SSubashini, a Class 10 student of Vana Vani Matriculation Higher Secondary School, participated in a programme organised by University of Kaiserslautern in Germany from September 26 to 30 to celebrate the ‘Year of Internationalism’.
Taking part in the cultural extravaganza that unfolded over four days, Subashini enthralled more than 700 participants with her classical dance performance at the Frucht Halle, a historically famous venue in Kaiserslautern, Germany.
Describing her experience, Subashini says, “I think it was a great opportunity. It came just six months after my arangetram. I think that my professionalism has risen and I have developed more as a dancer. I had the chance to understand the needs of a foreign audience.”
Besides giving presentations on Mallari, Kouthavam, Shabdham and Thilana, Subhashini elaborated on the meanings of the hand gestures and footwork, with demonstrations to help the audience from South-Asian countries understand the nuances of Bharatanatyam. “Since most of them didn’t know much about Bharatanatyam, I was happy that I was able to bring out the expressions of the dance for them. I consider that my biggest success,” she says. “I learnt that no matter what happens, the talent of the dancer lies in bringing out her individuality,” smiles the dancer. The trip was organised by Helmut Neunzert, retired professor of the University of Kaiserslautern.