Dancing and choreographing has pushed a lot of people up the career ladder. It is something more than just a job for them. It is their passion. This also made Aparna Jayaram carve a career in this field. “Being a lover of classical dance forms, I earn through teaching Bharatanatyam for kids under the age of 10. My guru, Radhika Vairavelavan, has been a great pillar of support and guides me through every step, literally,” gushes this first-year BCom (hons) students from MOP Vaishnav College for Women, Chennai. Aparna is also learning Mohiniattam and participates in corporate shows, which brings in some money.
Since the age of five, Aparna has been learning dance and music. She has also participated in state-level competitions. Aparna was also a winner in the TV programme THAKA DHIMI THA in 2008.
“I allocate time for studies and dance separately so that they do not clash. Since I have been learning dance from a small age it has become a part of my life and I do not find it difficult to manage the lessons along with my studies,” says Aparna. She is also interested in singing and drawing besides pursuing dance.
The 17-year-old has also performed for great dancers like Ambika Buch (retired professor from Kalakshetra), Radhika Surajith and Shobhana Balachandran. “My most memorable moment was when I performed in front of former president APJ Abdul Kalam. That was my proudest moment,” signs off an ambitious Aparna.
— kaviya@newindianexpress.com
