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 Steps beyond sound: How Devika taught Devalakshmi to hear through movements - Bibin Balan e-mail: punarjjaniculturalcentre@gmail.com Photos: Prabhin Prasad June 12, 2025 18-year-old Devika's story took a compelling turn when her guru returned to his native village, entrusting Devika with the full responsibility of running the dance school. With no time to hesitate, she had to swiftly transition from student to teacher, mentor, and guide, all at once. Among the first two students to learn under her was Devalakshmi. In a quiet corner of Kerala's Kollam district, a story of resilience, patience, and unspoken connection unfolds, one that redefines the boundaries of both art and ability. It is a tale of Devika, a passionate 23-year-old classical dancer, and her determined student Devalakshmi, a soft-spoken girl with hearing and speech impairments. This is more than a tale of talent; it is a testament to trust, time, and transformation. Devika was born into a modest family of four, where simplicity and support nurtured her early passions. Her journey in classical dance began at the tender age of three under the guidance of Kalamandalam Rekha Ramakrishna. Following her Arangettam, what began as a childhood interest soon evolved into a deep and disciplined commitment to the art. She went on to refine her skills under renowned gurus such as Chavara Deepthi Kumar, who would later entrust the dance school to her and Kalakshetra Manju, immersing herself in in-depth training throughout her higher secondary years.  Devalakshmi Born to ordinary working parents in a humble household, the early years of Devalakshmi were marked by quiet struggles. Until Grade 7, she attended a regular government school, relying on basic gestures and lip reading to communicate with those around her. In Grade 8, when she joined Bishop Moore (Special) School, she learned formal sign language for the first time, giving her the confidence to express herself and connect more deeply with her dance teacher. "The beginning was incredibly slow," Devika recalls. "I didn't know sign language well, and she struggled to communicate too. Even saying something as simple as asking for water was difficult for her. She found it hard to pronounce her friends' names clearly, and maintaining the flow of her movements in sync with the rhythm was often a challenge. But even in that silence, there was a quiet understanding between us, she truly loved dance." Teaching her took time, four years to master just the basics. "Rhythm was once a concern," Devika admits. "But with the company of other students, she gradually caught the beat. While others got distracted, she remained focused. Though she struggled to speak, her body spoke with stunning precision. Her gestures and expressions were often flawless. Her memory for steps is amazing, she would correct others when they slipped!"  Devika & Devalakshmi Over time, Devalakshmi gained enough confidence to perform solo. Her debut repertoire sequence covered Ganapathi Sthuthi, Kumarakautvam, Dashavatara, and Tillana. While teaching these to other students is often rooted in cultural storytelling passed down at home, Devalakshmi hadn't grown up hearing these tales. So, Devika patiently spent extra hours narrating each story, especially the ten avatars of Vishnu, showing pictures, ensuring not just steps but emotional understanding. When Devalakshmi stepped on stage, Devika realised that was "when I knew, it had all been worth it." Following her debut, Devalakshmi went on to win in several competitions for differently abled students, consistently proving her dedication and growth as a performer. However, her most remarkable challenge came in May 2025, when she participated in the Kerala University Youth Festival. This time, she competed in the general category, not as a differently abled participant, but as an equal among her peers, rising above her physical limitations with quiet strength and determination.  Devalakshmi Despite her hearing challenges, Devalakshmi possesses a remarkable eye for detail, often spotting missed beats during her peers' rehearsals. Now a 19-year-old B.Com student at Kerala University, Devalakshmi has proven that disability is no barrier when passion runs deep and guidance is grounded in patience and belief. "My other students also helped a lot." Devika marked her gratitude. "They gave me time and space to focus on Devalakshmi. Even now, she needs reinforcement, but her effort is sincere. She has become part of my heart, not just my dance class." Together, Devika and Devalakshmi continue their shared journey in dance, learning, evolving, and growing side by side. Devika deepens her mastery under celebrated gurus such as Kalamandalam Kavitha (Mohiniyattam), Geeta Padmakumar (Kuchipudi), and Roopa Julian (Bharatanatyam). She even ventured into Keralanadanam under Lekha teacher and Neyyattinkara Praveen, and polished her adavus with Anupama Mohan based in Ernakulam. Devalakshmi flourishes under her nurturing guidance, their bond strengthening with every step, every rhythm. Their story is a gentle reminder that with empathy, even silence can bloom into a standing ovation.  Bibin Balan, Managing Editor of Punarjjani Bharat, is working on cultural advancement based on digital media platforms. His area of focus is on promotion of performing arts and digital contents under this category. He is a Yoga Educator based in New Delhi since 2008. Post your comments Please provide your name and email id along with your comment. All appropriate comments posted with name and email id in the blog will also be featured in the site. |
