Consulate General of India

Nritya Sadhana School of Indian Classical Dance Aarambh - Stepping Into Tradition

I would like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation and paying my respects to their Elders - past, present, and emerging.

I would also like to congratulate Shrimathi Shobana Puvaneswara Gurukkal and her team for organising such a wonderful celebration of the Indian classical dance form of Bharatnatyam.

Originating in Hindu temples, Bharatnatyam is considered to be one of India's oldest dance forms, with its principles documented in ancient texts like the Natya Shastra which is said to have been composed by the ancient Indian dramatist and musicologist Bharata Muni.

While the dance form has gone through modernising influences of the countless luminaries and exponents of the art, every performance captures the ancient traditions of Indian life and culture. Steeped in religious significance drawn from the ancient myths and traditions of our land, they give us glimpses of the wealth of the great Indian civilization from which we all continue to draw inspiration.

We can never overestimate the valuable work done by schools such as Nritya Sadhana to keep our culture alive for future generations to enjoy and appreciate. I wish the teachers and students of Nritya Sadhana all the success and growth in your journey ahead.