Standing there, behind the backdrop, we held our breath. We had been working with 43 Bal Vikas children with little or no knowledge of dance since May, and this was the outcome of all our efforts. Working towards the performance for Ashadi Ekadashi at Prashanthi Nilayam was often frustrating, but ultimately, deeply rewarding. The […]
The Story of Cirrus Flux
“Where are you, Varsha?” “I’m not here!” I call back. “It looks like you are.” “No, I’m inside here.” (pointing to my book) That’s the way it was with The Story of Cirrus Flux. I enjoyed the ride through 18th century England, with Matthew Skelton’s small liberties with historical facts. I wondered again at how […]
Hastaabhinaya – expressing through your hands
Classical dance is a language that has the power to express your deepest emotions. When we learn a language from scratch, where do we begin? When you read, you begin with A-B-C; when you sing you begin with Do Re Mi … The alphabet of dance consists of mudras or patterns formed with your hands. With four fingers […]
Abhinaya: A Dance Workshop
What is abhinaya? Does it really just mean ‘expression’? Etymologically, abhinaya comes from two words ‘abhi’ (towards) and ‘niya’ (leading). So, Abhinaya leads you, the audience towards something. And what is that something? Rasa – aesthetic pleasure. Considering that these ideas come from the Natya Shastra, the abhinaya aspect of dance is linked to theatre […]
The Midnight Fox
It is not that I have not been reading. As a matter of fact, I have been reading quite a bit. I read A Beautiful Lie by Irfan Master and enjoyed it. I read three of Dick King-Smith’s Sophie books. But nothing prompted me to write until this one – The Midnight Fox by Betsy […]
Workshop Coming Soon …
We are conducting a dance workshop (followed by a performance) soon … I will share the details in the next few days!
Not the Mona Lisa
Entry to the Louvre is free on the first Sunday of each month, and I landed in Paris on the first Sunday of June. Jet lag is a luxury that people who have time and money to spend in a foreign country can afford. I couldn’t. Whatever debate may surround the aesthetics of the pyramid […]
Storytelling with Varsha – Tomorrow!
Here are some pictures from the past. See you tomorrow! Storytelling with Varsha Age-group: 5-8 years Venue: Friends Library, Salunke Vihar Road Registration Fee: Rs. 350 Date: 20th June, 2014 (Friday) Time: 6 pm to 7 pm
Storytelling at Friends Library, Pune
When I conducted a reading workshop at Friends Library, many parents came to me and asked me to do something for younger children. Finally, here is a storytelling workshop for the littler ones. Venue: Friends Library, Salunke Vihar Road, Pune Date: 20th June, 2014 (Friday) Time: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fee: Rs. 350
Storytelling Photographs
Here are a couple of photographs from my storytelling session at The Cultural Centre. Looking forward to my next workshop!
To Kill a Mockingbird
Atticus, Atticus … How I love you! Who says that you are not a good parent? To Kill a Mockingbird is moving, painful and joyful. It fills my heart with the goodness and stupidity of humanity. When I read a story like To Kill a Mockingbird, I feel the power of literature. Literature can echo in your […]
Storytelling at The Cultural Centre, Pune
What better place to tell stories than in the silence of a place surrounded by nature? The Cultural Centre Pune is ideal. I had a truly enjoyable session with five children from three different countries. In keeping with the international spirit, we told stories from three different countries. And then, I had the fortune of listening to […]
Storytelling with Varsha at The Cultural Centre, Pune!
Yesterday, I secretly did a storytelling session for a child’s birthday.We recited together, we acted together, we laughed and shouted together. It’s coming back tomorrow – at The Cultural Centre! Here’s how to get there. And here are the details once more: Age-group: 5-8 years Date: Saturday, 7th June, 2014 Fee: Rs. 350 Time: […]
The Macmillan Book Review Contest on Rivokids
Why are there no reviews of Indian books for the Macmillan Book Review Contest yet? This is true for all the age-groups! Do invite children in the age-group 10-15 to review The Story-Catcher; the carrot dangling at the end of the stick is a Macmillan book hamper! Last date for entries is the 30th of […]
Olivia’s First Term
When I picked up Olivia’s First Term, I was more than a little sceptical. The book was light purple, with splashes of silver on it. It did not promise to be the kind of book I would like. I don’t like books that run on crushes and fantasies and lipstick and shoes and make-up. And lavender, purple and […]
Storytelling with Varsha
This time, I have something coming up for younger children. If you know children between the ages of 5 and 8, tell them to join me this Saturday at The Cultural Centre Pune for a storytelling session followed by activities that give free rein to their imaginations!
Day Five: Reading Workshop at JustBooks
Another workshop came to an end yesterday. Lots of parents came in and asked me when I would do something like this again. Soon, I hope, soon. For now, I am filled with gladness. Comics, stories, poems, myths … A reading workshop is so fulfilling!
Day Four: Reading Workshop at JustBooks
My reading workshops are always learning experiences. If not for those who attend mine, for me! Yesterday was a day of comics and stories. One child made a comic depicting a race to win a golden sword. One write a fable and illustrated it. One wrote an essay with a picture. They showed me, again, […]
Day Three: Reading Workshop at JustBooks, Wanawadi
Each day brings more happiness! Yesterday, day three of my reading workshop at JustBooks, was lovely. We told a story together, then wrote letters and played a new game – the Word Train! Children constantly inspire me to be creative!
Day Two: Let’s Read at JustBooks, Wanawadi
One hour is not enough for everything I like to do with the children at the workshop! It was still lovely, though, with understanding copyright (and asking whether Google will know who owns the copyright for the Bible) and telling stories. Myths, book covers, publishing, copyright and a quiz – all on Day Two of […]