Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashwini Sangam.
Ashwini, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in southern India, where Bharatanatyam originated. My passion for this dance form sparked at a young age. At just 9 years old, I was already enthusiastic and begging my mom to take me to a dance teacher. My mom recognized this early passion for learning dance, and says that I would’ve “gone crazy” without dance! Dance has been a major outlet for my creativity and drive, and without it I would have felt restless and unfulfilled. It was a special moment when my mom enrolled me and I finally started learning! I am deeply indebted to my esteemed dance teachers, Prabhavathi Wamanacharya and Natyavidushi Smt. Rekha Hegde, who, with their unwavering commitment to excellence, set high standards and instilled in me the pursuit of perfection. My first dance lessons were thrilling, a dream come true despite the long commute. My teacher’s warmth made learning enjoyable, deepening my love for dance. At a young age, I completed my Rangpravesh, also known as Arangetram, which is the traditional graduation in Bharatanatyam and a significant milestone in my dance journey. I am also formally trained in cymbals, known as Nattuvangam, which add rhythm and structure to our Bharatanatyam performances.
Moving to America, the “land of opportunities,” proved true for me. I moved to the USA in 2000, and in 2003, when my daughter was 3, I began teaching her Bharatanatyam. A friend asked me to teach her daughter as well, and soon more kids joined, marking the start of my teaching journey. What began as informal lessons among friends has evolved into a deeply fulfilling vocation. Teaching Bharatanatyam has allowed me to share this beautiful tradition while staying connected to my roots, and guiding young dancers has been a rewarding experience I cherish.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Although Bharatanatyam originated in the southern part of India, in the area where I grew up Hindustani classical music and dance were more prominent, and it was a challenge to find a qualified Bharatanatyam teacher (which is based in the Carnatic style of classical music).The scarcity of Bharatanatyam teachers in my area made my learning journey even more special, as I had to go out of my way to pursue something that wasn’t easily available.
Then, the journey to my dance lessons was quite an effort, especially with the distance and needing to change buses and walk. Despite the inconvenience, I didn’t let these obstacles deter me.
When I moved to the USA, it was an entirely new experience—an unknown country, unfamiliar people, and different rules. I was nervous about what my future in dance looked like. Would I be able to continue sharing my passion and make my own space in the dance community in this new place? Luckily when I began teaching, word of mouth spread and Mayur Natyalaya grew! I was fortunate to have this opportunity to grow my student base and continue my journey in dance.
A few years after founding the dance school, my son was born, and managing classes and performances during that time was not easy. However, with the incredible support of my family, I was able to continue pursuing my passion and balance both family and dance. My family back home in India has been very supportive as well from the very beginning, and their backing gave me the confidence to pursue and continue sharing my passion despite these challenges.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My deep passion for dance led me to become a full-time teacher and performing artist. I am the founder and director of Mayur Natyalaya, a Bharatanatyam dance school based in 4S Ranch, with another branch in Mira Mesa. Along with teaching dance, I conduct theory classes to teach the Abhinaya aspect of Bharatanatyam and organize certification exams through an Indian government-affiliated institution. I am a recognized examiner for a different dance institution as well. Throughout the years, more than 100 students, ages ranging from 3 to adult, have been trained classically through Mayur Natyalaya. Over 50 students have taken dance certificate exams, and many have completed their solo dance graduation, Rangapravesh (Arangetram). I encourage all my students to perform on stage and provide them with opportunities that not only build their confidence and stage presence, but also deepen their understanding and appreciation of the art. For our dance school events and solo performances, we work with specialized and highly trained singers and mridangam, violin, veena, and flute musicians from India, which brings a unique sound and experience. During challenging moments, whether it be complex footwork or perfecting an expression, I share personal stories from my dance journey to motivate my students, and it is very fulfilling to see them grow and flourish through these experiences! It fills me with pride and motivates me to choreograph new and challenging stories for them.
Since founding the school, I’ve expanded my role beyond just teaching Bharatanatyam. I creatively choreograph dances that connect with current affairs, making this art relevant and impactful in modern times. This ability to blend classical dance with contemporary issues not only showcases our versatility but also makes our performances meaningful to the audience. We organize and take part in numerous fundraising events and collaborate with other dance artists in and around San Diego to make a difference in our community, while exploring different styles and bringing unique performances to the stage. I also regularly conduct dance workshops featuring renowned Bharatanatyam teachers from India who visit us here in San Diego. These workshops provide a unique opportunity for my students to learn directly from highly respected and experienced gurus. It’s an enriching experience for all involved, as the visiting teachers bring a wealth of knowledge, new techniques, and fresh perspectives that help enhance the skills and understanding of our students. I have the privilege of teaching in India as well, where my students have excelled in various dance competitions. I’m proud to share that they have won first prize at the national level, which is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and passion for Bharatanatyam
Seeing my students perform brings me immense satisfaction. Watching them showcase their skills, confidence, and passion on stage is a rewarding reminder of the hard work and dedication we’ve both put into their growth.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Community events and cultural programs have been invaluable for networking and meeting like-minded people. I volunteered in schools, attended numerous local events, and performed in various cultural programs at venues such as Mingei International Museum, The San Diego Museum of Art, House of Nations, and December Nights. I was also an involved member of SD Indian Society events and the Federation of Indian Association. In addition to these I was invited to judge national-level university dance competitions such as Garba with Attitude at UCI and Swara, an Indian classical dance competition hosted by UCSD. I served as a judge for American Indian Idol and various local events, including those organized by the CRY Association. As my student base grew, I started participating in these events more actively to spread Bharatanatyam and Indian culture to the San Diego community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mayurnatya.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashwiniprak/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100047006756167&mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@spam01234567?si=8kVMjfG4dyAnEceF
