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In step with Indian heritage

By Shelby Fisk sfisk@scrantonedition.com
Scranton Edition Staff Writer / Photographer

CLARKS SUMMIT - For the last 10 years, Monica Malik and Shivani Vekaria have studied, practiced and perfected their craft. Having learned the Indian dance skill of Bharata Natyam, Malik will graduate on Saturday, May 24, and Vekaria on June 7.

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Above, Shivani Vekaria poses while wearing the traditional clothing associted with classical Indian dance. At right, Monica Malik illustrates one of the many movements used in Bharata Natyam.

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Malik said, “My arangetram (graduation) marks the end of phase one of my training, but there is still much more to learn. I do hope to teach Bharata Natyam in the future as well.” Vekaria added that she too, hopes to continue dancing in the future, possibly even assisting her teacher, Sujata Nair-Mulloth.

Kala School of Indian Classical Dance was founded in Clarks Summit, by Nair-Mulloth. She has been the teacher of Malik and Vekaria over the years. There the girls learned about their culture and Indian dance.

According to Nair-Mulloth’s web site, “It is important that both those who pursue careers in dance and those who leave dance, possess sound education in the fundamentals of the art form, that will serve them in the future.”

Nair-Mulloth said, “When the students are learning it’s twofold; they are learning the movements and the names of the movements, but also the students are learning about the Indian culture.”

Leaning about the culture is the main reason Malik began dancing with Nair-Mulloth. “The one thing that I am most proud of is that I have broken all my limitations. For a long time, Bharata Natyam was just a parental expectation, not any great interest of mine. Over the years, I have learned to challenge myself and to overcome all the barriers that I have put up for myself,” Malik said.

Malik and Vekaria’s graduation performances will begin 4 p.m. at Clarks Summit Elementary School on May 24 and June 7, respectfully. Vekaria added there will be live musicians playing at both events.

Nair-Mulloth mentioned the graduation performances are “totally open to the public, that’s the point. Graduates showcase all the dances they have learned over the years, usually nine dances in total, to God, their teacher and the public.”

“By studying Bharata Natyam, I have gained the ability to transform. Bharata Natyam has become a source of pride and accomplishment, an outlet for my emotions and my passion,” Vekaria added.

Her comment reflects the exact reason Nair-Mulloth began teaching Indian dance 14 years ago. “Not everyone knows or has the appreciation for Indian dance. It’s a classical form (of dance), classical like ballet,” adding it is important to know about and enjoy, even if a dancer is not Indian.

As Vekaria added, “This dance style is open to anyone of any age who enjoys the art form and is interested in learning something new.”

More information about Bharata Natyam or Kala School of Indian Classical Dance can be found at the school’s Web site, www.kaladance.com.