Ep01: On Hands, Eyes, & Ancient Texts
Kiran delivering a speech at his high school graduation.
In the inaugural episode, Ameya and Kiran set the intention for this podcast. They then explore the slokam “Yato Hastas Tato Drishti” through their personal relationships with this Sanskrit verse, the connection between eyes and body control and their exploration of ancient texts as they relate to the practice of dance. They also discuss rasa, bhava, abhinaya, and how to get invited to high school parties.
Call to action: Think back to some of the early lessons of your dance classes. What did you learn then that has stayed with you until now?
Dive deeper:
Phillip B. Zarrilli - “Where the hand [is]…” Asian Theatre Journal, Vol. 4, No. 2 (Autumn, 1987)
Yashoda Thakore - “Parsvadeva- The Dancer’s Friend” Swarbharti 2020 (digest/Souvenir)
Nandikesvara’s Abhinaya Darpana - we use the edition by P. S. R. Apparao.
Today’s episode would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of many, including
Andy Rhode of Audionauts for audio engineering
Sangeetha Kowsik for graphic design of the logo
Sarada Jammi and Sri Sai Narayana Organization for recording equipment and space
Dr. Yashoda Thakore for sharing her research on Parsvadeva
Dr. Vi Rajagopalan for the high school graduation photo
A special thanks to Wesley Beeks and Bertel King, Jr.
Music from the album Valaji by Gokul Salvadi (“Valaji” and “Abhogi Kaanada - the expedition”)
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