Spirituality of India Festival with Namita Bodaji
Cape Cod, Massachusetts 2003

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Exploring common themes in the spirituality of East and West: animals, nature, health and fitness, gender equality.

spirituality (n). 1. A body of principles concerned with the deeper meaning of existence, particularly recognizing connections, both physical and non-physical, among all beings and aspects of the observable world. 2. A philosophy of respect, dignity and equality or fairness among individuals and species, harmony with the environment, and relationship with divine Love. 3. Independent religious thought and mystical experience, contrasted with organized authoritarian (hierarchist), male sex-based (patriarchist), and human centered religious systems.

spiritual (adj). Of or pertaining to spirituality; characterized by or versed in the principles of spirituality; wise; gentle; harmonious; generous; temperate; non-controlling.

Bharata Natyam

Classical dance forms have held a special place in religious devotion, education and entertainment in India over thousands of years. Their history has been traced as far back as the Indus Valley civilization of 2600-1500 BCE. Despite the subsequent centuries of invasions and subjugation, this unique art performed by women and its spirituality have survived. Today an active revival is underway.

Bharata Natyam, centered in South India (Tamil Nadu) is one of the most ancient and complex of the Indian classical dances. It is a dance that seems to begin with the hands in an expression of unity of mind-body-spirit: "where the hand goes, the eye follows; where the eye goes, the mind goes; where the mind goes, is the heart; where the heart is, there lies true being."

Particularly striking in Bharata Natyam is its exposition of symmetry and naturalness as the dancer moves from one exquisitely beautiful position to another. Whether telling a story or providing an exhibition of pure energy the dancer seeks to communicate the joy of dancing and to make connection with the Eternal for both herself and audience.

Namita Bodaji

Namita Bodaji holds a Masters degree in English Literature from Bombay University. She began the study of Bharata Natyam in 1970, trained at the renowned Sri Rajrajeshwari Bharat Natya Kala Mandir Institute in Bombay, and debuted professionally in 1985. In addition to major venues in India she has performed and taught extensively abroad, including the World Folk Festival, Rotary International Foundation Exchange Program, Pittsburgh; University of Houston, Rice University, Texas A & M and Cornell University.

Bodaji is an articulate spokesperson for cultural change in modern India and is one of a new generation of women choreographers who are combining Indian classical dance forms with contemporary issues of gender equality, love and respect for nonhuman animals, nature and environment, self-health and other themes drawn from the deep spirituality of India and the West. In addition to Bharata Natyam she teaches modern dynamic yoga and breathing exercises for people at all levels of fitness. She visited and performed on Cape Cod in 2000 and 2001.

Bodaji's performance of Bharata Natyam has been described as symmetry and grace in motion, presenting an indelible image of delight, beauty, and favor with God. Her dances and commentaries on animal themes convey the deep Indian respect for the animal world, while those on human love and the Eternal speak of "each is both" and of Oneness, as she blends dance and music into a deeply moving experience of "the dancing energy" as described by beloved Indian poet Mirabai.