Suburb January 2019

BOOK SHELF
Speaking the language
of Bharatnatyam
A teen prodigy Anushka Jalan has transformed her passion for Bharatnatyam
into an informative book on the much revered dance form
Anushka Jalan, a
class 10
student of
Pathways
School was
introduced to
Bharatanatyam
at the tender age of ten. What
began was a journey of selfdiscovery
and learning the art of
conveying emotions in the most
beautiful manner.
Titled ‘The Mime of Expressions’,
the book gives an insight into
how dance is the expression of
the soul and how it can help
someone express their inner most
emotions to the world.
Bharatanatyam, a form of non -
verbal communication expressed
using eyes, hands, head and chin
movements while narrating a
story. This book draws you into
the rich cultural heritage of Indian
Mudras, Rasas and Bhavas and
the transformative effects of
these expressions which makes
Bharatanatyam a wonderful
medium to express your thoughts
and emotions.
One of the biggest aspects that
needs to be highlighted is how
this classical dance form has
helped people find their true self
and break out of their shell.
Bharatanatyam has benefitted
people suffering from depression
by giving them positive outlook in
life, healing them physically,
mentally and emotionally.
Through this book, the author
who herself is a shy individual has
tried to convey that facial
expressions help to fill the gap
that words may fail to otherwise
deliver.
Anushka has also penned this
book with the intention to help
children with special needs and
people suffering from depression.
She is associated with 'Asha Hai,'
a foundation in Delhi where she
uses dance therapy to help
children with special needs, slow
learning capabilities or even
people undergoing critical
illnesses. The young author is
passionate about working for the
betterment of the society and
through the proceeds generated
from the book, she wishes to
extend a helping hand to those in
need. s
42
suburb life | January 2019