When Mala Bharath started ‘Athmalaya’ way back in 1998, she wanted to give women an opportunity to dance, something that they did not get before.
A lot of women stop dancing because of family pressures (read marriage) and for some learning the art remains a dream. Athmalaya encourages them to pursue that dream.
Mala got the inspiration to start Athmalaya when she was in a meditation session with Mahatria Ra of Infinitheism. Since then, Athmalaya has been the destination for over 200 disciples.
Enthusiastic students
“Most of our students are over 30,” says Mala. Mothers and grandmothersdevote time to join us in an hourly session of dance every week. In fact, our oldest student is 78 years old,” she adds. According to her, the elderly students are the most devoted and enthusiastic.
“Dance is the best therapy, when one is going through a phase of depression or mental fatigue,” explains Mala, who does not set rigid rules.
“Our dance consists of simple steps and songs to reveal the strength in every individual, not her weakness,” she explains.
And the women choose their own pace to find the rhythm and expressions.
According to the students, Athmalaya aids in tapping the energy within. “Dance helps in body-mind coordination that brings out positive emotions,” they say.
Athmalaya has eight branches in Chennai, with plans to start two more. An annual event called the ‘Dance Hour Nite’ is held to celebrate their love for the art.
“Joining Athmalaya has given the much needed me-time. I’m proving that age is nothing but a number,” says Subashini Sivakumar, a student of Athmalaya.
The Athmalaya team also conducts dance and meditation sessions for companies.
