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 Dakshina Mukuram: A transformative immersion at Thattakam - Indira CP e-mail: indira.c.pisharody@gmail.com May 29, 2025 Built lovingly on ancestral land by the dancer duo Maya and Vinayan in the serene village of Mayannur in Kerala, 'Thattakam' is a haven for the performing arts of Bharatam. Since its inception, Thattakam has hosted a series of workshops titled 'Dakshina Mukuram' for classical dancers. A select group of Bharatanatyam dancers from Chennai, Bengaluru, Mysuru, Pune, and Kerala gathered at Thattakam from 20 to 22 May 2025 for the seventh edition in the series. What they witnessed there was a sacred confluence of learning and transcendence.  'Kodiyettam' marking the beginning of the workshop This edition of Dakshina Mukuram was made extraordinary by the presence of Bharatanatyam legends Shanta and VP Dhananjayan, fondly revered as The Dhananjayans. Built in loving memory of Maya's parents, Thattakam is more than a space - it is a dream and a prayer for the best learning opportunities for artistes. With the seventh edition of Dakshina Mukuram, a long-cherished dream of Maya and Vinayan came to fruition: inviting their own Natyacharyas, the Dhananjayans, to Thattakam. In doing so, they didn't just bring in illustrious artistes; they invited a lineage, a way of life, and a philosophy embodied in every drishti, gesture, posture, and word of the legendary dancers. Accompanying the stalwarts were their son C.P. Satyajit, and Anupama Satyajit - renowned artistes themselves and torchbearers of Bharatakalanjali, the acclaimed institution founded by the Dhananjayans in Chennai. Together, they brought multi-generational wisdom to the immersive learning experience. The theme for the workshop was 'Abhinayangikam', and as the name suggests, it was a deep dive into the essence of abhinaya - the art of communication, which forms the soul of Bharateeya dance forms. Through the workshop, the participants explored the different elements of abhinaya: angika (body language), vachika (verbal expression), aharya (costume and appearance), and sattvika (inner emotion). The workshop was inaugurated amidst Mangala Vaadyam led by Kottakkal Ravi, in the presence of dignitaries including Shankaran Kutty Maraar. After this auspicious beginning, each participant began their journey of discovering the nuances of abhinaya. Each day, the participants gathered at dawn in Thattakam's rustic dance hall, surrounded by the natural orchestra of wind rustling the leaves and birdsong.  The first day was devoted to angika abhinaya - the art of communication through body language, gestures, and movement. The Dhananjayans and Satyajit shared their wealth of knowledge on the topic, while Anupama Satyajit guided the participants through 'Yoga for Dancers', where mindfulness, self-care, and attention to one's breath, posture, and balance were effectively shared. By the end of the day, the participants appreciated the concepts of mindful awareness of their movements, gestures, and the music to which the movements are set. They were also guided to pay attention to the geographical and energy patterns created by their movements. The day ended with a photo walk into the surrounding wilderness, where Satyajit, who is also an ace photographer, shared his ideas on deep observation of colour and geographical patterns. The second day delved into mukhaja abhinaya or facial expressions, which serve as the gateway to rasa - emotive experience. Participants explored the navarasas through precise muscle control and intentional expression, under the careful guidance of the Dhananjayans. These lessons were then interwoven with those from day one, allowing the dancers to experience the convolution of facial and bodily expressions. The second evening also included a visit to an ancient temple, ending the day with an exploration of the serenity of Bharat.  The final day brought together all that had been learned. The participants combined their learning and performed challenging abhinaya exercises, discovering their potential in the process. The highlight of the day was the showcase of performances by the participants as an offering to the Dhananjayans. They presented solo and group performances in Bharatanatyam, Mohiniattam and Kathak, including a piece by Maya. An ensemble of distinguished artistes supported the performances: Girish Mohan on vocals, Vidya Gireesh on veena, Sudaman on mridangam, and Kalamandalam Unnikrishnan on chenda (a surprise, impromptu appearance). The emotional peak came with a heart touching performance by the duo Shanta-Dhananjayan of the Ashtapadi, "Yaahi Madhava" and "Priye charusheele." The timeless piece dissolved barriers of language and age, dissolving the audience and musicians to tears.  VP Dhananjayan and Shanta Participant testimonials highlighted the workshop's impact. Radhika from Bengaluru noted the depth of techniques shared and their enduring value beyond the mere learning of new items. Hema Malini, also from Bengaluru, appreciated the thoughtful integration of bodywork, mindfulness, and expressive movement. Anjali from Pune called it a holistic journey, encompassing not just dance but yoga, photography, creative introspection, and self-care. As the sun set on the final day, there was no grand finale. Instead, there was a deep, collective sense of calm - an acknowledgment of having touched something sacred. The Dhananjayans, with characteristic grace, encouraged each participant to continue their journey of self-discovery and to embody what they had learned. They returned to their world, leaving behind their teaching philosophies and calming energy to reverberate within each participant.  Maya and Vinayan For Maya and Vinayan, the workshop marked a luminous moment - the realization of their dream of bringing their Acharyas to interact with their students. It represented their unrelenting devotion to their art and to Thattakam. This edition of Dakshina Mukuram had truly lived up to its name: a reverent offering to the inner self, an offering to their roots.  Indira C. P. is a classical dancer trained in Kathak and Mohiniattam. She is also an audiologist by profession, hailing from Mysuru. |
