In this episode, we explore the powerful intersection of faith, dance, and legacy. From the transformative experience of performing at the MahaKumbh to the personal challenges dancers face, we hear from iconic figures like Shovana Narayan, Geeta Chandran, and Aditi Mangaldas. We also reflect on the evolving dance world, including Akram Khan’s global influence and the enduring impact of legends like Kumudini Lakhia. Tune in for a celebration of resilience, artistry, and the ever-changing landscape of Indian dance.

As we step into 2025, I take a moment to reflect on the year gone by—one filled with both challenges and moments of deep gratitude. 2024 marked a personal milestone for me—60 years since my Arangetram—and it was also a year of pause, introspection, and healing after a broken bone forced me to slow down. But through travel, encounters with new art forms, and witnessing the evolving dance world, I’ve come to appreciate the immense power of resilience and reflection.

In this episode, I share my experiences from the Serendipity Arts Festival, the rich cultural rituals of Kaisika Natakam, and my thoughts on the changing dynamics of classical dance. I also remember the indelible legacies of dance legends like Astad Deboo and Sunil Kothari, whose absence I still feel deeply.

I reflect on the evolving space for classical dance, the challenge of staying true to tradition while embracing the modern world, and the lessons I’ve learned about mentorship, authenticity, and the importance of community in the life of an artist.

As I look ahead to the future, I share my personal musings on how we can keep the heart of dance alive in these rapidly changing times. Tune in for a mix of inspiration, nostalgia, and insight as I continue to navigate my journey in the arts and life.

In this episode, I speak of tradition as a living, breathing entity—something that evolves, adapts, and yet remains anchored. In this episode, I reflect on the struggles of young dancers navigating the pressures of social media, the need for critical mentorship, and how we as senior artists must guide the next generation without losing sight of our roots. The arts are not static—they are resilient, relevant, and ever-changing.

In this November edition, I reflect on how dancers navigate today’s turbulent times. With political, financial, and health challenges, I emphasize the resilience artists need and the importance of staying true to our cultural roots. I call for solidarity among dancers, a commitment to inclusivity, and a renewed focus on introspection. Dance, I believe, is a sanctuary—a powerful response to adversity that reinforces personal and cultural strength.

Season 2 of the podcast begins in NYC and the ERASING BORDERS dance festival that marks its 17th season. The strong showing of Gen Z artistes are a sign of the many decades of work by the pioneering generation of dance elders who cleared the pathway in the 20th century for Indian dance to arrive on American main stages.

Renowned Guru Chitra Visweswaran marks the 50th anniversary of her dance academy in Chennai

As Yoga and Bharatanatyam move further away from their Indian cultural roots, how do purists view these new avatars?

All this and more

In this episode of Anita Says, we sit down with Sonali Skandan, a renowned Indian classical dancer and teacher based in New York City. Sonali takes us on a journey through her experiences of practicing, preserving, and promoting Bharatanatyam and other classical dance forms in one of the most diverse cities in the world. From her early inspirations to the challenges of maintaining cultural heritage in a modern metropolis, Sonali shares her unique perspective on what it means to be an artist navigating the intersection of tradition and innovation.

We delve into her role in shaping the Indian classical dance scene in New York, her passion for teaching the next generation of dancers, and how she bridges cultures through her art.

Whether you're a dance enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or someone curious about the vibrant intersection of East and West, this episode offers an inspiring look into the dedication and creativity that drive Sonali Skandan's journey.

Tune in for an engaging conversation on the future of Indian classical dance in the West, the importance of community, and the ways art transcends boundaries in the heart of New York City.

In this edition of the Anita Says podcast the topics discussed are the crushing costs of paying dance accompanists in India, how a ballet teacher in Mumbai displayed the qualities of a true mentor by not just training two talented contemporary dancers but also facilitating their further development overseas and the lovely Chennai Arangetram of a Chinese teenager from Beijing.

Join us for the September edition of ANITA SAYS

Produced by Kassiyet, New York City, USA

https://www.instagram.com/kassiyet/

https://www.kassiyet.com

Sound engineering by Baba L Prasad

Recording studio Digi Sound Studios, Chennai, India

https://www.instagram.com/digisoundstudio_/

Follow on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/anitaratnam.official

Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/@anitaratnam

Website:

https://www.anitaratnam.com

Join us for the August edition of Anita Says as we dive into the cultural impact of traditional narratives in dance and the recent controversy surrounding Kamala Harris’s portrayal by JD Vance. We'll explore these and many other pressing issues against the vibrant backdrop of the Paris Olympics.

Produced by Kassiyet, New York City, USA

https://www.instagram.com/kassiyet/

https://www.kassiyet.com

Sound engineering by Baba L Prasad

Recording studio Digi Sound Studios, Chennai, India

https://www.instagram.com/digisoundstudio_/

Follow on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/anitaratnam.official

Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/@anitaratnam

Website:

https://www.anitaratnam.com