Pedagogy evolution of Barathanatyam

From old methods of teaching to modern methods, the relationship between the student and teacher has changed drastically. What was once the guru-sishya parampara, has now become a teacher-student relationship. This paper will present a brief examination of the evolution of the pedagogy of Barathanatyam and the change from guru-sishya to teacher-student.

Rukmini Devi fostered this evolution of Pedagogy when she opened the dance school Kalakshetra. She invited international educators of dance and music to teach at the school, and thus the guru-sishya relationship changed (Medhuri). Students learned different dances and pieces form different instructors, and although it was still a formal relationship, the relationship itself was given new meaning.

The word guru stems from the Sanskrit words Gu- darkness and Hri- to take away (Prickett). The guru is one who dispels ignorance and darkness from the mind of the sishya, as well as imparting knowledge (Ananya). The guru was held to the highest standard in the eyes of the sishya. The sishya would often exchange payment for servitude. This relationship marked the commitment to the master, and relinquishment of the ego. The sishya would become a part of the guru, an extension, in the same sense the guru is a part of the sishya (Prickett). The unconditional respect for the guru is built into the choreography of the first piece of any performance. The dancer enacts a threefold salutation to god, the guru, and to the audience (Ananya). Once the dancer enters the place of learning, they must surrender themselves completely, body mind and soul, to the care of the guru. The dancer should be wholehearted, and completely trust everything the guru says.

The sishya would live with or near the guru ...

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... evolved to suit the modern world.

Works Cited

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