My Passion for Dance

Written by Anshu Voruganti

Dance has been one of the biggest influences in my life. At the age of five, my parents wanted to find me an activity that would connect me to my roots, so they enrolled me in Bharatanatyam classes. What started as an activity I wanted to do with friends quickly turned into a deep passion. Bharatanatyam taught me confidence, patience, passion, and drive. I learned what it meant to have a passion so profound that everything in my life revolved around it. That passion for learning dance slowly turned into choreographing and being able to express myself. I was able to connect dance to every part of my life, shaping the person I am today.

The first performance I remember was in Mount Shasta when I was five years old, dancing a solo in the presence of Baba and Guruvugaru. Today, at twenty, I still have the opportunity to perform, but now I am even more involved. Since dance is such a big part of me, connecting it to Satsang was at the top of my list. Amma selects beautiful songs describing the depths of Baba and Guruvugaru, and I get to choreograph them. This process allows me to understand the meaning behind these songs and express it through dance. Because of Baba and Guruvugaru, these activities helped me learn the meaning behind each aarti and how to express my devotion.

One unforgettable experience was dancing in Shirdi. While in Shirdi for a Gurupoornima, I ran into Saikids I had met at Mount Shasta satsangs. They were practicing for the Gurupoornima celebrations and invited me to join them. I was beyond ecstatic and said yes. With only a few days before the performance, we practiced all day. All of us would meet up at one hotel in the morning and practice all day. Spending my time in Shirdi doing what I loved most was a dream come true!

My first time dancing in Shirdi for Gurupoornima and meeting Sruti Akka!

As my years of dancing progressed, I was finally ready for my Arangetram. This was an exciting yet nerve-wracking time, with preparation starting a year in advance. This journey was enjoyable thanks to the blessings I received from Baba and Guruvugaru. The first copy of my invitation was blessed in Shirdi, and we received udi from Shirdi right before the performance. Additionally, my dance teacher’s husband, a sculptor, made a sculpture of Baba for us to place on the stage. He surprised us with the sculpture on Gurupoornima, and we brought it home, feeling as if Baba had come into our home. During my Arangetram, it felt as if Baba was physically present, watching me dance and giving me strength and joy!

Baba sculpture at my arangetram!

After my Arangetram, Baba and Guruvugaru gave me many opportunities to dance for various audiences, the most memorable being the PBS Holiday Special. Bharatanatyam, being an Indian dance form, is rarely seen on American national television, making this experience incredible. Despite the pandemic, we had the chance to be part of this show. The original filming date coincided with my college application deadlines, but I prayed for strength to complete my applications and perform well. Miraculously, the filming date was moved to the last day of submissions, allowing me to complete my applications and dance, relieving all my stress.

Another amazing experience during my Arangetram was being able to dance to songs about Guruvugaru and Baba! I spent time with my teacher to find and create the perfect songs for my special day. With Baba and Guruvugaru’s blessings, I danced to Gurulekha, feeling Guruvugaru’s presence a little extra! I was also able to end my beautiful night by dancing the mangalam in praise of Baba. Even though I have always felt their blessings throughout my life, this day was like no other. While dancing the mangalam to end the night, I felt their presence so deeply that I was in tears!

I am also proud to use my dance for fundraising. At my Arangetram, I raised money for children diagnosed with autism by requesting donations instead of gifts. Autism is something I am passionate about and am currently studying. Using a day that Baba and Guruvugaru made effortless for me to help others felt like the best way to thank them. I also participated in a dance fundraising event to raise money for a hospital in India. I thank Baba and Guruvugaru for making me the person I am today and giving me the awareness I have. They have provided me with a lifelong connection to them and a life of learning. Without dance, I would not be able to express myself in this manner, and I am immensely grateful for this gift.

Here are some videos of my dance journey!

Snippet from my first Mount Shasta performance!