2. First Steps

From the day I joined Nartana Kuchipudi, I became obsessed with dancing. I was always excited to go to the studio, even though I didn't know many people in my class. I looked forward to dancing to the beat of Anu aunty's karra (stick that she uses to keep rhythm), and to learning new/complex steps every class. I'd create imaginary sets of steps and sequences to fit the metronome of the turn indicator while my parents drive. I’d Dhi-Dhi-Tai and Thakita around the house and subconsciously tap under the dinner table with my feet as well. If it all became annoying for my parents, they never told me :).

Before I knew it, it was time for my very first Kuchipudi performance. Mom and I were brand new to the whole getting ready aspect of Kuchipudi dance, so we took the assistance of a seasoned mom for hair and makeup. I was so excited for my performance that even though my hair felt like it was being ripped out of my head as the aunty sewed the buns in, I didn't even think to complain or acknowledge it!

After nearly three hours, I was fully ready in my dress, makeup, hair, and jewelry. On the car ride to the venue, I kept replaying the steps of my dance in my head. I just couldn't shake off the first performance jitters! Once we got inside of the auditorium, it felt like a swarm of bees had come up around me. Mom and aunties were adjusting my jewelry, pinning my dress in 10 different spots, adding bobby pins to my already painful head, and using red sharpie to quickly scribble the parani designs on my hands and feet. It was very chaotic! Luckily, the chaos was only momentary and we were soon ushered back stage.

I couldn't contain my excitement as I stood in the wings of the stage, eagerly waiting for my turn to go out and dance. Finally, I heard Anu aunty call out the names of all the dancers in our group, and I practically ditched the elegant walking aunty taught us, and almost ran onto stage. Another thing I remember ditching was the Hanuman facial expression that pretty much made up the entire item. For some reason, I felt  embarrassed puffing up my cheeks to make the monkey expression, while the rest of the team didn't seem to have an issue with it. I still hear it from my mom to this day that I didn't do that expression right 8 years ago! Beyond that, I don't remember much of how I felt on stage.

I do remember how I felt the second I got off of stage. I recall another swarm of aunties and uncles ready to pounce (and click a million pictures), as we walked back. This was when I started to feel the pain of the mountain sitting on my head. All of the parents insisted on "one last picture" for the group, only to take a hundred more. As soon as the paparazzi had stopped, I begged my mom to yank out every last hair piece and bobby pin. However, even the massive headache I had wasn't enough to deter me from looking forward to my next performance already. There is definitely something magical about dancing on the stage!

Mom doing hands. Aruna aunty (not seen in the picture) did my feet (paaraani)

My mom kept clicking pictures of me!

While waiting to be called backstage

Backstage with friends

Preparing for the group photos

Group photo with Anu aunty

Seconds before I gave up on the hair-do for the day!

Picture with cousin Souparnika- I am all smiles, see that hair!