Coimbatore to host Bharatanatyam dance festival Lil Margazhi

Involvement in art inculcates a sense of discipline in children. Photo Courtesy: Kommuri Srinivas

It was a meeting that would give Coimbatore its first Margazhi program performed by young children. City resident Durgesh Nandini, who does not go to school, participated in Lil Navratri in October this year with her 11-year-old daughter, who is interested in Bharatanatyam. The two-day event that included music, stories and dance paved the way for Durgesh to collaborate with Avanti Natarajan of Lil Trails, who organized the event with Aalaap, an initiative for the performing arts. Lil Trails, which was launched during the pandemic, has hosted several online storytelling sessions for children, apart from organizing other programs like summer camps and theatre-related sessions.

The two women, both mothers of girls interested in the art, came up with Lil Margazhi, a Bharatnatyam dance festival that would feature performances by artistes aged six to 14. The event will also feature a storytelling session by popular actor and storyteller Janaki Sabesh, themed stories around Margazhi, and conclude with a panel discussion with eminent dance gurus.

Lil Margazy is specially designed for children and aims to not only create a platform for them to perform but also create a community that will appreciate and enjoy the art. Durgesh says that art contributes immensely to the development of the child. “I can see that the connection between my daughter’s mind and body has grown exponentially,” she says, noting how her daughter spends time meditating and choosing the right kinds of foods that support her. To prepare physically before dance class. Also take a few minutes to prepare yourself mentally.

“For her understanding of music and rhythm, she is now learning music, Nattuvangam… I can see how she is adapting because of her involvement in Bharatanatyam,” she says, adding that So she wants to promote art and culture to help overall. Human excellence. “This cannot be done alone; It needs a community,” she adds. Avanti says her involvement in the arts as a child gave her a sense of discipline and the ability to multi-task. She adds, “If we If we inculcate love for it in children at an early age, they will benefit greatly from it and we will also contribute in keeping the cycle of culture and heritage going.”

While the inaugural edition of the program will feature only Bharatanatyam performances, Avanti hopes that her future seasons will also include other art forms, such as vocal, instrumental and perhaps painting.

Lil Margazy is at Kumaraguru Institutions on 5th January from 10 am to 12 pm. It is open to all.