Finding my balance: A teen's journey through Bharatanatyam

- Samyuktha Gopi Raj

August 19, 2025

As a 15-year-old growing up in a world of TikTok challenges, Instagram filters, and constant digital connectivity, I've found my center in an unexpected place - the art of Bharatanatyam. While my peers sweat it out at CrossFit or practice mindfulness through meditation apps, I've discovered that this classical Indian dance form offers a holistic approach to wellness that perfectly addresses our generation's needs.

The physical revolution
Let me break it down: Bharatanatyam is the ultimate full-body workout that nobody's talking about. Those deep aramandi positions? They're better than any squat challenge you'll find online. The constant footwork improves cardiovascular endurance, while the hand gestures (hasta mudras) enhance flexibility and fine motor skills. What makes it different from regular exercise is that every movement has meaning - we're not just working out, we're telling stories through movement.

Mental clarity: No App required
Let's get real - Gen Z faces unprecedented levels of anxiety and stress. We're constantly bombarded with information, dealing with academic pressure, and navigating a complex social media landscape. Bharatanatyam requires such intense focus that it literally forces you to be present. When I'm dancing, I can't be thinking about my Instagram notifications or tomorrow's test. This mental discipline has significantly improved my focus and concentration, even helping with my AP (Advanced Placement) classes.

The real mind-body connection
Bharatanatyam is essentially meditation in motion. The concentration required to coordinate expressions, rhythmic footwork, and hand gestures while maintaining perfect posture is next level. The combination of precise movements, rhythm, and expressions creates an incredible state of flow. It's like meditation, but more dynamic. After practice, I feel more centered and calmer - something that's rare in our fast-paced world.

Building authentic confidence
In an age of filters and carefully curated social media posts, Bharatanatyam has taught me about genuine self-expression. Regular practice and performance opportunities have helped me develop stage presence and public speaking skills. This isn't about how many likes you get - it's about the real sense of achievement that comes from dedication and practice. The discipline required has taught me patience and perseverance - qualities that no instant gratification app can provide.

Emotional intelligence beyond emojis
What surprised me most about learning Bharatanatyam is how it's helped me emotionally. Through abhinaya (expressive dance), we learn to portray complex emotions and stories. This has helped me become more emotionally intelligent and better at expressing myself in real life - something particularly valuable for our generation, which often struggles with emotional articulation in real-world settings.

The wellness factor
As someone from Gen Z, I know we're all about holistic wellness. The synchronization of movement, music, and breath in Bharatanatyam creates a powerful mind-body connection. This awareness has helped me manage stress better and maintain better posture (goodbye, tech neck!). It's also taught me to appreciate my body for what it can do, rather than just how it looks - a powerful realization in our appearance-obsessed social media age.

Community over followers
While social media promises connection, Bharatanatyam has given me authentic relationships within my dance community. The guru-shishya tradition offers mentorship that goes beyond likes and follows, providing genuine guidance and support. The bond with my guru and fellow dancers isn't based on followers or likes - it's built on shared experiences, challenges, and achievements. In our increasingly digital world, this kind of authentic connection is rare and valuable.

A bridge between worlds
What I love most about practicing Bharatanatyam is how it connects me to both tradition and modern life. It's amazing how an art form that's centuries old can be so relevant to today's wellness needs. It's proof that sometimes the most effective solutions aren't found in the latest trends or apps, but in time-tested practices.

For other teens out there: You don't need to choose between being modern and embracing traditional practices. Bharatanatyam has shown me that ancient wisdom can be the perfect answer to contemporary challenges. While we're lucky to have access to various modern wellness tools and practices, don't overlook this classical art form. It's not just a dance style - it's a time-tested system for physical fitness, mental clarity, and emotional balance.

In our fast-paced digital world, sometimes the most effective solutions are centuries old. And yes, while your dance videos might look great on Instagram, the real transformation happens in the practice hall, one aramandi at a time.

Samyuktha is a 15-year-old sophomore from Los Angeles, growing up at the crossroads of her Indian heritage and American upbringing. Navigating this cultural dichotomy, she has found in Bharatanatyam a powerful form of identity and expression. Her 9-year training under Guru Malathi Iyengar gave her a strong foundation in the art, and as she transitions between gurus, she continues to explore how dance connects her to tradition while allowing her to carve her own path. (@samu.g0piraj)

Responses

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'Dance is the hidden language of the soul!' - it blends music, expression and rhythm. The article eloquently addresses the cultural context with contemporary relevance and the connection to the rasas, Indian heritage and mythology are indeed praiseworthy. The article portrays and intertwines Dance, Devotion and Divinity - the 'Dancer with the Divine'. It is written with so much clarity and passion and was a delight to read, Looking forward to yet another! Your illustration highlights the caption.
- Annam Venkatraman (Sept 3, 2025)

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Samyuktha is my granddaughter. At 15, her article is truly commendable for its insightful and heartfelt exploration of Bharatanatyam’s importance and the deep impact it has had in her life.
At the outset, I would like to appreciate the beautiful artwork by Samyuktha. The painting captures a Bharatanatyam dancer in an elegant posture, showcasing graceful footwork and expressive hand gestures that symbolise the harmony between dance movements, physical fitness and exercise. In this article, she has beautifully highlighted how Bharatanayam is much more than just a dance form—it is a holistic practice that nurtures physical health, mental clarity and emotional growth for GenZ. Her writing reflects keen self-awareness and maturity, drawing from personal experience to make the classical art form feel both relevant and accessible. She has efficiently demonstrated that in this age of social media and constant digital connectivity, which cause distraction in focus and concentration in her GenZ, this art form has the potential solution for contemporary challenges. Her narrative is easy to relate, helping readers to get a glimpse of how Bharatanatyam can enrich their own lives. I was fortunate to accompany her to some of her dance sessions with her guru, and I was truly impressed by her dedication.
- Seethalakshmi Naganath (August 22, 2025)

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Very insightful and well articulated, Samyuktha. All the best in your journey - keep dancing, keep writing!
- Ravi Kuppuraj (Aug 21, 2025)

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Inspiring, insightful and articulate, Samyuktha. My compliments to you and your guru for instilling in you a deep appreciation of Bharatanatyam at such a young age. I look forward to reading more such insights from you. Wishing you the very best.
- Ramesh Subramanian (Aug 21, 2025)

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This illustration complements your narrative beautifully. The poised posture and expressive gesture mirror your description of storytelling through every movement. Well done.
- Padma Iyer (Aug 21, 2025)

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Your article is a beautiful blend of clarity, depth, and emotion—a rare and impressive achievement, especially at your age. You’ve captured so gracefully the contrast between today’s fast-paced, screen-driven world and the quiet strength of classical dance. It’s truly inspiring to see how deeply you connect with Bharatanatyam—not just as an art form, but as a source of balance, focus, and inner calm. What you’ve written goes far beyond dance. It’s a thoughtful reflection on identity, resilience, and growing up with intention.
Keep writing, keep dancing, and most importantly, keep sharing your journey.
- Brinda Jayaraman (Aug 21, 2025)

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Congratulations Samu. Well written, an in-depth analysis and very personalized, really fantastic.
- Priya Suresh (Aug 20, 2025)

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Well written. At 15, you are able to reflect on your thoughts and emotions, but most importantly you are able to interpret in words, your experience as a student of Bharatanatyam. Your self awareness is phenomenal - to be able to understand the impact of Bharatanatyam on your emotional intelligence is great.
- Muthu Mama (Aug 20, 2025)

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Beautifully written and presented. I am glad you are pursuing this art form and have a great awareness about the overall benefits at this young age. Keep up the good work.
- Lakshmi Iyer (Aug 20, 2025)

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Your words are so heartfelt and inspiring! It’s wonderful to see how you’ve embraced Bharatanatyam as your way of finding balance amidst today’s digital distractions. At just 15, the maturity and clarity you’ve shown is truly admirable. Wishing you continued joy, learning, and fulfillment on this beautiful journey of dance. Keep shining always!
- Hari Advaita (Aug 20, 2025)

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I am truly impressed with such lucid writing, that too coming from a fifteen year old practicing dance student! Your article on the discipline required in classical Bharatanatyam dance was especially insightful. I appreciate your clear insight on how classical dance helps with holistic wellness. Keep up the magnificent work and I look forward to reading more of your wonderful work in future.
Well done! Congrats and good luck! Keep shining, dear one!
- Lakshmi Srinivas (Aug 20, 2025)

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