The Rhythm of Growth
The next few days at Adi Shakti fell into a rhythm that, while grueling, became the pulse of our lives. Each day started the same—early alarms, aching bodies, quick preparations, and stepping into the studio ready (or as ready as we could be) for another day of intense training. By now, the exhaustion and pain were constants, but something else began to emerge—a sense of growth, camaraderie, and a deeper connection to the art and to our teacher.
Bijayni surprised us every day by adding a new item to our repertoire, pushing us further than we thought possible. What began with learning the Guru Brahma shloka soon evolved into mastering a series of beautiful and challenging pieces. Each new addition felt like another layer of discovery, as though she was peeling back the layers of Odissi, revealing its richness one piece at a time.
We learned:
Yakundendu, a beautiful invocation to Saraswati, resonating with divine energy.
Tushar Ahara, a vivid description of the moonlight, poetic and serene.
Saraswati, which transported us to the brilliance of the goddess, her wisdom and strength shining through every movement.
The rhythmic Arasa, full of playful yet precise energy, now forever associated with the imagery of Rajasthani puppets dancing joyfully.
A piece about Ganesha, capturing his playful essence, which filled the room with a lighthearted spirit.
And finally, the Pallavi, a piece of pure joy and rhythm, testing both our stamina and our ability to flow seamlessly between technique and expression.
These days were not just about learning choreography—they were about learning how to give more of ourselves, to embrace the discomfort, and to immerse ourselves fully in the art. As we grew more accustomed to the rigorous schedule, we found ourselves falling deeper into the rhythm of this residency.
What made it extraordinary was Bijayni herself. The more we gave her—our focus, energy, and openness—the more she gave back. Her teaching became more personalized, more detailed. She began to push us in ways we didn’t know we needed, and it was incredible to see how much she believed in each of us.
Through the exhaustion, the injuries, and the relentless schedule, we began to see something emerge: a new strength, both as individuals and as a group. We were not just learning Odissi; we were transforming, connecting to a deeper sense of self and purpose. The pain was still there, but it no longer defined our experience. What defined it was the joy of learning, the rasa that came from dancing, and the privilege of being guided by such an inspiring teacher.
By the end of Day 7, we were exhausted yet exhilarated. The routine may have stayed the same, but every day was a new discovery, a new challenge, and a step closer to becoming the dancers we aspired to be.