The Grade 1 students of St. Lawrence High School and Junior College made their Indian Studies period more joyful by getting to know their country better. They learnt about the Indian state – Tamil Nadu – specifically about the Bharatanatyam dance-form performed there. They also learnt how the Bharatanatyam dance style is noted for its fixed upper torso, legs bent or knees flexed out combined with spectacular footwork, a sophisticated vocabulary of sign language based on gestures of hands, eyes and face muscles.

In South Indian temples, where Devadasis (dancers dedicated to serving the Lord as servants) performed this dance along with spoken services – this dance form was also known as the Fire Dance. The students were taught all these small details about the culture of their country. Like many other aspects of the Indian tradition, this art form has struggled through times of oppression. However, with the efforts of teachers and students all over the world, Bharatanatyam was revived.

Our students enjoyed watching a beautiful video of the dance being performed and it was the perfect way to conclude this topic