Bhavini is the daughter of Urmilaben and Babubhai Rama of Karadi now resident in Sunningdale UK.

I started learning Bharata Natyam at the age of four.  My mother and father both having a great interest in classical Indian music and dance, introduced this ancient art form to me.  I cannot call to mind, much of attending classes at that age, nevertheless, I do remember my excitement at embarking on a new hobby.

I began learning Bharata Natyam at Alperton School in Wembley, on Saturday mornings.  However, the form of dance I was learning at Alperton School,was not pure Bharatha Natyam.  (There are many forms of dance derived from Bharatha Natyam).

By then, my mother and father had found a new institution of Bharatha Natyam which teaches, of course, pure Bharatha Natyam.  My teacher, Mrs Shakespeare,was a student at Kalakshetra, India under the instruction of the late srimati Rukimini Devi.  So, at the age of seven, I began learning pure Bharatha Natyam.

Bharatha Natyam, I believe is a fascinating subject; the study of it, neverending.  Growing up in a fast-moving western society, I think that it is quite easy to forget our origins i.e. our culture and heritage.  This subject is quite a strong point in my opinion.  I believe that by learning Bharatha Natyam (and also Harmonium and Sitar);as well as discussing different topics for our culture with my dad, mum and other people: my knowledge of our heritage/ancestry has greatly increased.

I have been taught to appreciate what I have and never let go; as what I have (and everyone else in the Indian society, as well as people from other cultures), is priceless.  I say this passionately, as there are so many people out there, who are ready to, shall we say 'MODIFY' our culture, which I regard as an insult.

To do my arangretram (ascending of the stage for the first solo performance) in Bharatha Natyam, has always been a dream to me, and now is coming true.  My training started with two lessons a week, each lesson being two hours.  Now, I go for three lessons in a week, each lesson being three hours.  I also practise on the days I don't go, for between two and three hours.  Towards my arangretram I will go to dancing school everyday and eventually in the last week, I will train with the musicians.

Bharatha Natyam is not just dance, it teaches you about life and our cultural history.  It excersises you mentally as well as physically and that is why it has formed part of the person, that I am today.

I go to a school that has a very small population of ethnic minorities.  However, the appreciation and interest I receive from my friends and teachers is outstanding!  Bharatha Natyam has become a part of me and will most definitely remain in me for the rest of my life; thanks to my parents who I believe initiated this interest.

By Bhavini Patel