Meet Sathya Shivakumar | Global Member, HSTD

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sathya Shivakumar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sathya, what principle do you value most?
The principle that matters the most is Ahimsa – or non violence. This springs from a deep understanding that every being is infused with divinity and is adding a beautiful dimension to the world that we live in. Respecting the energy within each being ,while connecting to our own helps us to flow seamslessy appreciating the beauty and balance of Nature. Through time, dance has always been a medium to connect to subtle realms beyond the gross. Dance adds color ,vibrancy and positivity and helps us unleash an energy unknown to us.

Himalayan school of traditional dance is a platform aimed to connect to the subtle aspects of oneself , with the purpose of finding the divinity within while learning the aesthetics and techniques of traditional dances of Bharath,such as Bharathanatyam and Kathak.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Himalayan school of traditional dance,is a platform inspired by Mohanji to spread the traditional dance form of Bharath transcending barriers. Himalayan school envisions traditional dance as a medium that can be used as a powerful tool for self exploration. Self actualization opens up possibilities of great dimensions and the path one takes can be individualistic and original. Dance, like any art form offers infinite scope for delving into our originality and expressing the myriad flavours of life. Bharatanatyam that juxtaposes technique and expressions is a great instrument to touch the realms of divinity. Through Himalayan school we wish that those whose connect to this platform in any way such as an artist, student, faculty or connoisseur have an experience which is as grand as the Himalayas.

Dance adds color, vibrancy, joy and helps one to shift from inertia to action. The soft living in today’s world is pulling us backward with regards to fitness and health. When one pursues the art with commitment it will be a great way to stay fit and healthy.

Traditional dance forms of Bharath are sacred in both style and technique and passed on to us through the efforts and endeavours of those who have dedicated their lives to the artform.

Bharathanatyam for instance has been given by sage Bharatha and is not merely a dance form but a life experience for the one learning the aesthetics and nuances of it .

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
To experience peace amidst the chores of daily life is a deep aspiration for all. South Karnataka temples set in the rich landscape of beach, hills and forests are powerful centers of rejuvenation. One gets to connect to the beauty of nature and experience silence within.

For dancers it is a great stage to perform with the breathtaking scenery and architectural splendour of the ancient temples. I would love to take them on a Karnataka temple tour and give them a glimpse of the rich and vibrant cultural life. Most temples offer food to the guests and one would never leave the premises without having taste of the delicious cuisine and heart filled up with love.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate the shoutout to Mohanji , a contemporary Master who inspires people to express the highest possibilities in them transcending the limitations of the mind which reflects in the society as kindness, compassion, love and selflessness.

His teachings inspire us – team HSTD to connect to the divine aspect of oneself using traditional dance as a medium of self exploration.

Mohanji has inspired many platforms which are significantly adding value to the world beyond man made barriers. Each platform is unique and acts as a canvas for painting our inherent creativity and expressing our originality and highest possibility.

Website: https://himalayanschool.com/dance/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hstddance/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HSTD.dance

Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/HimalayanSchoolofTraditionalDance

Other: Wordpress – 1. https://himalayanschooloftraditionaldance.wordpress.com/ 2. https://hstddancediaries.wordpress.com/

Image Credits
Tea Klincov, HSTD Students