Anuradha Naimpally shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Anuradha, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’ve always had some hesitation to do or be something other than a dancer and educator. Apart from my high school and college retail or babysitting jobs, I have always taught dance, fitness, choreographed, performed, or created arts and cultural programming of some kind in a variety of work environments. The thought of doing anything else has seemed impossible for me because I didn’t think I was qualified enough. What if I failed? How embarrassing that would be! However, since 2020 I have been pulled towards the natural health and wellness space–particularly with reference to women. This is an area that has come full circle for me because as a very young child I had an interest in medicine. Recently, I personally went through some health issues and it made me acutely aware of the lack of resources for peri- and post-menopausal women. I realized that my experience with movement, yoga, meditation, and nutrition could all come together in this new passion! I sometimes feel a bit unsure about starting a brand new venture at my age, but mostly I am excited about the new projects I am creating around women’s wellness. I am really being drawn to explore this path now because it also feels like a natural shift to the movement and artistic work I have been doing for all these years.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’ve been learning different styles of dance since I was very young but started Bharata Natyam at age thirteen in Canada where I grew up. There was something so familiar and comforting about it that it soon became my passion and I went to study professionally in India. After I returned, I have continued to teach and perform and now its been 35 years in Austin, TX. I founded Austin Dance India through which I teach, produce, create, and perform. I consider myself a dancer, educator, and cultural worker. The style of dance I practice, Bharata Natyam, is an Indian classical form. Basically, through this dance, I tell stories, connect with people of all ages and backgrounds, and mentor South Asian youth. Bharata Natyam has a very specifically Indian aesthetic in its movements, hand symbols, and expression, but also allows a lot of freedom to be creative and to experiment. The stylized hand gestures were designed as a sign language. Along with body movements, facial expressions, and footwork, the technique allows any kind of human experience to be depicted to an audience. I think this is what makes the form so specific and so universal at the same time. I have had the honor of collaborating and working with a variety of incredible artists including modern, tap, and ballet dancers as well as musicians of different genres.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
At this time in my life I think that my ambition to achieve more and more has served its purpose. I can sense a definite shift in my priorities as I enter this stage of my life. I want to cultivate a sense of contentment and continue into new wellness venture with this feeling at my core. It isn’t a state of being that I can attain immediately but I think maybe it’s a process and I need to be mindful of that. At the same time I do feel a sense of excitement to explore the health and wellness space with all the varied experience I have gained from being a dancer and educator. I definitely want to do it in a way where I purposefully choose what I do and how much I do while maintaining a balance. At the core, I want it to be more about learning than achieving.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Trying to figure out what fear has held me back most in my life is a tough question because I feel like I have had so many! But probably the one that comes to mind is the fear of failing to meet expectations because I am not good enough or what I am doing is not up to the standard. This fear can be paralyzing because it holds you back from even making the first move. It has often kept me in my comfort zone, which avoids taking risks and being judged. When I was younger, I really had to push through the fear of doing something new and innovative by talking myself into it. But you eventually learn that as an artist, fear is a fundamental aspect of putting your work out there. However, if it becomes overwhelming, it can stifle creativity and prevent any kind of growth. It can definitely be a challenge!
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
As far as being committed to a belief, I would say that authentic cultural representation is something that I will continue to uphold no matter what. In today’s world where we have wide access and exposure over the internet and particularly on social media, there is a lot of cultural appropriation, misrepresentation, and worse. As an artist of a traditional form of dance from India, I am very mindful of how I show up and what I showcase on stage, in classes, as well as online in order to educate about the philosophy and stories behind the art. It’s important to me to practice and disseminate content in way that is genuine but also generous without compromising integrity. Since I teach and mentor young students during several of their formative years, I have also seen firsthand how this fosters cultural pride and identity in South Asian youth–which is fundamental in carrying on traditional lineages.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing?
I am at the point in my life and career where most likely I have had more years behind me than ahead. At this vantage point it is easier to see all the decisions and actions that were taken over the years as well as ones that weren’t. My perspective on this is that each of those decisions was carefully thought out, was spontaneous, perhaps I felt I had no choice, or maybe it was just the best I could do in that situation. Whatever the case may have been, each of those decisions has led me to where I am today, which is in a pretty good place. And this is in spite of some bad decisions in there! Yes, I could have done so many things differently that could have possibly impacted my life or career differently. But now as I look back, I think it’s been an amazing ride and I am grateful for it all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.austindanceindia.com
- Instagram: @anudances
- Linkedin: Anuradha Naimpally
- Facebook: Austin Dance India, Anuradha Naimpally
- Youtube: Austin Dance India
Image Credits
Steve Rogers Photography, Sadu Bajekal, Stephanie Lara, Amitava Sarkar
