Gayathri (centre) sharing a light moment with her students during rehearsal at the Sri Sakthi Karpaga Vinayagar Temple in Brickfields ahead of their Deepavali performances.
IT WAS late afternoon at the Sri Sakthi Karpaga Vinayagar Temple in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur.
The usual temple crowd had thinned after the prayers earlier, leaving a calm hush in the air.
Inside, in a quiet corner, a group of dancers from the Datta Guru Natyalaya Academy were rehearsing, using the three-hour window before the 7pm prayers, going through their routines.
The sound of ankle bells echoed across the hall as they prepared for a series of Deepavali performances to mark the upcoming festival.
There was no music, only the rhythm of their feet against the marble floor.
Each dancer moved with focus, repeating the same steps again and again under the watchful eye of their teacher Gayathri C. Ramesh, 54.
Yeeathannah Shrree, the youngest, is praised for her natural expressions that capture the audience’s attention immediately.
Calm but firm, Gayathri watched every movement closely.
Now and then, she stopped her students to correct a raised arm, a tilted chin or a misplaced foot.
“Your eyes must speak before your hands do,” she reminded one dancer, showing how a small change in expression could transform the story.
Her tone was steady and sure, the mark of someone who has lived and breathed Bharatanatyam for decades.
Gayathri has been dancing since she was four. Over the past 50 years, she has performed in India, France, Kuwait and Singapore, won numerous competitions, and judged many cultural events.
Akshara Dhruti says dancing is like telling stories and it makes her happy.
Before devoting herself fully to the art, she was a corporate lawyer and, until last year, the Malaysian Bar Council admissions department director.
Now, she spends her days teaching and running her academy, Datta Guru Natyalaya, while also serving as president of the Malaysian Bharatanatyam Dance Association.
“Teaching the younger generation is my priority now. We want young people to appreciate and embrace their culture, which I’m glad to see is slowly regaining interest,” she said.
An important part of her work is using dance to raise funds for charity.
“We used to do this a lot before Covid-19. We would cover the cost of a show and channel the proceeds to the charity involved,” said Gayathri.
“It’s our way of doing something good while promoting the art.”
Among the beneficiaries of past performances were the Malaysian Council for Rehabilitation and the Cheshire Home, where proceeds went towards helping the underprivileged while keeping classical dance alive.
As Deepavali approaches, Gayathri and her students are preparing for a busy season.
While the first day of the festival will be spent celebrating with family and loved ones, the dancers will soon take the stage at various temples and cultural events held in conjunction with the Festival of Lights, performing pieces that blend devotion, discipline and joy.
Looking forward to the performances is Dhinushri Sivakumar, 20, who has been learning Bharatanatyam since she was seven.
“It’s a special time for us,” she said. “While everyone is celebrating at home, we get to share that same joy through our performances.
“Each dance tells a story about light and goodness, and that makes it even more meaningful.”
Dhinushri says each dance tells a story about light and goodness, and that makes it even more meaningful.
Dhinushri, a business management student, juggles her studies and dance practice.
In the weeks leading up to the festival, she spends most evenings at the temple, perfecting her steps and helping younger students.
“It’s tiring sometimes, but once you’re on stage, everything feels worth it,” she said with a smile.
Among the younger dancers is Akshara Dhruti Magendran, 11, who will be performing in several temple shows this Deepavali.
Despite her age, she shows remarkable focus and confidence.
“I like dancing because it makes me happy,” she said shyly.
“When we perform, it feels like we are telling a story.
“My friends and I have been practising every day after school so that we don’t forget the steps,’’ added Akshara.
Gayathri said seeing the younger generation take pride in their culture gave her hope.
“They are the future of this art form.
“When they dance, they don’t just perform, they keep the tradition alive,’’ added Gayathri.
Also performing this Deepavali is Anagha Laxmi Ramesh Kumar, 26, Gayathri’s daughter, who grew up surrounded by dance.
“I’ve watched my mother teach and perform since I was little,” said Anagha, who now helps train the younger dancers.
“She’s always been my role model. Seeing her balance her career, family and passion showed me what dedication really means,” said Anagha.
Among the youngest in the group is seven-year-old N. Yeeathannah Shrree, the most expressive of the lot, with her eyes doing half the storytelling as she dances.
Though new to performing, she follows her teacher’s instructions intently, eager to get every gesture right.
“When she dances, you can already see her natural expression.
“She may be the tiniest on stage, but she captures the audience’s attention immediately,” Gayathri said with a smile.
For Yeeathannah, dance is fun.
“I like the music and the bells on my feet,” she said softly. “I like it when teacher says I did well.”
Hamsini says dressing up in colourful costumes and jewellery makes her feel like a princess.
Also taking part is Thejassvee Poobathy, 13, who finds dancing gives her confidence and helps her connect with her culture in a way that feels joyful and proud.
For Hamsini Sathi Vell, the best part is dressing up in colourful costumes and jewellery.
“It makes me feel like a princess,” the nine-year-old said with a grin, adjusting the flowers in her hair before practice.
Meanwhile, Sri Nidhi Tanaraj Narassimma, 12, said she enjoyed the teamwork that came with performing as a group.
“We help each other remember the steps and make sure everyone moves together,” she said.
As the festival nears, Gayathri’s students, from the youngest to the most experienced, are united by their love of dance.
For them, Bharatanatyam is more than movement; it is tradition, storytelling and joy.
And as the oil lamps flicker to life across temples this Deepavali, their rhythmic steps will once again bring the spirit of light and celebration to every stage they grace.
