Natya

Comments From A Parent:

"Our family signed on with Natya Dance Theatre three years ago, newly settled in Chicago and looking for top-notch instruction in an Indian dance form. Natya was not the first dance school we tried. But once we found it, there was no reasonable alternative.

Hema-aunty took nearly two hours one auspicious weekend to convey her personal passion for the art form of Bharata Natyam. With prospective students and parents gathered in an empty Montessori classroom, she described her role in the local dance community and the commitment required to train a skillful, mature dancer -- the commitment required by both Natya and Natya families in partnership. Having studied ballet in my youth, I recognized the hallmarks of serious instruction. But what surprised me was the enthusiasm of my husband, who had no previous exposure to dance training. It turns out he was won over by Hema-aunty's clear focus on the children and her matter-of-fact admonition to parents to sign up for the right reasons, or not at all.

Since that weekend, Natya has grown. Both of our children now enjoy weekly dance classes with not only Hema Rajagopalan, but also other excellent company instructors. Parents are called upon to observe classes, support practice during the week, drive to rehearsals prior to performances, and take our children to professional performances throughout the year. So really, it's an education for the whole family -- a marvelous education."

 - Melody Roberts

Comments From A Student: 

"I love everything about my dance. I love my teachers, my dances, my songs, everything. I love the way that when I dance I know that I can always get better and my teachers are always helping me. They take hold of every trasition, posture, and hand movement. And whenever I go to the shows when I see them dance I know that with them teaching, I know I'll be great. And soon enough I can just feel it flowing through me. Beccuase, it's automatic. I can hear every command and see every step in time. And I know that it's becuase of my teachers. Hema, Krithika, Venai, Malani, and Praveen. They have not only taught me how to dance, but how to live. And I really love it."