With a keen interest in Bharatanatyam even as a child, Ambujam Pillai loved attending dance classes in Kerala’s Alleppey, where she resided during her childhood. Years later, she got busy with her education, then got married and caught up with raising her children.
Chennai: “In no time I had grandchildren, but the passion in me to dance never died. My husband, who was in the defence, passed away a few years ago, and I wanted to start my dancing again,” recalls city-based Ambujam, who is now 77.
An advertisement she noticed a few years ago for a dance school made her hopeful of relearning Bharatanatyam movements. “I called up Athma Laya Dance School and informed them of my age, and asked them if I could join. I was glad when I was told that they had no problem with my age, and were happy to teach me Bharatanatyam. For the past few years, I have been learning and performing at various venues in the city,” she adds.
With the dance movements curated for her by the school, Ambujam practises for at least an hour each week. During her performances at the school’s annual ‘Dance Hour Nite’ events, where she takes part along with about 100 other women, she is one of the oldest dancers. “I want people to know that everyone can dance if they have an interest in it. Age is certainly no barrier to be able to dance. Even though I avoid the jumps, I completely enjoy dancing and performing, as it also helps me maintain good health,” asserts Ambujam, whose 50-year-old daughter is also learning the dance form.
She has also won Bharatanatyam competitions at a few women’s clubs in the city. “Many women don’t get to pursue their passions because of marriage or children. No one should hold their dreams back because of their age. I want to continue dancing till however long that my health remains good and I have no knee pains. I am happy to remain a learner forever,” she remarks.