; in seemingly unrelated areas even, if she chose to. She could be an athlete, an artiste, an academician, all rolled into one. She could see the physics of dance or the emotion in the natural sciences or intrigued by the history and theories of mathematics or the geometry in painting and sculpture or the rhythmic patterns and melodic structures of music and definitely, the beauty, artistry and versatility of all things in nature.
A Shishya’s definition of beauty was broad, all-encompassing, inclusive and most significantly, subjective. This flexibility allowed her to be rational, compassionate and keen, all at once. To know more, to be more, to see more, to feel more and to do more.
She found happiness and inspiration in a cooling breeze, in fresh fruit often stolen from swaying or still trees, in the gallop of a horse and the gait of a gazelle, in dreaming of the dances of Sati and Shiva, in believing that every raga she heard came straight from the Gandharvas, in a mama beast putting her cub to sleep, in swimming in open waters and the marine life encountered, in the colours of an evening sky, in the sound of rain and the delight of sunshine.
There was something in the air back then: A likely medley of curiosity, respect, joy in the little things (that we know, ultimately, amount to the big things) and an innocence that drove one to wonder and wander. When coupled with the aroma and smoke of incense, the Guru’s exhale of wisdom and a Shishya’s inhale of knowledge, seated across from one another in a grove with an oak or an elm or a willow for a backdrop, the setting was not only conducive to the give and take of a strong and sublime education that instilled a sense of responsibility but a paradise that enabled growth, empathy, mastery, clarity, courage, ambition and agency.
When the smoke clears, it brings us back to today. And yet, in our most heightened state of pragmatism, nothing above seems unattainable.
The Gurukul – as a concept, an institution and an ideology – was built to stay.
Will we go deep within? Or will we keep ourselves from the most evolved system of education that kept us rooted and gave us wings to fly.
We just have to journey back.
The path is laid.
To the beginning. To the progressive.
And then, forward, forward, forward.
LETTER EXCHANGES within
THE JUNOON GURUKUL
Read what we write to and receive from our girls.
Tuesday, September 6th, 2022
LETTER EXCHANGES within THE JUNOON GURUKUL
Tuesday, September 6th, 2022
Hi girls,
Today was one of those days for me when, from the very start, everything else took over and my body didn't feel like it could put in any time to practice.
But at some point, in the middle of the day, I thought it was only fair to prioritize my own training.
And so, I stole away some time for myself and after getting through some active repair for my body and stretching and strengthening, I felt more centred and ready to jump right back into the chaos.
I know you have studying and other activities to get through, but I promise a consistent practice will help you navigate all those other responsibilities better. You will feel healthier and look forward to all the other challenges. Better yet, your bodies will be stronger to deal with them.
I have you in my thoughts always. And I don't want to see anything we've been able to learn escape us. So, it will truly warm my heart to see visuals of you getting in some time for your practice when you can. Why, it will motivate me to keep up with mine!
I'm here for all your questions, concerns and reflections. Write them all down, send them across and of course use YouTube and every other medium to your advantage to jump right into some artsy research (everything we discussed and experienced in our wonderful sessions this past weekend).
Love and Dance to you all!
Myth :)
September 9th, 2022
LETTER EXCHANGES within THE JUNOON GURUKUL
September 9th, 2022
Hey, Ms. Mythili. Thank-you for this message. This week for me was a total disaster. I wasn't well and didn't feel like doing anything but reading this I feel encouraged that, there are days when you lack behind but as you said consistent practice will help you get back on the track. About Dance Practice, I couldn't do much physically, but did some research and saw some videos to connect with.
- Bushra
September 9th, 2022
LETTER EXCHANGES within THE JUNOON GURUKUL
September 9th, 2022
Hey, Ms. Mythili. Thank you for the warmest message. I am delighted to be part of the learning circle. Classical dance is very new to me and it is suddenly fascinating too. Thank you again for fixing our classes into your busy schedule.
- Hema
September 13th, 2022
LETTER EXCHANGES within THE JUNOON GURUKUL
September 13th, 2022
"Hello Girls,
Thank you Bushra and Hema for your heartfelt and honest responses to last week's musings, advice and attempt at motivation.
I'm hoping to hear back from more of you as it will help better align our goals, strengthen our practice and resolve and involvement with the Arts.
Practice and even simply thinking about the other Arts and their relevance to Dance uplifts my mood on most days.
Just how a simple tune playing in the background can change the way we look at the sky. And make us want to move to it.
How a painting can suddenly infuse our lives with colour and make us feel brighter.
Dance often takes motivation to flesh out the truest expression.
Find yours in a Raga or an undefined melody or in a painting or in the words of a poem or in the pages of a book!
Get up, move to it, feel it and make it as structured, as proper, as right for your body as you can.
Good Luck with those first steps into alignment and release!
Love,
Myth :)
September 20th, 2022
LETTER EXCHANGES within THE JUNOON GURUKUL
September 20th, 2022
Hello my lovely, little dancers,
I hope the week has begun for you with great energy and focus and that whatever little you had left of the weekend was productive and restful.
I'm proud to show off to you that all your handwritten letters have been transcribed and loaded onto The Official Junoon Gurukul page.
You will find them categorised under the section labelled "Letter Exchanges within TJG" in "The September 17th Set" block.
Everytime we exchange letters, they will find a place on this page and/or an extension.
https://junoonart.com/gurukul
This - being a letter on its own - shall find a space on the page as well.
I'm acting in a play that opens this weekend and rehearsals - technical ones and costume runs - are in full swing at the moment.
I find time to keep in step with my Dance training and practice typically at the beginning or end of day. Which does make me feel good. But I know how much effort and added motivation it takes!
I hope you're finding the right mix of music to complement your practice. Try playing a Raga while you dance/stretch/strengthen or a Piano instrumental even. Music is moving and makes you want to move!
That's it for now.
Enjoy your own writing. And keep penning down your reflections, when time and thought come by.
Love and Light and Energy,
Myth :)
September 25th, 2022
LETTER EXCHANGES within THE JUNOON GURUKUL
September 25th, 2022
Hello my little artists-in-the-making,
Your messages and your wishes were so warm and encouraging that I'm pretty sure they were the very reason why the opening night of our play, THE GOOD DOCTOR, absolutely rocked!
Being on stage, to deliver any performance of any sort - Dance, Music, Theatre or simply a speech even, can be pretty nerve wracking!
There's only ONE take to give it your all!
But, when, after repeated rehearsals - ones that push you beyond what you thought were your limits - emotional, physical and psychological - you're able to put on display all of what you can possibly give, the experience is fulfilling and quite like no other and the result, pretty brilliant.
This play was tough particularly because it is a comedy. And making an audience of varied sensibilities laugh is actually one of the toughest acts one ever has to throw on and see through.
But thank god and through the coordinated efforts of the cast and crew - everyone involved in production, direction and technicalities - we pulled it off and our performance was very well received.
Theatre is the real act, as they say. A recreation of the real world, in a more focused setting. And I felt that. The fact that we were simply reproducing stories from real life, in a more entertaining or noticeable format; drawing attention to details that are often ignored or taken for granted.
What I learnt along the way was that acting was really about putting all my joys, sorrows and craziness out there, into creating a story - any story!
You too will learn and experience live Art and you too will come to learn, as you perform it or behold it, that it is larger than life, although inspired from life, and it is every bit worth preserving, furthering and appreciating.
The part I am most grateful for is being able to go back to working with the person - our director - who put me on stage when I was 9 years old. A man who recognized the potential in me back then and hasn't stopped fleshing it and more out of me ever since.
I think that's what the best teachers can do - make you get out of yourself - larger, beyond your own wildest imaginations.
And even after all these years, make me feel like the little girl I was when I began - just as nervous and just as excited.
Performance Art or the practice of any Art for that matter is a constant upgradation exercise. One is constantly learning, bettering, fine tuning and correcting. You're basically a Work-in-Progress and that's what keeps you grounded and striving and makes you better each time.
It helps to know that the sky is the limit.
That's it for now. And I will sleep peacefully, knowing and believing that you are practicing and doing your best; dreaming of bringing some of that lived, theatrical experience to you very soon.
Love,
Myth
October 5th, 2022
LETTER EXCHANGES within THE JUNOON GURUKUL
October 5th, 2022
Hello Gurukul-ers!
I want to tell you straight up how thrilled I was to read some very keen bits in the writings and takeaways of those of you who chose to send across your reflections on our Literature-centric class this past weekend. Thank you. They will help us and you persist with effective communication as we learn and teach!
Your reflections have been edited and compiled and will soon be live for you to hear under the "Sound Bites" section on The Junoon Gurukul page.
I am currently in the village of Dhasa in Gujarat with the girls who have come a long way since we first began working with them over a year ago.
Navaratri is an exhilarating time to be in Gujarat, as you would imagine. And given that Folk Dance is an integral part of any Junoon Program, we have been having a ball dancing Garba and balancing it with our training in Classical Dance.
The October heat certainly doesn't help. Not in this part of the world anyway. It's remote, it's extreme but to me, it's also the place I return to to feel the warmth and perseverance and grit of my girls who work so hard, amid hardship, with a smile.
I'm constantly learning from my students. Perhaps, the biggest lesson is the gratitude reflecting off their faces and demeanour when they are in class to dance, to train or outside even.
We're playing a gamble on our bodies, with some passionate, fun-filled Garba dancing through the night and practicing some more through daytime classes. But the joy of dancing with the villagefolk, the women and men and children (a lot of whom are training with me currently) is unparalleled, especially because this is after all the heartland of the Folk Dance of Garba - its birthplace and breeding ground.
This, aside from the fact that Garba is my favourite dance form in the whole wide world, outside of pure Classical Dance.
I know, when I'm there this weekend, I'll have some more to tell.
Until then, practice! It's the only way we can be better and dance our hearts out, with the grace we already have hidden away in our bodies and hearts.
Love to you all!
Myth 🙂
October 11th, 2022
LETTER EXCHANGES within THE JUNOON GURUKUL
October 11th, 2022
Hi Girls,
Writing to you after a pretty solid practice session myself, that has come after a while. I usually have to squeeze in time to practice basis Junoon's and other commitments, but today was different, like I was in training, all by myself, all over again.
And all through, I couldn't help but think how grateful I am to you all for this past weekend's session.
The sensitivity, empathy and perceptivity you displayed in response to the depressingly dark story of a bright, talented, capable 14 year old village girl in Dhasa being engaged to be married, made me feel supported, strong and above all, certain that our Junoon is a collective movement and the soul of a burgeoning girl gang, poised to change the world through our Art,
one step at a time.
I was deeply touched by your words, in discussion as well as on paper. Thank you for teaching me, in your words, that "Art can be a weapon as well as a bridge". More than anything, it needs to be a weapon you wield responsibly, tactically, sensitively and sensibly for the overall good and progress of humanity, just as well preserving traditions that help us move forward. It's a critical "balance". But surely dance can and will teach you that! ;)
Thank you, above all, for sharing our shock, grief and beginning to tend the fire within you to make change happen, in mindsets, through Art. Yours, being a Performing Art, is a particularly powerful form of expression that can very effectively transmit thought, feeling and action to an observer.
As emerging Classical Dancers, continue to read, to write, to think, to feel and to believe you can change the world with compassion and purpose. Your practice of Dance will teach you structure, discipline and how to portray and channelize your emotions effectively.
I await all 21 letters, within the format, with the feeling and the plan of action we hoped to put into them.
I hope this week apart will make us look forward to next week's session more!
Love always,
Strength and Junoon to you,
Myth :)
October 28th, 2022
LETTER EXCHANGES within THE JUNOON GURUKUL
October 28th, 2022
My dearest Girls,
I reckon you are back from your Diwali break and hopefully, reinvigorated for another round of school and all the awesomeness and hard work that comes with it.
The same is true for our very dear and riveting Gurukul experience, which we must sustain by picking up the momentum and from where we left off.
Promise me that you will revise your basics, go through your detailed notes and identify the areas of practice and theory that resonate with you the most.
We shall resume our classes over the coming weekend and they will be a chance for you to revisit the theory and movement we have come to know as well as a chance for you to really assimilate all that we have learnt, discussed, debated and derived from this Gurukul experience.
I'm looking forward to teaching you a couple of more conditioning movements that will further prepare you for and strengthen your Classical Dance technique.
So, get back into the flow of things by letting your bodies move, practice and experience the joy of familiarity and repetition of movement.
Delve deeper into your notes to come up with questions. Structure and detail them more if you can so that your understanding of the Arts thus far is crisper.
And I will be with you, in person, very soon!
The very best start to the new year to those of you who celebrated. I hope you all did, because the Arts are a celebration of, an imitation of and a combination of the hope, faith and trust we place in the every day!
Love, Strength, Dance and my Heart to you,
Myth :)
November 10th, 2022
LETTER EXCHANGES within THE JUNOON GURUKUL
November 10th, 2022
Hello my Girls in Grey,
Let me start straight off by telling you just how thrilled it made me seeing you all looking all uniform and united and so proper in our colour of choice. The Junoon Gurukul girls are indeed a squad so ready to take on more, as a ‘Classical’ collective.
You have all worked so hard to earn it and you deserve every bit of the identity and “look” that is instantly illustrative of your commitment to Classical Dance and the Arts and a system of learning that was as advanced as it is ancient – Gurukul.
I’m eagerly looking forward to you all showcasing your learnings because you will have so much to share. And I’m glad our latest session helped us plan and structure it as best as we could.
Well, you all know your bits and parts.
But remember: You are part of a whole.
So, when you practice, practice together.
Work on your specific acts but also remember to practice EVERYTHING you have thus far absorbed or have yet to fully assimilate. Consistency will help your bodies and minds stay in shape and up to speed.
And, as you practice your acts to eventually perform them; as you draft your speeches to eventually deliver the theory you have come to know, the perspective you have gained; think about how you are going to convey that passion and intrigue to your audience and thereby, prompt it to think and feel.
Think about how you will carry your audience into our sessions.
How will you make somebody want to be a part of your experience, though the medium of performance that you have the privilege of?
Only then, will we be able to make more of us part of our Junoon Gurukul.
Our work will have to be both practiced and passionate.
And only then, our showcase will succeed.
Good Luck with becoming your best at all that we have learnt together and let me know how you’re doing, in the lead up to our final set of sessions! This is our month, girls!
Wear your grey with a smile,
Always,
- Myth
November 30th, 2022
LETTER EXCHANGES within THE JUNOON GURUKUL
November 30th, 2022
My dearest Girls in Grey,
I miss you.
I've spent the past week reminiscing all the beautiful moments we've shared together and telling myself just how much I want to credit you for coming through this Junoon Gurukul pilot so gracefully and earnestly.
The Arts have now become a dream we all share; a dream we have managed to live out and it's almost our collective duty to continue to chase that dream.
My guru once said to me, "You must dream of dancing and then dance your dream."
I wish the same for you all, always. Respond to music. It's all around you. In nature, in the trees, in the buzz of the bees, in the laughter of your friends, in the clinking of kitchen vessels as delicious meals are prepared for you in it and inspiration is everywhere from sunrise to sunset to moonshine.
Dance, keep your curiosity for it, address the many questions in your head by inquiring and researching why certain techniques and movements are the way they are.
Classical Dance is ultimately a journey of discovery, where many answers are actively sought and found.
In our heads, through our bodies, satiating our souls.
Love always and with every hope to see you soon,
Myth :)
December 6th, 2022
LETTER EXCHANGES within THE JUNOON GURUKUL
December 6th, 2022
Hello Girls,
I imagine you are all well into preparations for forthcoming exams and eagerly looking forward to Christmas.
There's something about December that just makes the overall feeling celebratory - the end of the year, the weather in our part of the world, the fact that something ends and a new thing begins and that we have so much to look forward to, change and begin anew.
December, to me, is a month for reflection (always has been). How did I do this past year? What can I do better? Can I invest more meaning into the things I do? Could I have done some things, handled them differently?
The answers are a mix of encouraging and disappointing albeit ones that teach you how to be better, kinder, more considerate, focused as well as balanced.
The Art you put into the world is often a reflection of oneself - the thought, effort and tremendous heart and soul you put into it. If I had one resolution to make, I would tell myself to be more intentional about my Art, when I practice, when I perform or when I study for it.
Intention is a much more powerful concept than motivation even. It requires an honesty, a resolve, a discipline to respect your choices and be earnest with them despite how pumped or sure you feel of them.
When you do things with purpose, you suddenly feel yourself performing them better.
Perhaps this can trickle into every aspect of your life (over and above the Classical Art you have so openly accepted and chosen to practice).
December is also a month for reconnection with those you may not have been able to see through the year. It's like we're all trying to compete with time to see everyone we can before the year runs out!
And this December, is a special one for sport. For those of us that love Football and the intensity of feeling that it (like any other team sport) generates, we are in the midst of our biggest spectacle in four years - The Men's World Cup. It comes not many months after the English Women's Team took home the crown in the Women's World Cup.
We dance, we play and so we know the ups and downs and sheer capacity it takes to pull off and pull through a game like Football.
As with dance, your endurance, grace and talent are all put to the test.
My heart races as the teams take on one another every night and somewhere, it breaks for the dark horses that have gotten this far and have to exit despite putting their best "foot" forward.
And yet, it fills me up to watch the most unassuming teams clinch the most unprecedented victories in the history of this sport; to watch everyone finally play in a Cup that has been the most even and equal thus far - in terms of team combinations, quality of play and the potential of players.
Artists are no different from athletes. The feelings of defeats and wins are so similarly felt and the reasons, as is the case with the Cup this time round, are so tiny and more to do with how each team or artist plays to the situation, there in that moment, how intuitively we respond and how much intention there is in that response.
This is the truest test of creativity, adaptability and spirit!
And I wish this for you all, as artists, athletes, working together for the brightest future.
I will be playing a lot of highlights from the games for my girls in the village next week, as they enter into more advanced levels of Athleticism and artistry on this stint of Junoon's Rural Outreach. And all along, I will be highlighting just how hard and with just how much honesty every team has fought to ultimately treat us to some amazing football.
It is always about The Sport. It is always about The Art. Over and above us small vehicles who choose to take to it and thereby, propel it forward.
Enjoy the month, enjoy the games, enjoy the exams and prep hard to play hard, anywhere you go, anything you do! Dancing, included.
Love and action!
Myth :)
January 4th, 2023
LETTER EXCHANGES within THE JUNOON GURUKUL
January 4th, 2023
My Dearest Girls in Grey,
Tonight, I had the rare privilege of watching "The Nutcracker" at The Royal Opera House, here in London, with my mentor. It was a gift, a treat - magical, dreamy and enlightening to say the least.
There isn't a known experience in the world like the stage - lofty, moving and humbling. And there is no learning like seeing. I could see just how much Ballet needs, how much it has to give and how efficiently it can express. I could see lines and length my body is yet to find, I could see curves and precision and technique I am yet to discover, I could see how much my arms and toes and chin have yet to reach for and above all, I could see the emotion every performer puts into every movement - raw, true and natural.
I could see a respect for and redemption of every rhythm, I could see the thrill and joy of dancing on every face that graced that stage. Like they were born and belonged to it.
It is intimidating, a reality check. And yet, as my coach says, a necessary step to learning - knowing just how far there is to go. Hence, with every class with her, as John Neumeier put it, I "learn how to walk again".
How I wish for this experience for every little girl, every lady, every artiste who has ever aspired to unmatched artistry, elegance, grace and energy. How I wish every girl that aspires to it, witnesses, strives and eventually performs this magic.
Here is an Art form that can only be done right. This is Classical Dance - theatrical, technical and (with stars in my eyes and fear in my heart) a miracle.
I can't thank her enough for hand holding me through this most unparalleled, nerve racking, backbreaking, encouraging, discouraging but always bettering journey.
It gives me goosebumps, brings me to tears, makes me want to stop and strike and sulk and then, from all that stubborn hope in my very human heart, it also makes me break into a smile, believe and give it another try.
Happy New Year my little beauties. I wish you joy, success, health and movement - in mind, body and soul.
With every hope that the New Year will give us a chance to be enchanted by Ballet again,
Yours always,
Myth.
January 16th, 2023
LETTER EXCHANGES within THE JUNOON GURUKUL
January 16th, 2023
Hello my beautiful Girls in Grey,
How is it to enter a New Year? I've only just returned to Bombay after a very balanced, focused and reflective training season in London.
I learnt how to be more professional with my practice, to read my body better, to rest when I needed to and to run all I could. And wonder of wonders! Each of my mentors marked progress and eventually left me with long lists on what yet needs to be refined and concentratedly worked on (can't run away from those!).
But, of course I've returned recharged and better equipped to navigate my training, practice and performance trail.
These were long hours at a go with my mentors and even longer hours of isolated practice, in the four walls of a studio, in bitterly cold London (but I was feeling the heat inside...hahaha) and improvements that one can't easily and instantly mark on oneself.
Sometimes, it helps to just trust and believe and go with the flow because there's no other way to be!
Then one day, when you look back, you've almost climbed a mountain.
Even so, you know what they say, "The top of one mountain is the bottom of the next, so keep climbing"!
Well, for all the technique training and sculpting and refinement in movement that I went through, I imbibed, more than ever, a set of practices that will ensure the longevity of my career as a Classical Dancer - strength, endurance, tips on nutrition and the inevitable need to rest and recover.
And now, to the next mountain of a year that we are all set to climb!
Let's go Girls in Grey!
Myth.
January 21st, 2023
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January 21st, 2023
My Dearest Girls in Grey,
I was smiling ear to ear for many hours after I spoke with a beautiful pair from the Gurukul lot earlier this week. I wish it was all of you on camera but I did tell the two I chatted to to pass on fat and long hugs and loads of love.
In keeping with the tradition to keep you informed of the goings on at my end - dance, head and heart-wise. Here goes:
Junoon will be kicking off an additional Outreach Program in Pondicherry in the coming week. We begin working with Sharana, a social and developmental organization that provides shelter, relief, education and guidance to women and children who are victims of abuse or sadly, come from violent backgrounds.
I have worked with women in distress in the past but this is going to be a first for me in taking Classical Dance in a therapeutic sense to children. It is going to be key to work, in tandem, with their caretakers and guardians and create a zone of comfort so they will be able to move with me, freely and gradually.
We all know that movement is medicine. But making Classical Dance a means for release, catharsis and expression for this very unfortunately distressed, underprivileged and disturbed demographic is going to be a very new challenge for me; for us all at Junoon.
I think and know that the experience is going to teach me plenty and sensitize me further to the realities and insufficiencies in society as well as make me feel purposeful and driven to make change and help, in every small way we can, to even out the imbalances.
Outside of the shelter in the city, the women are also based in a village named Angalakuppam which borders Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. So, I will be carrying our dance therapy to where they are. I'm told they may be a little more reticent than the children but we'll see how soon we can break the ice.
I'm also preparing for a performance in an Art Gallery in Pondicherry for the Arts society there so it will be deeply rewarding to perform Bharata Natyam, in a somewhat Contemporary sense, given that I will have to work and experiment with the space. My performance is a tribute to Guru, God and the Sun and I'm looking forward to exploring those themes, in performance!
I will most definitely write to you once it has all passed to keep you up to speed and share my reflections.
I hope you are all in the best of health. And, fingers and toes crossed, I will see you in Gurukul soon!
Love,
Myth.
January 31st, 2023
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January 31st, 2023
My Dearest Girls in Grey,
Riding to the airport from a very jubilant, copious and fortunate performing spell in and around Pondicherry. One performance snowballed into Five and Junoon began its first Outreach for Release with Sharana - a social and developmental organization that shelters, supports, educates and empowers victims of abuse. As it happens, they also come from less privilege.
I was meant to perform "The Sunlit Staircase" - an ode to Guru, God and Sun at Aurodhan - an Art Space that doubles up as an Art Gallery - once. When, after the first performance, I was asked by curators to perform the same or a similar set for varied audiences. This was also a result of the degree of responsiveness to its first showing. Sometimes, things just happen. Hence, the multiplication from one to five.
Sharana mainly runs two large operations - One, a Community Centre in the village of Angalakuppam, bordering Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu, where women and young girls who come from distressed backgrounds are encouraged through social entrepreneurship into having and making a livelihood in addition to giving them medical, mental and moral support. And Two, a Social Centre in Pondicherry itself, that caters to the needs of children from similar circumstances.
Junoon took Classical Dance to them in a therapeutic sense where we hoped movement would move them in many other ways. Both the women and young girls and children in both places were so incredibly receptive and palpably moved. We saw release and relief and most importantly joy and satisfaction all over them. To our surprise, they even picked up the initial sequences of fundamentals in Bharata Natyam most spiritedly and readily. These are typically a challenge for most but they took to it so fluidly!
As a surprise for them at the end of all sessions, I even performed for them. Watching, after all, is the easiest means to aspire or learn. Just so much can be understood by observation. I do think they were delighted to have their one and only access to the Classical Dance that is often performed in elite constructs that are inaccessible by and unavailable to them.
Junoon is humbled to have begun something that has been a continued conversation with Sharana for years and therefore, in planning and preparation for a while.
It was also our first time working with children by carrying Dance Movement Therapy to them. And we are so grateful that we all came through like we did. This will be a continued association. And a constant impetus for us to actively conduct this Outreach for Release.
As far as the performances go, I was most grateful to have the opportunity to perform for young dancers, a general audience and significantly, some very evolved and influential people in the world of Art and Culture whose appreciation, valued feedback and constructive criticism gives me so much to think about and take home with me.
The high of performing is obviously counter-balanced with my own assessment of what I can do better, more efficiently and make crisper and I know and hope I will soon be re-energized and ready to go right back into Riyaaz!
Lots of love to you my lovelies,
And see you sooner now!
Myth ;)
February 7th, 2023
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February 7th, 2023
Hello Girls,
Writing to you from Dhasa, where we are running our Ninth Rural Outreach Program with the objective of preparing our girls to perform.
You all know too well the kind of mental and physical preparation it takes to put on a show, having put together a fantastic showcase of the first phase of The Junoon Gurukul only a few months ago yourselves.
Performing is a journey. And very often, managing your mind allows the body to fall into play and place. It is a journey because the final act is a culmination of all the mental and physical preparation along the way.
Our girls here are strong, technical, agile and graceful but integrating these very qualities into a performance that reflects all of the above, requires involvement, confidence and repetitive work which will make their proposed performance routines so practiced that they flow almost naturally and fluidly as they are meant to.
It is a process that will see them work on every kind of movement, engaging every relevant part of their body with intention and concentration. So that a performance ultimately, no longer feels like one. It is simply them dancing Classical Dance, ready for an audience to receive it.
Performing the art form one practices is the natural, logical, inevitable next step. And our girls here are itching for it; we just have to make sure they are absolutely and amazingly ready to blaze. With courage, humility.
But always, with Junoon.
Love to you all,
Myth.
March 5th, 2023
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March 5th, 2023
My dearest Girls in Grey,
I am delighted to share with you that come tomorrow, we begin the Tenth edition of our Rural Outreach Program in Dhasa.
The girls will be making their final preparations for a showcase for their own village and the inhabitants of neighbouring villages as well - all taking place through the week. The girls will perform their fundamentals and some choreographed sequences of Classical Dance and reveal some of their preparatory routines too.
It takes me back to your very first showcase at the end of our TJG Pilot. The nervous excitement and eventual exhilaration. Our little ones, here in the village, are just as excited and a tad nervous but they will work to fine tune the bits they don't feel quite so sure about and eventually and hopefully, the butterflies will rest.
My gut tells me this is going to encourage a lot of little girls and boys in the audience to join in the Junoon. Children can be so inspiring to children. Art begets more Art!
We are also inching closer to the time that we will all finally be together again and I'd be lying if I said that isn't giving me added impetus.
I hope, as always, that you are shining, whatever it is that you're doing. As for practice, well, I'll just have to come see for myself when I'm there!
Love, Light and Laughter to you all,
Myth.
March 14th, 2023
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March 14th, 2023
Hello Girls,
Less than a week now to our time together! I wanted to let you all know that the Dhasa performance story unfolded beautifully. Our girls put on a marvellous display in their first ever formal performance titled "FIRE" before their own villagers as well as neighbouring ones.
In fact we had to perform our set twice to accommodate everyone who showed up to watch. It was most heartening to see children turn up in droves for they, like you, are the future of Art, Culture and everything we know and everything we don't that is coming.
The reason we picked FIRE to be their theme and the overarching idea of the performance was because Bharata Natyam and Ballet both have very strong metaphoric linkages to the element - in that it can be both turbulent as well as calm.
The part of the experience of the girls performing that left me most awestruck however, was just how composed and collected they were through the whole process of practice, preparation and performance. No added drama, no forced nervousness, no fake anxiety. They were simply getting their job done - performing like little professionals and all the while enjoying themselves. This was their chance to exhibit everything they had learnt over Ten Outreach stints and they almost knew that the consistency, sustained effort, familiarity of routine and constancy of practice would carry them through. And it did!
Anyhow, it was inspiring. As I wrap this letter up, I am on my way to Ahmedabad to rehearse and perform a show set to Poetry written by a celebrated Poet who is now a Professor. You are all familiar with this combination where Classical Dance choreography is set to the recitation of poetry. It's going to be my first time performing entirely to just words.
Although words are never "just". They are everything that was, is and shall remain...
Love to you and cannot wait to see you sooner now!
Myth
March 28th, 2023
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March 28th, 2023
Hello Girls,
I wanted to quickly leave you a reminder to go over the movements we have recently gotten into for our upcoming Nature-themed performance (Only after warm-up of course).
I gave myself a three day break from physical practice whilst away for a short pilgrimage and I felt recovered in every tiny tissue and bone. This feeling of peace was only multiplied by the incredibly and deeply spiritual experience prayer in certain exclusively holy cities and sanctums of this country can provide.
The beauty of a break in the pattern sometimes, is that when you resume you come to the dance floor with renewed focus and more assured, sturdier and steadier in your limbs.
However, you my girls, have had a significant break from practice and we can, by no means, take our upcoming performance lightly.
So, to the dance floor! In your groups or by yourselves, take it away girls!
Be seeing you very soon!
And when I'm there, there will be more odes to nature added into your performance repository.
Myth :)
April 7th, 2023
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April 7th, 2023
Dear Ms Mythili,
Hope you are doing well and having a good time in Gujarat, practicing with the girls there. You would be happy to know thar all the Junoon girls here practice every day and we are trying to improve our posture and balance. When we practice together we are able to correct our mistakes and make everyone sync.
Last week in our English class, we were engaged with a text called "A Time to Dance". This text was used as a reference for a letter writing exercise which is part of the English Cambridge Examination.
Being a part of Junoon, this text engaged me a lot and it made me put myself in the character's shoes. The character, Veda, explains the importance of dance in her life. She talks to her parents about having a career in Dance. Some sentences and phrases which touched
my heart and were very relatable:
"Steps came to you early, Speech came late";
"I used to heave myself by the restricting bars on my prison-like cot at eight, my limbs urgently craving release";
"While words stumbled in my throat, losing their way before reaching my lips, my hands spoke my first sentences like lotus buds blossoming. They would shape themselves effortlessly into the hands symbols of Classical Dancing";
"Nothing else fills with me such an elation as chasing down soaring music, catching a pining rhythm to the ground with my feet proud as a hunter rejoicing in his skills;"
"I push myself to hold the pose for an entire eight-cycle. A familiar thrill shoots up my spine. I enjoy testing my stamina and my balance";
These were all the sentences that made me put myself in the character's shoes because these resonated with me. I was very happy to discover it in our school library. I am looking forward to reading this book soon!
I was very eager to tell you about this text and my thoughts upon it and give you some updates about how our practice is going.
Warm Regards,
Arya Pawar
April 7th, 2023
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April 7th, 2023
My Dearest Arya,
Thank you for such a thoughtful, evocative and beautiful update. It made me smile and makes me even more eager to come right back into session with you all!
Reading can be so thrilling for a dancer, especially, when it's about Dance!
I look forward to talking to you about the book, in person, and the many thoughts and feelings it has evoked within you.
I am also looking forward to practicing with you and everyone in Gurukul so we can put up a cracker of a showcase again!
See you very soon my precious little reader, writer, dancer,
So much more ahead!
Love,
Myth.
April 17th, 2023
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April 17th, 2023
My Dearest Girls in Grey,
We are a little over a week away from your final showcase of the year.
The pressure and excitement is real. And good. I want for us to be coordinated, dedicated and determined to do our best.
Be sincere with your practices. That is the only way we are going to put up a meaningful rendering of all that we have learnt.
Count your beats, put in consolidated practice sessions, strengthen your muscle memory and give it the energy it deserves; the energy you all possess!
Our enthusiasm and love for the Arts has to spill over onto the audience and we have to act with purpose.
You are doing what you are doing for the Arts. For the preservation and furtherance of the Classical Arts on this beautiful planet you inhabit. And so that more of us become cognizant and respectful of its heritage, value and importance on Earth.
We are going to break a leg. We are going to put Art out there for the Arts and for everyone to feel from and for it.
With love, hope, freedom and faith,
Myth.
April 25, 2023
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April 25, 2023
Hello Ms. Mythili,
Hope this letter finds you well.
First of all l wanted to say, we really had an amazing and wonderful experience performing today. I am very happy because almost everyone in the audience were very satisfied with the performance. They said Junoon started off the show very gracefully and l feel very proud about that.
Regards,
Yogini :)
April 25, 2023
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April 25, 2023
My Dearest Yogini and every Girl in Grey,
Thank you ever so much for your letter.
First off, congratulations to you all on a smashing show.
Thank you also for sharing your immediate feelings after the show.
Trust me, I have so many. And I miss you all already!!!
The Gurukul Girls' performance had me in tears because I was so overwhelmed with how beautifully you all showed up to your act and executed it, like true artistes.
What has made me most proud is the effort of each and every one of you through the year in Gurukul as well as your ability to work like a team - every bit of which was more than visible in your performance today.
What has filled my heart is Ms. Maneesha's presence and unflinching support.
I have truly learnt so much from you all.
Our Gurukul is a very special place, indeed.
Always have each other's backs. Always smile through the pain. There is glory at the end. Like today.
I am in awe of your grace and I cannot wait to see how far you will all go with the Classical Arts.
My love to you all and best wishes for a relaxing, rejuvenating and blissful summer.
See you on the other side!
(Although I will write to stay in touch, of course!)
Love,
Myth
May 1st, 2023
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May 1st, 2023
Hello Ms Mythili,
I hope you are having a wonderful time! :)
Firstly, thank you very much for all the efforts you have put into teaching us art and the meaning of each movement. Your way of teaching just makes the dance full of emotions and meanings. It is fun to practice and twist my body into each movement to express the deepest meaning.
Towards the end of our sessions, we started with barre. We did a very tiny bit of it which motivated me to continue doing barre. I don't want to lose practice onto all the movements that I have learnt over the past 1 year. I have decided to dedicate atleast 30 minutes in the morning to this so that I have consistent practice and my physical health is maintained.
The barre we learnt was too short but fun. If there is a barre that is longer and can be done by me as a beginner to keep my practice going. I am up for 20 minutes barre every day. So can you help me find one please? It would be wonderful if there is a video that I can follow.
This is a small step I want to successfully pinch into my routine. Dance has been a medium of escape for me. But until now it was random. This is an attempt to shape it by following routines to make this medium a meditation that brings me peace.
Please let me know if you have any suggestions for me on this:) Thank you once again.
Waiting for your reply,
Akshata
May 1st, 2023
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May 1st, 2023
My Dearest Akshata,
It has made me so deliriously happy to receive this Barre practice request from you. I'm with you every "step" of the way. Nothing could be better than developing a consistent practice that is both meditative as well the perfect maintenance of one's physique.
Barre is a staple for any Classical Dancer (it should be!). And for you to want to incorporate this into your daily routine seems like a very natural choice that any aspiring, dedicated and sincere Classical Dancer would make.
The time frame you have suggested - 20 minutes - is spot on!
I recommend three videos that have been my beginning and something I love to go back to every now and then to tune me in and out of practice.
These all belong to the academy - Sleek Technique - that I am an active member of. It is run by two ballerinas who have been the greatest inspirations to me, ever since I can remember...
Warm-Up (Stretch):
Floor Barre:
Barre:
It will all seem weird, unnatural and a bit difficult to latch onto. There will be parts you take to quite easily and others not so much! See what works for you and please be in touch with me to let me know how you're getting along.
Whatever you do, keep reading your body and marking how you're feeling and progressing every day.
Enjoy the summer and enjoy the dancing. Barre is a dancer's happy place, a dancer's start and a challenge just as well, and it will make you smile, sweat and feel centred.
Love and so grateful for your request,
Myth
May 1st, 2023
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May 1st, 2023
Dear Ms. Mythili,
Thank you very much for responding and sharing these barre videos with me. I will try them and let you know how it turns out :) I am really very excited for this new step!
With your blessings!
Akshata :)
May 2nd, 2023
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May 2nd, 2023
My Dearest Girls in Grey,
You must all be home and catching up with family, friends, rest and reeling from all the goodbyes at school.
Summer is such a beautiful time to recalibrate what the past year has been for you. I hope you will all spend some time thinking of the year gone by fondly and thinking also of all the things you'd like to do differently when you are refreshed for the year ahead.
I wanted to share this with you all,
When my Ballet mentor (ex-choreographer at the Royal Opera House, London) looked at all the photographs of your LOVE LETTER TO NATURE and everything you have come through over the past year, this is what she wrote to me:
"Wonderful. You are doing super work. The Arts are so important. I learned when I was teaching doctors about medical leadership that lack of teaching Arts in school has effects in many ways. The consultants (senior doctors) whom I taught said that the current bright students - all with A* star marks - now often lack fine motor skills because not enough dance/drawing etc. was taught in school. But you need these to become a neurosurgeon for example, or any kind of surgeon! This requires great coordination and balance as you operate. Tell your girls. An Arts education will stand them in good stead wherever they go."
I needn't say anymore on that front! But I must thank her for all the wisdom she lends me so I may pass the same over to you.
I also have to share that I was most pleased to receive an email from Akshata yesterday. She wishes to familiarize herself with and practice Barre and incorporate it into her everyday routine (to the extent that is functional, possible and workable). I wrote back to her with suggestions. If any of you wish to follow that course, then please do get in touch with her for all the details on my email reply to her.
Besides, conducting The Junoon Arts Fellowship - which is a program to further secondary school students' inclinations in pursuing the Classical Arts in a higher education, here in Bombay, at my alma mater - The B.D. Somani International School, which is teaching me so much more about Dance-Music-Theatre and the sheer effort putting on a Broadway/Westend-styled Musical entails, every single day,
I have been actively working on my own practice - something that is so crucial to the life of a performer, as we all know.
My mentors are pushing me incessantly. And I am giving it my all to be able to show up to performance opportunities and other interesting projects as well as to come back better for all of you.
My own research led me to this video that we may all take influences from or even just enjoy watching!
(Mind you, I do not think the movements are clean but I appreciate the variation and innovation in choreography. We will have sharper movements, of course! One always risks compromising the cleanliness of movement when the choreography is too busy. We have to aim for a balance. That is Classical Dance.)
Practice when you can. Do your Yoga - Surya Namaskaras. Do your stretches. Read, Play, Watch, Make friends, write to me.
Keep your bodies and minds healthy and happy.
And have a beautiful, blissful, gorgeous Summer!
Sending you loads of love,
Myth
May 2nd, 2023
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May 2nd, 2023
Dear Ms. Mythili,
I hope you are enjoying your practice and improving everyday.
Thank you so much for sharing the letter your mentor wrote, and for encouraging us to continue to practice Art.
It's great to know about The Junoon Arts Fellowship and your efforts and practice routine.
I will surely do yoga and some basic steps whenever I am free.
Have a good break.
Enjoy.❤️
Love,
Khushi C.
May 9th, 2023
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May 9th, 2023
Hello Girls,
Greetings from a very sultry, chaotic and yet, comforting Bombay. I say "comforting" because, this is the one long phase I have been able to give to continuous, conscientious (never mind backbreaking) and some very detailed personal training in my Art form.
It is difficult, to find a spell in my current life, where I can focus simply on getting better and my own practice and performance life, but the reality of being stationed in one place - geographically - allows that luxury; focus and impetus.
This has, in no way, been less tiresome. The Fellowship with secondary students here in Bombay takes a lot out of one. These students are really aiming to put on a never-before-seen spectacle and the work is testing and true.
Last week, I had the rare honour of filming with the Sky News Network. Their Middle East extension is creating a documentary on the beauty, progress and prospects of post-colonial India and I was happy to showcase our Art and Culture through shots of Classical Dance set to patriotic songs that are reflective of the beat of the nation. I've attached some glimpses for you to check out.
Filming is a unique experience. And I was shocked to learn how specific it can get. From running tests on locations to knowing the exact space dimensions one's choroegraphy has to fit to the time of day one shoots (if shooting outdoors - which we were) to also curating your artistic display exactly to the needs of the storyline, I could swear my world view on how dance can be showcased is definitely more opened up!
What has also been incredible is the interactions on set and off. The crew was a mix of people from Abu Dhabi, Morocco, Russia, Syria, Delhi and Bombay. And it was simply exciting to have a cultural exchange of this sort.
I am preparing for a performance next week and continue to chase the children to do their best on the Fellowship and am trying to keep my body in ship shape for it all (a very tall task given the weather, given the expectation of my mentors and given, perhaps, the expectations I have of myself).
And amid all of this, of course I miss you all. Those of you practicing, I'm proud of you. Those of you thinking of practicing, I know you will get there eventually. Those of you simply chilling and taking the holidays in, trust me, that's also fine!
Here is a link to The Royal Opera House's Rehearsals for the most loved Ballet production ever: Swan Lake. I've been rehearsing moves and routines from Swan Lake myself, hence obsessed with the process of it coming into being.
Watch it when you can:
Lots of Love and Stay Cool (despite the temperature outside),
Myth :)
May 9th, 2023
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May 9th, 2023
Hello Ms Mythili,
You look really beautiful, I'm glad you enjoyed the shoot and learnt different things. As soon as I came to Hyderabad I had to attend my cousin's wedding so the past week has been busy. But from this week I hope to have more organized days with a bit of study, practice and chill time. I miss you too!
Thank you,
Harshitha.
May 17th, 2023
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May 17th, 2023
Hello my beauties,
I'm sorry I don't have a very long message to deliver except that I am performing at a TedX event which is going to be held at my alma mater - The B.D. Somani International School tomorrow evening.
I'm dancing Classical Ballet. Two Acts. One to live music (two cellos) and the other to a piano track of the very popular, "You Raise Me Up".
Sending you some glimpses from the rehearsal today and a poster of the event. I'm going to get some beauty sleep so I look alive tomorrow.
Hope the Summer holidays are better than you expected them to be!
Love to you all and I'd love your blessings as always.
Write to me when you can!
Myth :)
May 19th, 2023
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May 19th, 2023
Hello soon and again my Girls,
I thought I would write to you all a tad descriptively of my performance last evening.
It was overwhelmingly emotional and surprising how all the emotion surged out of me when it was all over.
The rehearsals were such a joy; so many laughs. I was performing in the very space that The Junoon Arts Fellowship is being conducted in and I was performing at a school premise that has been the beginning of my Artistic journey altogether. So, home turf, in a sense, yes! But also, memories, expectations, sentiments galore!
My Opening Act which opened the Tedx at BDSIS show - the theme of which was Youth, Zeitgeist "The Spirit of Our Times" was supported by (or rather I was the supporting artiste to) two wonderfully talented, young cellists.
My second act after the interval was a solo set to the very poignant song (rendered by the piano), "You Raise Me Up". This song historically brings everyone to tears because we all have moments in life where we feel we need to be raised up and we think of the divine souls and support systems that do so for us.
It was right after this performance that all the tears came rushing out of me, of people in the audience, of everyone who has been part of building the ethos of our school, recognizing the sheer effort it has taken us all to get to this juncture in life.
Our erstwhile Dean, Mr. Gardner, who retired a few years ago, was so fondly remembered, because this was his vision for school all along - a meeting place for artists, intellectuals, thinkers and feelers. It is only because he prioritized the Arts that we are all who we are and were brave enough to make some tough choices.
As far as the performance goes, I did my very best and heard some very nice things. I feel most satisfied to have done my mentors proud. I am a product of their efforts and guidance and every performance is an ode to them first.
My favourite reactions, however, were hearing things like, "We can watch you forever..." and "Your performance showed the years and years of rigour you have put into this..."
I think it is evenings and experiences like these that bring you home to yourself. It did that for me. And may be that's why the tears came, for long after, for a lot of us. It was life coming full circle. Being able to do this where I began.
Anyhow, onwards and hopefully, upwards. I only know how hard I want to continue working to give every day my best shot. But to also know that my body has come through a lot and to give it care, time, rest and attention so it may continue to be resilient.
Sending you some glimpses, of course.
I now get into technical and refinement rehearsals with The Junoon Fellowship students who will be showcasing their production next week. And like you all did, I hope they show up to the challenge before them.
Love to you all and thank you dearly, from the bottom of my heart for all your words of encouragement. They mean the world.
Myth :)
May 27th, 2023
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May 27th, 2023
Hello Girls!
Greetings from what is probably going to be the hottest weekend we will all experience this Summer. I hope you are staying cool, eating the last lot of mangoes and staying inspired in your own beautiful way.
I wanted to write to you all after The First ever Junoon Arts Fellowship ended. This was yesterday. As the select 8 secondary school students at my alma mater - BDSIS in Bombay - performed a production titled, "THROW YOURSELF OPEN" that combined Dance, Music and Theatre, the entire school ecosystem was in awe of what had been created after simply six weeks of sustained, dedicated, continuous and creative effort.
The Arts are about throwing ourselves open and they couldn't have performed a better metaphor. The girls were absolutely wonderful and earnest on stage and they earned their titles as the first collective of Junoon Arts "Fellows".
A Fellowship is a highly efficient period of teaching and learning for both mentor and mentees. So many productive, creative, innovative exchanges happen. An Arts Fellowship is a volcano of continuous inspiration, fascination and perspective throughout its course. And to be able to put on a show at the end of it is a whole different high.
Sending you some pictures of the production in performance and afters.
I know that, like you all, they are simply beginning their journey with the Classical Arts and they have a way to go. Even so, it gives me so much hope and pride in the fact that I have been able to bring the Arts to you all in some part - for all the talent, keenness and capacity you all possess.
The Arts are empowering. I am learning this every day, every week, every hour that I immerse myself in it or work with brilliant girls as yourselves to better understand it.
I am onto some new ideas in my head. But I want to give them some space to breathe and better.
Until I hear from you,
Love and a big hug to you all,
Myth :)
May 29th, 2023
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May 29th, 2023
Hello Ms Mythili,
Thank you for sharing another proud moment with us. I'm really glad for all of the fellows and you.
PS: You look really beautiful in that kurti ;)
Love,
Harshitha.
June 13th, 2023
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June 13th, 2023
My Dearest Girls in Grey,
I am writing to you from a very stormy Dhasa. Our village falls in the direct line of the trail the cyclone is currently taking. It is expected to travel onwards to Kutch and Karachi. Nevertheless, the impact is one we have been and will be feeling the rest of the week.
Conducting an Outreach stint in extreme weather isn't alien to us. However, this time round, the whimsicality of the weather is turning out to be a whole new challenge altogether.
We have barely had any electricity and therefore, connectivity. The fierce winds have caused electricity poles to collapse, which the village folk themselves are coming together to fix and rewire.
Junoon perseveres despite such conditions. The girls have been walking to and attending class, rain, sun, shine, winds or storm. Although we have restricted Outdoor activities (to ensure safety since we are on a high alert), we have been working with the girls indoors and they are showing up strong to all their dance prep and practice.
We have plenty of new girls auditioning, since it is the start of their academic year after the rough Indian Summer. So, it is exciting and encouraging to add to our existing talent pool.
Although, we considered it, our Outreach couldn't be postponed until the cyclone had passed. And sometimes, Art simply helps us find the strength in those seemingly impossible moments. We are making the most of it and we are finding ways to cope. In the absence of music (because of low or no power), we are working with beat cycles and verbal instructions. Some of our girls are even singing to help the situation! On the brighter side, it is such a delight to widen the scope of their skills!
We don't know what the week ahead will bring, but the girls are so strong and so persistent, that it gives us hope! We are learning to dance in the storm, we are learning new dance movement, genres, technique and getting better at the things we have come to know as Classical Dancers, over time.
I believe you resume school soon. Go into it with all the positivity and purpose you can. A new school year is so full of possibility!
We will be dancing together soon, if the Gods smile!
Sending you love, strength and loads of Junoon to go get it all, no matter what!
Myth :)
June 13th, 2023
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June 13th, 2023
Dear Ms. Mythili,
It is beautiful to watch The Junoon Gurukul grow and have more sisters in this journey of exploring art.
Today was our first day of school and it was really amazing with many heartwarming surprises and fun talks. I am looking forward to the upcoming year a lot and waiting for The Junoon Gurukul to start. Thank you for keeping us posted about your work. I am so inspired by how passionate you are about dance. I really admire the efforts you put into teaching this art to us.
Love
Akshata
June 15th, 2023
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June 15th, 2023
Dearest Akshata,
Thank you for your heartfelt words that went straight to mine.
Yes, I think I have felt the challenge more than ever this time. But all you girls everywhere give me so much hope because you are so willing to receive.
I am smiling reading of your first day back at school!
I can't wait myself, to be there! I'm sure we will be able to let you know soon!
Love always and a strong start to the year,
Myth :)
June 19th, 2023
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June 19th, 2023
My Dearest Girls in Grey,
I received a rather heartwarming response from Akshata to my previous letter. I have to concede, especially after the life-changing week that I have had in the village and around, that it is my girls (you and every one of the others) and their Junoon that has kept mine strong and growing ever since we began.
Dhasa was dramatic in its weather fluctuations, in the resolve of our girls depsite the nasty weather and in my understanding of the people of rural India. I think the word "resilience" may have been created for them; for people like these, in situations like these.
We were in the eye of the storm. With cyclonic winds blowing around us, dynamic weather patterns (to the extent that the weather was turning on us every twenty minutes) and we pulled through a week in training that may forever be described as our toughest Outreach stint. We have run in the wind, with the wind (thank heavens, we weren't blown away by it 😜), at times under rainbows and in others under a merciless sun. We have shivered in the night and everytime the weather got moist and lied awake trying to make sense of breeze and cyclonic gusts of air just to hope and pray, it passes and passes soon.
A natural disaster is hard enough. However, navigating a natural disaster in a remote village in Western India which happens to be the region of impact of this natural disaster is a whole different learning curve.
I have seen electric poles collapse like dominoes and the village folk themselves come together to fix the cables. I have seen the women, men and children of Dhasa go about every activity - farming, housekeeping, cooking, cleaning, odd jobs, real jobs - with low or no connectivity and electricity. And I have seen, above all, our girls train like nothing else matters!
It took me over 14 hours to make it home (exactly triple the time it usually does) at the end of the week. But never for one second did it cross my mind that "I don't want to do this ever again." In fact, my experience with our tough, unrelenting bunch of girls this time has deepened my resolve to only make the experience on Junoon go many notches higher.
Needless to say, I wish the same for you.
As I write this to you, I am at the gate from which I shall board my flight to London. I have a fresh training opportunity in addition to existing ones and I am keen to see where that will lead. Remaining in training and constantly upgrading is such an essential aspect of an artiste's journey and I hope to keep with it, so that I can keep giving my girls better.
At this point, I have no clarity on the exact date that I begin with you, but I thought these letters are a brilliant means to keep your minds engaged, keep us connected and constantly striving on The Junoon Gurukul, no matter where we are.
I'm looking forward to sharing my recovery, training and artistic experience in London over (their) Summertime, with you. Meanwhile, here's some "food" for thought for you:
You will remember that we had focused on Nutrition and its indispensability to a Dancer in one set of our sessions. I recently found an image/a quote that spoke to me so loud that I wanted to shout it out to you all. It reads, "Eating well is a form of self-respect".
I cannot emphasize this more. For those of us practicing such a heavily physical Art form - Classical Dance - food matters abundantly. (Frankly, even if we don't.)
We have to feed our bodies and feed them well. As growing girls, the biggest service you will ever do to yourselves and your well being is feeding yourselves right. It sets you up for the rest of your life and will keep your energies up, help you make the right choices, make you foundationally strong and engender a very different respect for the human body within you.
Food is so crucial to mental and physical health. Give yourselves the gift of nutrition and hydration and you will be surprised by what your body will become capable of.
Think about the quote. May be you will have more to add. May be you will have questions. Share them here, copy us all on your response and we will discuss it like we always do.
Stay healthy my girls, stay happy and dance together, dance by yourself, dance until we meet again,
Just keep moving in body and mind,
Love,
Myth :)
June 19th, 2023
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June 19th, 2023
Hello!!!! Ms Mythili,
I'm genuinely proud of you for what you have done even in the roughest times. I can definitely say that you were also one of the reasons why our Junoon sisters continued to train despite the weather fluctuations.
I have come back to school and my coaching for NEET has started, but I still make time for workouts. I can totally relate to you about the nutrition part, I'm constantly reminding myself that I need to eat no matter what! Otherwise, I know I cannot keep up with NEET and A levels.
Congratulations on the new journey that you have begun! All the very best! I'm waiting to see you soon in school.
Lots of love,
Harshitha.
June 19th, 2023
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June 20th, 2023
Harshitha!!!
Thank you sweetie. Means the world to hear from you!
I'm so proud of you too! Power on with all the studying and I truly can't wait to see you either!
You are spot on about nutrition. And I'm so happy you're staying physically fit too!
See you super soon! And keep writing, feeling, doing all you do! You're a gem!
Love and a big big hug my hardworking darling Harshitha,
Myth :)
June 20th, 2023
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June 20th, 2023
Dear Ms. Mythili,
You are so sweet, thank you!
Harshitha
June 27th, 2023
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June 27th, 2023
Hello Girls,
How is school, life, Dance?
It's a beautiful time of year to be in London. Training in the Summer is a treat because you get to enjoy the outdoors just as much as the studios. And I have been moving under the Sun as best as I can.
I began training at the places and with the people I usually do save for this one new opportunity that seems to have added to the fairytale. I'm at The Ballet School, London (TBS) to work with and alongside 1.5 to 18 year-olds (Yes, that's 18 months to 18 years) on Ballet technique and my own refinement.
It's like Disneyland in there - such an enchanting ambience enveloping little babies with their frilly tu-tu's and leotards on, beginning to learn the wonderful Art form of Ballet, through storytelling and drama.
The children, across ages, are simply enthralled by the immensity, history and tradition of Classical Ballet.
I'm sending you a picture of the charming, imposing, ancient structure that is the Centre. It is noteworthy how painstakingly this part of the world preserves and continues to put to use their architectural marvels.
How can one not be inspired to dance in such a marvellous setting?!
Ms. Sophie, my mentor, is a magical lady and she has begun to make me feel and believe, everytime I dance, that I must transport anyone watching into a different, dreamy realm altogether (myself, just as well!).
Having entered a fresh spell of training, I put down my thoughts in a piece yesterday that I want to share with you all. It describes moments of discouragement and then encourages us to keep going anyway:
SNAKES AND LADDERS
The more I Dance, the more I begin to realize how much I can’t.
Every session brings a recognition of my vulnerabilities, deficiencies and incapacities. Yet.
The beauty is that there is always another session not far behind to jump right into and refine.
Classical Dance could be nature’s most physical game of ‘Snakes and Ladders’.
We think we’re climbing up the ladder of movement, through movement,
Only to constantly and mercilessly be forced to slip and snake our way back down,
Because we aren’t good enough. Not just yet.
You learn something new – a fresh routine, an unimagined variation.
It makes your head spin, while you simultaneously spin.
It’s too fast – the music, the magnitude of movement expected to keep with that music.
There’s a time to hold and a time to flow that you haven’t quite figured out. Yet.
And so, you find yourself excited and haunted at the same time.
High and low. High and low.
And then, your love of the Art form oscillates just as well.
Climbing determinedly, exponentially up the ladder one minute.
And when you’ve failed to keep time, music, technique and balance,
Slithering dejectedly down a slippery slope.
Well, you still have to keep rolling that dice.
Hoping that your body will get the combination right.
That the choreography will sit in your dreams, in your mind and finally, find utterance through your body.
There are Snakes waiting on every higher plane.
But then, so are Ladders.
Whatever it is that you're doing at the start of your new academic year, be sure to keep dancing. Your magic awaits you in every movement.
May you continue to climb those "Ladders..."
Love and Stardust,
Myth 💫
June 27th, 2023
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June 27th, 2023
Hello Ms. Mythili,
Good evening!
Hope everything is going well.
It's great to read your letters regularly, it always encourages me to keep dancing on a daily basis and recall all the Gurukul yoga sessions. It is amazing to know about your London visit and previously, the performance. I am sorry that I could not reply to your letters but actually I didn't have access to our tabs until now. I hope you will understand.
I am eagerly waiting to see you again on the Avasara campus teaching and guiding us with different facets of life. I am really missing the Junoon classes and tiredness, it always completes my week.
Hope we meet soon!
Take care.
Thank you ❤️
Khushi Choudhary
June 27th, 2023
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June 27th, 2023
My Dearest Khushi,
Thank you for writing to me! It energizes me to see responses from dedicated students like yourself!
I honestly can't wait to be back either. But I have to work a bit harder on myself right now before I come there and make you all work harder. Hahahaha!
It will be fun and we will all learn some wonderful things together and share in the Art that we have a right over and duty towards.
Enjoy school, practice the routines you remember and we will meet soon with Junoon!
Love always,
Myth :)
July 05th, 2023
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July 05th, 2023
My Dearest Girls in Grey,
I hope the weather on our Western coastline isn't making you too grey and grumpy. It must be lovely to be together, enjoying the rain and breeze as you pull through classes and other activities at school.
Strangely, the weather in London has somersaulted on us and we have also been experiencing rain and overcast skies. Dancing in the Downpour, nonetheless!
What do I say to you about training, except that it is a privilege. Learning solos from ballerinas who were in their prime, may be 20-30 years ago. Such a different, historical, evolved perspective on the Art form. Learning from ballerinas who are passing their brilliance onto babies and young children. Learning from the strongest male dancer-instructors how to really use our physicality and technique to our advantage! I'm overwhelmed with guidance. And I'm also trying to get it right, step by step, at my own pace and at times, at the pace demanded of me.
One thing that has also helped me understand Ballet better is the constant conversation with seniors, Dance directors and mentors. Asking, telling and sharing all the questions, ideas and concerns in my head makes me feel more confident.
I'm working hard on my physique, technique, retention through repetition as well as my expression through all my limbs. But I'm also taking time to breathe and think about all the corrections and letting my body pause to understand and absorb what it can do better. I'm constantly making myself aware of what goals are realistic and how I would like to get to them.
And while I think and read and reflect, I indulge in the comforts of a Hot Chocolate and Muffin or something from my favourite Café/Bakery and write to you, so that you too remain inspired and smile. Sending you a glimpse of warmth and fluff and plenty of love.
Take care of yourself my lovelies,
I am seeing you end July/pre-monsoon break, as things stand!
Love,
Myth ❤️
July 06th, 2023
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July 06th, 2023
Hello Ms Mythili,
Great to hear that you are learning a lot from the seniors and also thank you for reminding me to always ask questions as it helps a lot in my coaching classes. You look gorgeous in that picture!! Can't wait to meet you in school.
Love,
Harshitha
July 06th, 2023
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July 06th, 2023
Hi Harshitha!
You are so so welcome!
Ask away always, yes!
And thank you pretty girl, see you sooner now and sleep, study and play well! 😘
Love always,
Myth
July 14th, 2023
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July 14th, 2023
Hello Girls,
Just leaving you a quick word that training has been a combination of delightful, overwhelming, taxing, impossible and then possible, dreamy, ridiculously hard but most importantly, a privilege like no other. I am so grateful for the wealth of knowledge my mentors have and to be able to have an open doorway to access it all is empowering in ways I will tell you when I meet with you.
The moral of the story: There are no quick fixes. No shortcuts. You just grab every opportunity to improve. Trust in the experience of your coaches who are at an aspirational height of awareness of Classical Art. Work every day to get better. And hopefully, one day you do…You do!
I have a few more days here before I say my goodbyes to this glorious world of constantly being watched and made to improve with our Art. I’m holding onto every correction, every observation, every detail of how detailed the work of a Classical Artiste is…
And then to you, my gorgeous girls!
Love and a funny glimpse of the journey here,
More when we meet!
Myth
July 16th, 2023
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July 16th, 2023
Hey Ms Mythili,
I hope you are healthy and having a beautiful time!
It was blissful to know the wonderful experience you shared. The pictures show the amount of joy you get from working so hard each and every day! I would say, I can understand how it feels to be so observant and focused about the things that are happening around us! Being under the pressure of the upcoming board exams has awakened all my senses that are monitoring each and everything happening in the classroom... Eager to know how I can be better each day at what I do... Hearing your experience is making me feel that I am not alone in this boat, where I have to pay attention to each and every mistake I make while learning, and correct those mistakes.
It is impossible to express all the thoughts that I get after reading your emails. Here I could only convey a fraction of what I wanted to say...
Looking forward to having a nice conversation with you, once you are back to us!
Have a beautiful time!
Akshata :)
July 16th, 2023
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July 16th, 2023
Dearest Akshata,
Truly sunshine in my mailbox today to receive this letter from you.
I'm touched that my journey, in some capacity, resonates with yours; that it makes you think, feel and express.
Being more conscious of the little large things around us helps us look at ourselves differently and we can only get better by reflecting upon these.
Let your curiosity guide you and don't ever stop looking for all the areas that you can improve, grow and blossom in!
The learning simply never stops if you keep widening your capacity for it!
Looking forward to our exchange (in person) just as eagerly Akshata and to the million thoughts buzzing in your brain!
Love and more,
Myth :) ❤️
July 28th, 2023
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July 28th, 2023
Hello Girls,
Feels so good to have finally met you all! You look so fresh and ready for the year ahead!
I could feel nothing but gratitude and excitement for all that we have and all that we will build in and around THE JUNOON GURUKUL going forward.
Akshata has already summarized and documented the immediate discussion we had upon meeting and I'm glad we all have some structure to work with. Thank you Akshata! I'm sure our heads will be brimming with ideas over the next few days and we will eagerly explore these once we are together again.
It has become increasingly important for me to communicate and make those of us that are willing to know aware of the challenges and sheer grit that pursuing the Arts involves.
I want us to constantly tell ourselves that it is a pain we have chosen to embrace because it makes us better and helps uncover some of the greater gifts this world holds and at times, hides. We have to really strive to discover them. But when we do, we have a new appreciation of the world and our place in it.
Art is a doorway to a higher humanity. Classical Dance is the doorway to a greater respect for our bodies and what they can do when they are well trained, well nourished, challenged, given freedom and space and allowed to feel.
I feel deeply for our Gurukul. I feel it can create wonders and put something magical out there that can and will touch people's hearts because these creations come from a place of purity, conscientiousness and commitment.
We will be creating, feeling and working like never before...
When Khushi gave me that Origami Bird before we began our orientation/session, I could think of nothing but how Junoon gives us wings to fly, with our Dance, with our Art. And this flight of freedom is something I want each one of us to feel when we come together and do our best. Wings sprout from hard work and determination. And they can make us scale heights we have only ever dreamed or even been unaware of.
May be we can challenge Khushi to create some dance figurines with Origami! What say?! Go for it, Khushi!
As we enter into a new year, a new journey, with the friends you have danced with this past year and the new additions to our Arts program, I urge you to dream more, to think more, to dance more, to do more...it is only then that we will ALL, be more...
Enjoy the heartfelt social media shares I'm sending you. Those of you I didn't see were sorely missed but I'm keeping every hope that I will see you soon!
Love always,
Myth
August 07th, 2023
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August 07th, 2023
Hello Girls in Grey,
Welcome back from your Monsoon break! I'm happy the rains have eased off a bit, actually. The weather feels pretty perfect right now.
Those of us that met and decided what we are likely to work on next have been in touch by adding our thoughts to the concept of "Tapasya" (on a document via email). One we hope to illustrate in performance.
I have been thinking of the discipline and penance of dance literally everytime I've rehearsed this week. And done my best to stay in the zone and come up with drills and routines that you can all begin to practice yourself very soon. Every experiment with methodology that I try on my own body will eventually become your practise; your own to embrace and work with.
I have also begun to think of other real life instances that compare directly with our lives and journeys as artistes. You will probably make the connection too, when you read this piece titled, "A MARRIAGE LIKE EVERY OTHER". If you can find a way to, listen to a very new song called "Kudmayi" in the background while you read this piece.
Every artistic experience, including yours, after all, is an amalgamation of all the Arts. Let this be one too.
Written pieces like this help lay down the future - everything Junoon wishes to stage. An experience Junoon can bring to life through Art.
Have a beautiful time at school. And see you in session very soon!
Love,
Myth
August 07th, 2023
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August 07th, 2023
Hello Ms Mythili,
I had a wonderful break! Which has well recharged me until the next one! I agree the weather has turned just perfect!
This piece is beautiful. I never thought of this. Having a marriage or even a relationship with Art. But this is a beautiful metaphor! We fall in love with art. Like we fall in love with people. We marry so that we stay together for as long as we live. Similarly, we marry the Art we are passionate about. It takes us through the difficult times when we just want to give up. It is a painful journey when you reach exertion. It is hurtful when you think you have tried your best and have done everything, yet you don't succeed. But still we continue to practice! We do not break the relationship. We try harder to do better. This illustrates Tapasya. When no matter what obstacles you face. Be it internal conflicts or external conflicts. Crossing all the bridges, we stay tuned together. Trying to be better versions of ourselves each day.
As always it seems to be impossible to express the numerous thoughts this metaphor has triggered in me. But this is what I could interpret from the beautifully written piece! <3
It seems like a very unique idea to dance marriage and love towards art through dance... As both of them are really nice examples of Tapasya.
Thank you for sharing!
Love,
Akshata
August 09th, 2023
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August 09th, 2023
Dear Ms. Mythili,
Hehehe! Thank you so much Ms Mythili! I am finding this exploration extremely important for my personal life as well. It is not just dance that requires tapasya but also in studies there should be tapasya... I realised that if I can integrate tapasya with my studies... Then it would make the process easier and fun.
I am still looking at the meaning of this word and trying to understand it from different perspectives. While doing so I came across an article which talks about four stages of Tapasya.
"Tapasya has four stages: viveka, or discrimination between the preyas, or the pleasant, and shreyas, or the good; vairagya, or disinterestedness towards the merely pleasant; samyama, or self-control; and mumuksutva, or an intense longing for achieving the goal." I was thinking that when we meet maybe we can start off with discussing this. "
Tapasya also triggers different emotions in you... Pride when you succeed, anger and frustration when you fail, joy when you understand something, hurt when you are disappointed about your performance. I believe that in our showcase we can also dance about how these different emotions are part of the journey of Tapasya and how they carve us as art worshipers. How we run through not just external conflicts but also the emotional turbulences fluctuating between sucess and failure.
This was just a thought I came across.
I hope you have a beautiful day ahead and I am really waiting for the sessions to start.
Looking forward to see you super soon.
Love,
Akshata
August 09th, 2023
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August 09th, 2023
Akshata,
I think you have managed to so dedicatedly enter a TAPASYA of your own.
This is it Akshata. This is the idea. This is our ultimate goal and experience with Art and you are living it through your research, commitment, enthusiasm and learning. (At any time of day or night - I've noticed! Please get some sleep!)
We can sit down and create a flow of performance basis all the theory and understanding you are currently coming across. Your ideas are strong and will come together in a startling way on stage! I can already see it!
I will sit down with you and we can work together once I am there. Because I've just realized how much you can teach me! Although, I think I always knew it...
Big hug and keep recording what this hunt for knowledge is revealing to you. You're playing a true leader by gathering, thinking and being hungry for more!
Love always my striving Girl in Grey,
Myth :)
August 17th, 2023
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August 17th, 2023
Hello Girls in Grey,
I hope you're all set to go because Gurukul sessions kick off this Saturday! I will be at Avasara, conducting auditions first thing in the morning following which we get right into Level 1 - Advanced classes. I hope you will all try and be present from beginning to end. Some of the little ones auditioning might feel more supported with you all around.
Expect to dive right into plans and our collective vision for "Tapasya". I'm eager to hear your thoughts, mind maps, doubts (if any or many) and expectations of yourselves as we aim to stage this mega production over the course of this year.
Expect also to get physically and verbally into the "Language of Gestures" which is the vocabulary of Indian Classical Dance illustrated by the body. I am taking you back in time, exactly how I learnt these gestures from my Guru. It is going to be fun to see how much better, faster and more insightful you are likely to be than I was all those years ago. Hahaha!
Please practice all the warm-up and body conditioning drills known to you in the lead upto Saturday. As you all know, it will be far easier working with carefully and well tuned in bodies than otherwise.
I have just come through a manic week in the village with your sisters there. They attended a Sports Camp conducted by visiting Coaches from Bombay which involved being on a consolidated training regime in every known Track and Field and Endurance Running event - a variety of Runs, Jumps, Throws coupled with Co-ordination, Control, Core, Strength, Conditioning and Stamina Drills.
In a shocker of a moment during time trials, one of our Junoon babies, Kaajal, outran the fastest boy (also one of the participants out of all the children attending the Camp from in around Dhasa).
The Coaches have seen so much promise. We just need the girls to focus and stay on course!
Additionally, besides their regular practice and preparation on our Rural Outreach sessions for Classical Dance, Athletics, Team Games, etc., they even rehearsed and performed a Dance and Music Recital for a massive audience from in and around the village in celebration of the 76th Indian Independence Day.
It was in no way easy to pull through a time as physical as this one. The girls also participated in a Contemporary Dance and Freestyle movement session for the very first time. We watched Football - the Women's World Cup nearing its finale - and artistic scenes and productions to familiarize ourselves more with the processes and playing out of both the realms they so enthusiastically inhabit - Sports and The Arts.
वतन - Their performance was utterly moving especially because of their clarity of movement, co-ordination, grace, smiles, energy and the choice of music (pieces they sang as well!) they complemented so beautifully with choreography. We have never witnessed so many people tear up and swell with pride, all at once. May be it also had something to do with them dancing an ode to their nation, their वतन। It always brings out both emotion and strength from within (not two separate things, one could argue).
Something shifts in the village and inside us, with every visit. More girls want to be a part of Junoon. More gifted children come to the fore. More structure emerges as to how we can better train, inspire and support these little-large glimmers of talent, hope and potential.
My emotions are as high as my confusion at how I can be better for my girls everywhere - what can I keep doing to give them more, give them better, constantly give them the best of all I can be - as artiste, athlete and human being?
The answers always come when you are before me. I know they do...
Love and see you Saturday,
Myth :)
August 25th, 2023
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August 25th, 2023
Hello Girls,
We next meet on Friday and Saturday next week (September 1st and 2nd).
I hope you are working on stamina as promised and revising your basics and the athletic routine as planned.
For our upcoming session we shall dive into Raga Yaman, learn some new basics of Ballet as well as Bharata Natyam and get into some stronger Barre work.
We will revise our story on Asamyukta Hastas (Single-Hand Gestures) and thereby the Hastas within. We shall also begin constructing our story for Samyukta Hastas (Double-Hand Gestures).
To add onto our illustration of TAPASYA, I'd like you to mull over how every practice, every discipline, helps us discover our strengths and weaknesses. The point of practice is to work at them both. Because you don't want to lose what you have and you also want to gain what you don't already have.
Classical Dance involves befriending the moves that don't necessarily want to be friends with you, straight up. How tactical and steadfast your pursuit of these moves is, will determine how much of a Classical Dancer you are!
Leaving you with this,
And Love,
Myth :)
August 26th, 2023
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August 26th, 2023
Good evening Ms Mythili,
I am really looking forward to our next session! I am the most excited to learn the double- handed gestures!
Take care of yourself. :)
PS- I loved your rainbow dress! Hehehe! :D
Love,
Akshata:)
August 27th, 2023
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August 27th, 2023
Hey Ms Mythili!
We practiced today and had a tough time remembering everything that we learnt last time. We were literally joining puzzles as everyone remembered different parts of the session. It was really awesome working it out together.
Love,
Akshata :)
Septemebr 01st, 2023
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September 01st, 2023
My Dearest Girls in Grey,
This letter is specifically addressed to the Level 1 - Advanced batch.
My heartfelt apologies for not being able to be amidst you despite scheduled sessions this weekend. It has weighed me down to think I can't be with you because of road construction and repair on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The temporary shutdown of the road (which is the route I take to reach you), no alternative route and the possibility of me being stranded mid-highway and not making it in time to you anyway made us make a collective call to postpone our in-person session. I'm sorry again. I guess the Universe has its reasons and we follow along and discover new possibilities.
On the bright side, I'm happy they're doing what they need to in order to fix the road and make it a better and safer driving experience for us all.
I also see this as an opportunity for us to work together, even from afar, as though we were in session anyway.
As I let you anticipate what I'd be bringing into session this time round, in an earlier letter,
Here is the link to an understanding of Raga Yaman. Very simply, melodiously and sweetly told by a musician who has taught me much, literally via her YouTube channel:
Please watch this and then, hear Raga Yaman raw at this link and let me know how you feel. What emotions does this elicit from you?
This legend, Ustad Rashid Khan, takes a while to warm up but as he gets into the Raga, it will touch your soul.
The Samyukta Hastas (Double-Hand Gestures) - I would like to take you through when I am with you.
Meanwhile, I hope you will keep with your practice of Yoga and Stretches, the Bharata Natyam Namaskara, Beginner Adavu steps and Ballet Barre work. You could also begin to use the Barre to strengthen your Ayatam and Tatta Adavu in Bharata Natyam.
Please please please send me pictures and videos (the videos do not download easily but send them anyway). I love to see you girls in action.
Which brings me to the meat of our session this time - TAPASYA.
I want you to watch the entire series on this Playlist.
It deals with the subject of creation - everything that has ever been created in the Universe. And involves the TAPASYA of Parvati in enabling this creation.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE7cQxhg5ITOJGG2KiWszneZ0eDi8oe2u
Where can you draw parallels between this and your practice?
Can we come up with a reflective piece that combines your understanding of TAPASYA, your commitment to your dance and Goddess Parvati's TAPASYA, oath and significance to the Universe?
This will certainly help structure our eventual showcase.
Let's make this happen Girls.
I can't wait to read and share your reflections.
I will call later tonight and we can discuss this all further. If you have some notes ready or replies to this letter, that will only help!
Love and forced to be afar,
Myth :(
Septemebr 02nd, 2023
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September 02nd, 2023
Dear Ms. Mythili,
I hope this email finds you well.
We went through the videos of Srishti and I swear l was blown way by the act and it's implementation . Through out l was getting goosebumps. The way parvati's feelings and emotions were conveyed while she was waiting for Shiva to acknowledge her presence. She was eager and willing to be noticed . She was fed up and angry but still waited because of the unconditional love she had for him.
Her decision of meditating ( Tapasya ) and giving up on luxurious life emphasized on the amount of love she had for Shiva . I would say Tapasya was a path for her to reach Shiva. Tapasya shows the love and dedication you have towards something which leads to sacrifice many other things. It's a commitment you make to yourself in order to get what to you love.
I request for some time to think through all we did today and write my reflection. Due to plenty of others things I am anable to think a little but I would send my reflection piece to you by today 8 pm. I hope you understand. Thank you and have a great day.
Regards,
Yogini :)
Septemebr 02nd, 2023
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September 02nd, 2023
My Dearest Yogini,
I am so happy to hear that the session impacted you in the way it did.
Again, the beauty and power of Art!
Eagerly looking forward to reading your reflection. Your understanding of TAPASYA is beautiful.
Love,
Myth
september 02nd, 2023
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September 02nd, 2023
Dear Ms Mythili,
We hope you had a good start to the day.
We all just went through all the links you sent to us and made notes
All of us engaged in discussing the videos of Yaman Raga and Shristi. We made some connections and jotted them down
Please have a look at it.
Love,
Tanvi
September 03rd, 2023
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September 03rd, 2023
Hi Girls,
I enjoyed every single one of your reflections. Much depth and I can tell you enjoyed what you watched and felt.
Please look at this summation of our collective thoughts on TAPASYA after review.
Please let me know if this makes sense to you. It will likely be the introduction or a crucial script/post script of your eventual showcase.
Yogini's reflection has not reached me as yet. And I assume you are all working on your own summary as well - a consolidation of your individual pieces.
Let's keep that effort going since it will bring together plenty more ideas for choreography.
A good, productive weekend to my mind. Well done you! :)
Love,
Myth :)
September 12th, 2023
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September 12th, 2023
Dearest Girls in Grey,
Once again, this letter is addressed specifically to the Advanced batch as also Ms. Kritika, Ms. Mandeep, Ms. Dimple and Mr. Puneet (whom I am yet to meet in person but I extend my wishes and welcome to) so as to keep them all in the loop of our exchanges and the tasks assigned to you.
I trust you have had a chance to recharge after what seemed like an exhausting weekend. Once again, I want to let everyone and especially the Girls know that your decision to be a part of The Junoon Gurukul will invite phases where you will feel overwhelmed and tired. My sincere advice to you is to pull through these as gracefully as you can. What we are doing here, on a parallel Arts curriculum, is by no means or measure easy but it is worth it - as we have all come to see over the past year.
1. I want to see a bit more resolve and initiative amongst the Advanced batch. Nobody should be chasing you to complete tasks that are assigned to you to ensure continuity and practice - physically and mentally. If we have a presentation to make in the near future, you will have to take the lead and ensure you are ideating to better structure your practice and performance and physically staying in shape with the routines taught to you.
2. Forgive me for reasserting myself in furtherance to our call on Sunday evening, but I will absolutely NOT be accepting excuses in any form or format of tasks "not being understood or misunderstood". We have clear discussions of the roles you must play and the assignments you must complete when we are together in person, with adequate time denoted to discussion and clarification. Clear communication has been the essence of Gurukul and we cannot have it any other way - even when you are lazy, tired, bored or plain brain dead. I have been a student and practitioner of the Arts, Academia, Sport simultaneously not very long ago (and still am!) and I have tried every trick in the trade to get away from work/practice (so been there, done that!). It has only cost me and I have always ended up in a pressure cooker eventually. I respect and recognize the sheer volume of things that require your attention and focus at school and outside, however, over time, we have built a strong culture of honesty, commitment, leadership and getting the job done despite it all. And I hope we will keep with that. It is a challenge we have accepted and a challenge we must rise to.
3. With reference to the summary email, accounting for the work done and the work to be done, that I sent across right when we concluded our session this past weekend, where are you at with Segment Three of TAPASYA? Has it been drafted? Have you finalized the structure after discussion? Where is the flow of events that you would like in your showcase, as Hema had mentioned? Does it incorporate the suggestions of Akshata, Khushi and Yogini and any others who have developed a point of view in the last two days?
4. Have you had a chance to look intently at the Barrework video to understand the basic framework of a typical beginning at the Barre - involving Plie, Tendu, Glissade, Jete, Grand Battement and Stretch? We have to get more familiar with Barre to move into Centre work.
5. Have you looked through the publication: SA and found any inspiration and relevant parts to your journey; your TAPASYA? Have we been able to track down the other publication, MARG? Perhaps, Ms. Kritika can help you here.
6. As we have discussed in session, every single Hand gesture in Indian Classical Dance has a meaning and multiple uses. Keeping in line with this thought, I am attaching a screenshot from one of my practice sessions yesterday. It is one for you to keep and think about.
7. I hope photographs of your physical practice will reach me this week. Please get help from Ms. Mandeep or Ms. Dimple to photograph you as you practice.
8. So far, we are somewhat settled with what the Indian Classical bits of our showcase will show and tell. Do we have any ideas for what the Classical Ballet story and division of TAPASYA is likely to be? I am thinking and researching and you please do so too.
As always, sending you love, even if it's a bit tough this time round.
And thank you to everyone reading and enabling the above.
Myth :)
September 12th, 2023
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September 12th, 2023
Hello Ms. Mythili,
I apologize for the previous mail. I thought the image would be enough because we discussed the structure in the classroom previously. I hope you are having a relaxing time. We would be more responsible and accountable.
Here is a detailed version of the structure that I think we could follow keeping the idea of Tapasya in mind.
1. The introduction to the performance - give an overview of our performance and talk about what is Tapasya by term. Leave the audience with a statement to think about while they are watching the performance. The raw story of Sati (we will choose a small segment that resonates with Tapasya)
2. We would perform the segment we chose from the introduction- this way we get a chance to dance to a story that is in the form of literature. We become Parvatis here so we can show the audience a story clip.
3. Talk about our Tapasya connecting to dance- dance is our Tapasya that we dig deep and connect with our hearts. (Building the connection between tapasya and dance here)
4. We will now perform a piece presenting our dedication and passion for the art- showcasing our learning from all the classes till now. The person indulging themselves in art learns plenty of skills and gains power from the art. We have to show this power and strength we gained. (The song that we listened to in the session previously reminded me of the power that can be shown in this dance segment)
5. Towards the end the talking and dancing would happen at the same time- we divide ourselves into two groups- one as Parvatis and the other as tapaswinis. We end with the last impactful phrases. 'I am Shiva and Shiva is Me' + 'I am Art and Art is Me'.! This will be the beautiful ending of our performance.
Please let me know your thoughts and clarifications or any questions that help me think more. I hope the structure is doable and sticks to our theme.
Again I apologise for the delayed mail. I would make sure that this would not happen again. Thank you.
Warm Regards,
Hemadevika
Junoon.
September 12th, 2023
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September 12th, 2023
A fantastic turnaround Hema and you've left us all with plenty to mull over. I'm very happy to see this effort and a genuine passion comes strikingly through your words. Beautiful!
I see us having to create a bit more literature and better divide what we already have for TAPASYA. We should also start thinking about the exact duration of this showcase so that we can fit all these enormous ideas and visuals in.
More when we meet and more when you have all dealt with all the other points on the letter as well.
Eagerly awaiting more from the rest. My very best to you and a big thank you to Hema for taking the lead on this. High five!
Myth :)
September 19th, 2023
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September 19th, 2023
My Dearest Girls,
Writing to you bright and early at the start of Ganeshotsav to wish you a happy, blessed time in the days and festivities ahead. This is the very first letter addressed to the Beginners' batch and I am so thrilled and thankful to welcome the Beginners to these letter exchanges as Alisha, Jiya, Shilpa and Ruchi take the lead in relaying all this correspondence to their fellow Gurukul sisters. Thank you indeed Girls!
(It would be great if you can manage to bring the entire batch together and read the letters aloud so that everyone hears it all, collectively and at the same time.)
Last night, before the Ganeshotsav kicked off in Bombay, I had the privilege to perform before a magnificent idol of Lord Ganesha at a popular pandal in the city. Classical Dance has been a form of worship (as you all know from our discussion on Devadasis in session this past weekend) forever and for me, Dance is my prayer, an offering I make to the Universe, to divinity and to my dearest girls on Junoon so that we may pass on the love, beauty and power of this Art form to as many as we can.
I am sending you some pictures and will upload a video of the performance as well to a Google Drive link that we can all begin to access for practice and reference.
It truly was surreal but also very rewarding to perform in a divine setting before the Lord himself. I think these are the moments we live for, as Dancers, as artists. It is also a chance for you to see how and where Art and Festivity meet. It is a space where culture thrives and an added opportunity for artists to create and share so that more people become aware of Art and are encouraged to pursue it. Dance is an offering, a celebration; a spiritual experience and one through which we earnestly connect with society.
Moving on to Gurukul things.
1. Our exchanges on Raga and Rasa made me come away with quite a few questions of my own. So, I did some more reading and asking and listening and came up with a written piece that hopefully, encompasses our learning of the concept of Raga, Tala, Rasa and other aspects and effects of Classical Music. (The images of this written piece are attached here.)
I was introduced to a lovely set of Ragas at the link below. You too can listen in when you need to hear something beautiful and meditative.
You will notice how the Sitar and Tabla - Raga and Rhythm - come together to create soulful music.
2. For the Advanced batch, it will be interesting to know that the Sivamanaspooja (the track for your TAPASYA showcase) is a combination of Raga Hamsadhwani and Raga Bilawal. I am yet to delve into both these Ragas. May be you can do so too for a better understanding and connect with your music piece.
Our other selection for TAPASYA, as you all know, is titled "Raga Khamaaj" so that explains it! Here is the link to it:
3. I hope you will all continue to practice and research the areas that are of interest to you. Find your curiosity, your motivations, your love of the Art and write to me about anything you find. For the Beginners, if those of you that don't have emails have something to say to me in response to this letter, perhaps a consolidated letter of all replies can be prepared and sent to me by one of the four that do.
4. The link to our Google Drive folder called, "THE JUNOON GURUKUL", is below:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1CRvlORAnXt2bbjRLRntUqKfxzmrcexAW
5. Send me pictures and videos of your practice, please!
Stay smiling, stay dancing, stay thinking and I will write to you all when I have more.
Love always,
Myth ❤️
September 19th, 2023
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September 19th, 2023
Dear Ms. Mythili,
It was a pleasure to receive our first email from you. I conveyed your message to all the junoon students and they are excited to see your dance performance video. We are thinking of listening to the ragas you sent over the weekend practice.
That's all for now.
Regards,
Alisha.
September 21st, 2023
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September 21st, 2023
Hello Girls,
Happy to drop you another message right before the weekend begins so that you can get to doing what you must.
(Or you already have and are - in which case I will be happier).
Writing to you from our Rural Outreach, here in Dhasa, Gujarat. The girls here are getting on well. I would urge you to look at this page for added information on their most recent tryst with SANSKRIT this time round. I'm learning so much as well:
SANSKRIT IN SESSION ON OUR RURAL OUTREACH
Do look at our exchanges and our beautiful Gurukul extension on the site as well. You will get a chance to see your own work and more:
http://junoonart.com/gurukul
For watching,
All of you will benefit greatly from watching this wonderful congregation of World Ballet Stars in a glorious set of performances. It came highly recommended from my mentor in England (with good reason!) and I've just come through watching it with the girls here. Personally, I enjoyed the second half much more but you will all have your own takeaways:
In furtherance to my previous letter, in which we have identified your TAPASYA selection - Sivamanaspooja - as being based on Raga Hamsadhvani and Raga Bilawal, the Advanced batch can please look up the following for a deeper understanding of both Ragas:
Raga Hamsdhvani -
Raga Bilawal -
The Beginners must proceed as laid out in the previous letter.
As always, I would love to have an update on all fronts.
Since I have done my homework, I know you will too. :)
Love,
Myth
October 3rd, 2023
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October 3rd, 2023
Hello Girls,
Writing to you all to quickly let you know that I will be with you this weekend. Our sessions are planned as per the usual weekend schedule.
This time, we will introduce the concept that the Beginners' practice is stylized to - PEACE.
As we explore the connection between Dance and Painting as well, which will only help us better embody PEACE, here is a brief that will give you a bit of a heads up:
"Along with convincing our Girls of the interconnectedness and interdependence of the Arts, Junoon is also constantly trying to help Girls and Women from the different offshoots of Junoon connect over their respective Arts and artistic creations.
This painting by Project Dharti named "PEACEFUL PINK" made us want to dance to it. The Beginner batch of The Junoon Gurukul will begin to explore the connection between Dance and Painting; between brushes and strokes and movement; between colours and expression; between visuals on a canvas and visuals in the air; between shapes and lines on paper and shapes and lines that the body moulds into and creates.
Since their practice and performance routine this time round is stylized to the idea of "PEACE", what could be more fitting than a radiant and rosy Buddha, meditating upon a lotus in full bloom, for inspiration. Their Dance - technique and artistry - will reflect a serenity that only Art can bring; one that the enlightened one himself tried to give to us, lesser mortals. This, as the Girls, begin to blossom as Dancers.
We want our Girls who are making a beginning with Classical Dance to dream in colours when they dance. And to find calm, in the midst of that vibrant explosion. "PEACE" is a painting that moves us and then, gets us moving...
Stay tuned as they connect, reflect, practice and extend the "PEACE" they have gathered..."
The painting is affixed to this letter. Look at it and I will hear your thoughts upon it in our upcoming session!
Meanwhile, I hope the Beginners and Advanced have kept in practice. I hope to be pleasantly surprised once I'm there!
A small surprise: Level 1 - Advanced will be making an interesting journey into Breathwork. More details once I'm there!
Love,
Myth ❤️
October 6th & 7th, 2023
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October 6th & 7th, 2023
My Dearest Girls,
Thank you for putting your best foot forward in sessions this weekend. You have all shown up beautifully. In addition to our conventional practice, your participation in the Breathwork session conducted by Mr. Prameet Kotak made this weekend all the more special. So, I thank you truly from the bottom of my heart.
Just to recap,
Our Beginners' batch will be practicing the routines in Bharata Natyam and Classical Ballet curated to their theme of PEACE. They will also fix and finalize the Dance and Painting connection piece and send me a consolidated version once done.
All of you will practice Floor Barre, your Barre basics in Bharata Natyam as well as Ballet and the Indian Classical balance routine we have all come to know.
Our Advanced batch will revise all the TAPASYA choreography they know for all the pieces learnt so far and continue to explore Ragas and Instruments in their own capacities. They will also practice the new cross/diagonal and balance fundamental movements learnt in Classical Ballet as it is a component of the choreography that complements Segment Four of their TAPASYA presentation. Please think of the Samyukta Hasta story/poem/memory device that will help us better perform the Hastas.
Our Google Drive folder has been updated with all the new videos so kindly look at them for reference and practice.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1CRvlORAnXt2bbjRLRntUqKfxzmrcexAW
I welcome the girls who have joined The Junoon Gurukul this weekend once again.
It is an absolute JOY to have ALL of you in session with all the enthusiasm and curiosity you bring into Gurukul!
Love and a very happy weekend to you all and a special thank you to Ms. Dimple, Ms. Mandeep and Ms. Kritika for helping and supporting us!
Myth ❤️
October 6th & 7th, 2023
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October 6th & 7th, 2023
Hello Girls,
I will be with you this weekend, in sessions that promise to once again be exciting and give you renewed perspective on the Classical Arts you are beginning to become familiar with.
The Beginners' Batch,
I expect your DANCE and PAINTING piece to be ready before I'm there. Happy to look at it if you send it to me in advance.
You will be working on your PEACE-themed showcase. We will add to the choroegraphy. This time, we will be coming up with a Yoga routine and familiarize ourselves more with this ancient, scientific and extremely beneficial physical practice.
I wish to acquaint you with a range of Shlokas (Verses/couplets) that will help you better understand Ancient and Classical Art.
Please make sure you locate both the JUNOON publications - MARG and SA - and bring these into the sessions with you. Ms. Kritika and The Level - 1 Advanced can help you here.
Level - 1 - Advanced,
I expect your energy levels to be a tad higher than they were last weekend. We are all working very hard to make sure your exposure to Classical Arts is as efficient as possible. I hope these sessions; being part of The Junoon Gurukul will bring you the peace and variety you need in life. :)
We will be working further along on our TAPASYA showcase from a Bharata Natyam standpoint. We will also continue to make our explorations with the Classical Ballet aspect of our TAPASYA.
There is a Dancing surprise for you all to participate in together. For the first time, we will engage with a Derivative Dance Art form of Classical Dance. More on this when we are together.
There is a bigger surprise for you all to experience together on Friday for 30mins as well as Saturday for the same duration. Sleek Technique, my Refinement and Technique Mentors and Institute based in England have curated sessions for you all to watch. Your observation skills will be most integral here and I really am looking forward to your takeaways!
I have been practicing my bit. Are you?
See you all Friday!
Once again, I thank Ms. Kritika and team for the constant co-ordination and support! And you, our Girls!
Love,
Myth :)
September 11th, 2023
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September 11th, 2023
Hello,
How are you doing Ms. Mythili? We all are equally excited to proceed with the peace concept and will surely be done with the writing piece.
Have a great day ahead.
Regards,
Alisha :)
October 14th, 2023
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October 14th, 2023
My Dearest Girls,
We have come through an all-encompassing time in session.
From Meditation to Discussion to General Practice to The Folk Dance of Garba to your "Sleek Surprise" (an observation session for you to observe Ballet Barrework, Floor Barre and the importance of Stretching), you have done and participated in plenty.
Sleek Technique in England will be so proud that you have benefited from, observed and to an extent participated in the two (30-minute) sessions they have curated for us.
I expect you to think about all you have done and keep it close and safe in your minds and hearts.
Our collective efforts on the Dance & Painting front must persist as Level 1 - Advanced begins work on their Artistic Creation inspired from their theme - TAPASYA. We also have teamwork homework to learn and share the meaning, stories and memory devices of the Asamyukta (Single-Hand) and Samyukta (Double-Hand) gestures across levels.
Meanwhile, the Beginners will memorize the Yoga segment and the other segments taught previously for their PEACE showcase.
Please continue to practice your Barre work for Classical Ballet as well as Bharata Natyam and listen to the lovely music we have been hearing in session.
Leaving you with our favourite track by popular demand...
Send me pictures and videos as you do!
(PS: I will update our Google Drive Folder with all the necessary videos.)
Love,
Myth :)
October 16th, 2023
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October 16th, 2023
Hello Ms Mythili,
I hope you have had a beautiful weekend!
I am writing this email to inform you about what we discussed yesterday about the painting. We decided to have two different paintings to have a clarity of what we are thinking in our piece. According to our brainstorm of ideas, Khushi. C and Yogini created these two digital paintings.
Painting 1: This painting illustrates our Tapasya towards Bharatnatyam and our journey as Bharatnatyam dancers. The lotus that the girl is holding is not part of our painting. We will eliminate the lotus when we actually paint the painting on the canvas. It is there because we did not find a better picture on Canva.
Painting 2: The painting below illustrates our Tapasya in Ballet.
We are excited to know your views on this! :)
Have a great day ahead!
--
With LOVE & HOPE,
Akshata :)
October 16th, 2023
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October 16th, 2023
Hey Akshata and my Grey Girl Gang,
Thrilled to see your email in my inbox (even though we just spoke on the phone last evening...😂).
For two reasons:
1. I never feel like the time we have together is ever enough.
2. I'm happy to see us actively working on ideas that we suggest and brainstorm when we are all together!
I love both your suggestions!
Just some thoughts/questions:
Painting One:
1. Will there be any other elements around our TAPASVINI?
2. Will her clothes be Grey-White? (That could draw that parallel between you and Parvati - since her look is ash-smeared as is Shiva's and you are "The Girls in Grey".
3. Will her hair be open for a look of abandon or will she have her hair pulled back in a bun reflective of discipline?
Painting Two:
1. Will the setting be a studio or stage? Will the spotlight therefore be in a studio or stage? Since most of TAPASYA happens behind the scenes...
2. Again, are there any other elements that you would like to draw out on this painting that are representative of Ballet?
For Paintings One and Two:
1. Is there anything that you can add into both these creations that show the pain and joy of practice, of TAPASYA?
As always there are no right or wrong answers! There is only ART and creativity and interpretation!
A big thank you to Khushi C. and Yogini for creating these drafts digitally and helping us visualize what our eventual creation is going to be. Bravo Girls!
Please save these drafts to document the progression of our idea. This can be part of our presentation as well - how we arrived at our final showcase...the journey...We must communicate process as well as the final act, just as Hema said in session!
Thank you and I look forward to your thoughts on the same and the next set of drafts/sketches/overlays...
And yes, Love and Hope ALWAYS,
We've got this, Girls! ;)
Myth ❤️
November 3rd, 2023
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November 3rd, 2023
Hello Girls,
As I await your update with bated breath, here's mine:
Yesterday, on Nov 1st, 2023, I had the absolute privilege to perform a Bharata Natyam recital that traces the Divine Origins of Indian Classical Dance before the Artistic Director and Directorate at Danceworks, London. It speaks volumes about their inclination to further diverse (and especially Indian Art forms) and to be able to represent my roots was special!
Thank you for the wishes you sent me the day before when we spoke. They definitely made me honour the opportunity and give it my all.
That it was so well received; That the very esteemed audience could connect with my Act; That they had the emotional wonderful, enormous reaction that they had was truly humbling.
I'm sending you some pictures.
Training here has been the dream that it usually is. Lots of Ballet, lots of strengthening and lots of feeling.
May we continue to dance our dreams and our hearts out together.
Have a blessed festive season, my dearest Girls! ❤️
Love and a Big Hug,
Myth
November 5th, 2023
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November 5th, 2023
Dear Ms. Mythili,
Seems like you absolutely enjoyed the performance. Thankyou for keeping us in the loop and inspiring us with your work. I hope, one day our efforts will shine as bright as this festive season. I am eager to resume our practices. Till then have a great time :)
Regards,
Alisha.
November 5th, 2023
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November 5th, 2023
Thank you Alisha!
Very pleased to read your response,
Looking forward to looking at stills and scenes from your practice!
Lots of love to you and a big hug for the festive season,
Shine on!
Myth
November 9th, 2023
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November 9th, 2023
My Dearest Girls!
I wanted to share a very special and crazy moment from my time here in training in London.
It was a rare clear day in London town and freezing cold. I was in the studios at Danceworks attending sessions and practicing when Anna, the incredible photographer who usually profiles me through my time here, walked in and said "Alright, we've got to get out and do this now! The light is perfect!".
In typical artistic spontaneous fashion, we headed out. I only had time to grab my jumper until we got to the location - a glorious town square. And the Artistic Director of Danceworks yelled to us as we ran off and away, "Anything for Art!" Indeed, yes!
When we got there, I stripped down to my leotard and snap snap snap we got all the shots we needed before I nearly froze into an icicle (only staying warm by randomly running around and on the spot between shots! 😂).
Absolutely had to share this episode with you (as well as the shots) as I head home after a beautiful, challenging, fun, technical, artistic and exciting training experience. My coaches and mentors have been supremely encouraging and pleased which makes me feel very supported. And I promise to keep striving hard.
I will be spending Diwali with my family as I'm sure you all are as well! Tell me how you're doing! I'd love to hear!
Love always and forever and all the light you so rightly deserve,
Myth ❤️
November 26th, 2023
LETTER EXCHANGES within THE JUNOON GURUKUL
November 26th, 2023
Hello Dearest Girls,
Just listing everything we came through in our grand catch up and recap session today:
We began with flows and routines to loosen our bodies.
We found some new drills for both Ballet and Bharata Natyam strengthening.
We have added to the "PEACE" - themed choreography for the Beginners' batch.
We revised certain key concepts and gestures in both art forms.
We have also heard a fresh Raga named "Maarwa" that made us reflective and nostalgic.
In our discussion round, we have learnt the ancient story of 'The Divine Origin of Classical Dance in India.' This made us further see the importance and relevance of Ancient Literature to Classical Dance and other Arts.
It also gave us a newfound respect for the authors who have preserved our classical traditions and heritage through the written word.
As per usual, our videos will be on the Drive for us to reference from.
Love to you and see you this coming week!
Myth :)
December 2nd, 2023
LETTER EXCHANGES within THE JUNOON GURUKUL
December 2nd, 2023
Hello Girls,
Here is a summary of everything we have come through this weekend in session:
We have better understood the connection between Music and Dance by going back to the Ragas we first began with and listening to and appreciating new ones, namely: Raga Malkhaus, Raga Tilak Kamod, Raga Darbari, Raga Jaijawanti, etc.
We had an interesting time exploring Raga Tilak Kamod and we have an interesting question from Alisha which we will get back to her about soon!
The Beginners have gone into full blown rehearsal mode for their upcoming showcase - formations included.
We have recordings that will be on the Drive Folder soon.
The Advanced batch too is getting ahead gradually on their showcase choreography for both art forms. We are feeling a lot more secure now that our Painting drafts have been locked in and we can progress to creating the final product.
An interesting discussion followed our thoughts on the ONE thing that fulfills us creatively, artistically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. And collectively, we came up with artistic and soulful pursuits that make us feel whole and complete and ones that we would consistently like to stick with forever.
Perhaps the highlight of these sessions was our time listening in on a series of lectures by the very accomplished Isabella McGurie Mayes, a Vaganova Graduate and now Ballet Coach in London. We received some deep insights and inspiration from her.
Going forward, we have noted down our sequences for all that has been rehearsed thus far for our showcase and we will persist with practice by working everyone in our batch upto the same level.
Leaders have been appointed to film and photograph practice sessions so they will reach me.
Please remain consistent, determined and committed to your artistic practice. It will benefit you in more ways than I can explain.
Lots of Love,
Myth :)
December 19th, 2023
LETTER EXCHANGES within THE JUNOON GURUKUL
December 19th, 2023
Dear Ms. Mythili,
I hope this email finds you cherishing the snowy christmas.❄️🎄
I would like to begin with a sincere apology for writing to you so late. I couldn't write to you earlier because I was preparing for my mock exams but now I am almost done with them.
your message got conveyed to me through khushi and I have shared the details with the rest of us. Ms. Mythili, this weekend we will be practising our choreography for the showcase and finalizing who will be doing what. I will also send you the pics of our practice and I hope this works.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Alisha.
December 19th, 2023
LETTER EXCHANGES within THE JUNOON GURUKUL
December 19th, 2023
Dearest Alisha,
(And all my Girls - Alisha, please read this out to all)
Thank you for your email and I hope you're exams went very well!
I am eagerly looking forward to your practice photos and videos. I'm sure you will do a fine job of organizing yourselves and rehearsing.
A quick update - I am currently in Izmir, Turkey. I have the privilege of training with the Former Artistic Director of The Turkish State Ballet, Ms. Burcu Surmeli Borovali. She is a former Principal Dancer as well as Repetitor (the head of coaches at a Ballet Establishment). I remember mentioning to you all in session that this was something I was selected for earlier this Summer at Danceworks, London.
I will write to you all elaborately about the experience. In one word, for now, "Divine".
Love to you all and can't wait to see you (in photos, dancing first!)
Myth
December 26th, 2023
LETTER EXCHANGES within THE JUNOON GURUKUL
December 26th, 2023
My Dearest Girls,
I promised I would write to you at length when I received an update from Alisha a few days ago, so here goes:
To begin with, a Happy Christmas to you all and an even happier lead up to the New Year. May 2024 bring you courage, the courage to dream and make more of your dreams come true.
I am so warmed to receive practice videos of you all. I have shot off feedback to Ms. Mandeep and Ms. Kalpana and I am so grateful that everyone is collectively taking the lead on making the magic happen.
Of my time here in Izmir, I can only say that there are some privileges that cannot be defined. As artistes, it is our duty to make the most of every opportunity destiny offers and work tirelessly to do our utmost with it.
The honour of training with Ms. Burcu, the Artistic Director of the Turkish State Ballet, an invitation I received earlier this year through the company/establishment I belong to : Danceworks, London, has been humbling. It is being amid Ballet royalty, training in the very same halls and corridors of the Artistic ensemble of the Ottoman Turkish Empire. I have gone back in time, constantly imagining myself as a Medieval artist or a more contemporary one that once performed for the Turkish royalty. Truly, the training is at that height, of that detail and finesse.
And the artists and Turkish folk I have met have made me feel so welcome. Truly wonderful human beings!
What I was most hoping to achieve from my time in training here is to build longevity into my career as an artiste, by also understanding the essence and importance of therapy, recovery and letting my body absorb nuances. And I think this time, on this intensive, has been all about that.
I've had the chance to go around Izmir and an ancient city close by named Ephesus that abounds with an ambience of the Hellenistic period. Turkey is stunning in so many ways and the variety of topography, culture, history and activities makes it a place for anyone with any interest whatsoever.
Yesterday, on Christmas Day, I had the glorious chance to perform and introduce Indian Classical Dance - Bharata Natyam - for Children (6-10year olds) at an Arts Centre curated especially for them named Issikent Kampusu here in Izmir. Children are truly the most perceptive, sensitive and fun audience to perform for and the best energy in the room indeed! They were so curious and full of beans! I loved every minute of it.
My biggest takeaway as I near the end of my time in training in Izmir is that learning never stops, everyone has something to teach us and there is always scope for more - to do more, be more and be better. And Art brings some beautiful souls into one's life. And for that I am truly grateful.
I have done my best to upload any and all videos that will correspond to all of the above on our Drive Folder.
And like I said, I love watching all you little elves and fairies practicing our beautiful Art. So give me more!
Love, Art and Hope,
Myth
SOUND BITES from
THE JUNOON GURUKUL
These are some valuable exchanges when we're in session, worth saving and sharing!
#1 - HUMANLY GOD; GODLY HUMAN
#2 - REFLECTIONS ON HUMANLY GOD; GODLY HUMAN
#3 - ART FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
#4 - A QUOTE TAKES CENTRE STAGE
