By Allison Kirste
For the past four years, Jessy Sitaramya has spent around 16 hours a week practicing for her arangetram, a 3 hour long debut solo performance. Her dance form, Bharatanatyam, is one of the most popular traditional dance forms of India that emphasizes synchronized physical and emotional body movement.
Dance has taught Jessy dedication, time management, and most importantly, passion. She’s also learned to dance as not just movements, but a surrender to her god. Jessy’s dances depict Hindu mythology, and through dance she’s strengthened her ties to her culture.
The sense of community at her studio played a huge part in Jessy’s development as a dancer. She’s found support in her fellow dancers and teachers: Viji Prakash and her daughter, Mythili Prakash, a world known dancer. Jessy said, “I share a bond with them that’s… amazing… I really don’t know how else to describe it. My friends and family have also been pillars of encouragement and support.”
Though Jessy finds inspiration in the people around her, her dance often inspires others. Friends who were at her arangetram know she’s found her true passion, and she reminds them of the importance of passions. Her dedication to dance and commitment to perfecting routines was evident after her awe-inspiring performance, one that left everyone in awe.
“Her performance inspired me because it was so clear that she had a passion for what she was doing,” said Emma Stroben, “It reminded me how important it is to pursue what you love.”
“It was the most impressive thing I’ve ever seen, I’m not kidding,” Miss Beattie remarked.
In addition to dance, Jessy is a member of the celebrated concert choir through which she has made friendships that she “wouldn’t trade for the world ” and she’s found an on campus mentor in Dr. Brookey, the choir director. She was also a part of the Miss LCF court this past year, which allowed her to bond with the community and appreciate its close knit feel.
In her studio, the dancers range from 4 year old girls to 60 year old women. Seeing the devotion from all of the other dancers, regardless of how old they are, inspires Jessy to want to continue with dance as an art form for as long as she can.
For the past four years, Jessy Sitaramya has spent around 16 hours a week practicing for her arangetram, a 3 hour long debut solo performance. Her dance form, Bharatanatyam, is one of the most popular traditional dance forms of India that emphasizes synchronized physical and emotional body movement.
Dance has taught Jessy dedication, time management, and most importantly, passion. She’s also learned to dance as not just movements, but a surrender to her god. Jessy’s dances depict Hindu mythology, and through dance she’s strengthened her ties to her culture.
The sense of community at her studio played a huge part in Jessy’s development as a dancer. She’s found support in her fellow dancers and teachers: Viji Prakash and her daughter, Mythili Prakash, a world known dancer. Jessy said, “I share a bond with them that’s… amazing… I really don’t know how else to describe it. My friends and family have also been pillars of encouragement and support.”
Though Jessy finds inspiration in the people around her, her dance often inspires others. Friends who were at her arangetram know she’s found her true passion, and she reminds them of the importance of passions. Her dedication to dance and commitment to perfecting routines was evident after her awe-inspiring performance, one that left everyone in awe.
“Her performance inspired me because it was so clear that she had a passion for what she was doing,” said Emma Stroben, “It reminded me how important it is to pursue what you love.”
“It was the most impressive thing I’ve ever seen, I’m not kidding,” Miss Beattie remarked.
In addition to dance, Jessy is a member of the celebrated concert choir through which she has made friendships that she “wouldn’t trade for the world ” and she’s found an on campus mentor in Dr. Brookey, the choir director. She was also a part of the Miss LCF court this past year, which allowed her to bond with the community and appreciate its close knit feel.
In her studio, the dancers range from 4 year old girls to 60 year old women. Seeing the devotion from all of the other dancers, regardless of how old they are, inspires Jessy to want to continue with dance as an art form for as long as she can.
