Posted by Shantha on April 03, 2007 at 11:36:58:

 In Reply to: Standard of classes posted by Frustrated on April 02, 2007 at 15:42:20:

 We know that some hundred years ago Swami Vivekananda travelled to the US because he felt that he had a mission to spread yoga there.

I wonder if there is at least one Bharatanatyam guru who can honestly claim that he migrated to the US because he wanted to spead the real Bharatanatyam there.

The standards, in the USA and even in India, have been declining rapidly due to the commodification/commercialization of Bharatanatyam classes. In the USA, art is roughly in the same state as sewage management in India, so you should not complain much.

If in the US the dreaded first performance on stage is followed by a gazillion "Good job!!"s, a horrible performace in Chennai is often followed by honouring the dancer with titles and awards, and long praising speeches.

Besides, being a wonderful dancer does not necessarily mean being a wonderful guru, and vice versa.

A different skill level may be ok for some material. To learn two items in one hour is also ok. Interruptions in class is a day-to-day reality.
 

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