According to Swati Mahalakshmi’s experience, surprisingly in Hyderabad, most students show their inclination in learning Bharatanatyam or Odissi. However, she does recommend a particular dance, or music style that might suit the student’s personality. On teaching in Hyderabad and the US, the mentor says that the work culture, the seriousness with which the students in the US approach the learning is more consistent and dedicated. “This is especially true about the foreigners, whose curiosity, wonder, and dedication towards our art forms prompts them to take the plunge in all seriousness. What they lack in understanding the cultural ethos, language, and communication, they make up by their hard work,” says the teacher.
Four-decades experience: Swati Mahalakshmi has been involved in learning and teaching Indian classical dance for the last four decades. She says: “During the course of learning many a students had to discontinue their endeavour due to personal reasons and they re-joined me years later. It is difficult to give an exact count by different styles however my focus has always been teaching individual student in one-on-one basis. Out of the innumerable students that I have taught, at least 25-30 students are performing and teaching today.”
Keeping each art forms purity, Swati Mahalakshmi acknowledges that many have wondered as to how she is able to do it. “The credit for this goes to my late father’s training regimen and his vision and ideas about each dance style that he categorically explained to me. Based on those principles and tenets, he ingrained in me the discipline and focus of practicing each style separately. Due to the inherent training that I received during my learning days, I am able to compartmentalise each style of dance and music,” she says.
The multi-dance guru says that she is really very happy to see that the younger generation of today is more aware and proud of our Heritage, Culture, Tradition and Classical Art forms. “Anyone who comes to me with an inquisitive mind and enthusiastic will is always welcome and I am always at their disposal to share with them the sacred secrets of the great classical dance forms that have thrived on this planet from time immemorial,” she says. The guru says that with technical advancements, teaching and performing has become more accessible to students. “During the pandemic times, the online teaching facility has prompted more and more students pick up learning dance and pursue their passion,” says Swati Mahalakshmi before signing off.