The workshop took place in a guest house, rented for the occasion, in the countryside near the city of Troyes (150 km from Paris).

We were 8 students aged from 17 to 42 years old. Some of them are already professionnal, like Vanishree, and our french teacher of Bharatanatyam, Shalini, both disciples of M.K. Saroja and Vidya.

During the workshop, A. Lakshman taught us a Natesa Kautuvam (Hamsadvani Raga, Adi Tala) with a small Pushpanjali as an entrance and a Slokam. Then, we learnt a Geetham (Panthuvarali Raga, Adi Tala).

It may seem a lot to learn in one week, especially for beginers, but as A. Lakshman knows how to share his passion for Bharatanatyam, it gave us the energy to dance up to 7 hours a day !!! During the evening, after dinner, he taught us how to sing these items and gave theory class.

The week, spent in joy and harmony, gave us the opportunity to improve and has increased our passion for Bharatanatyam. Many of the students want to go to Chennai to work again with him in his school 'Nrithyalakshana' or wish he will come back soon ...

During his stay, A. Lakshman also performed in Mandapa (a small hall in Paris, famous for receiving many artistes from India). His programme was impressed the audience.

We all really wish he will have the opportunity to dance in bigger halls all over France, next time, for French people to benefit of his art. Here is what some of the students say: Says Lydie, "We got to watch videos of dance performances and all of us had the opportunity to witness and sometimes to be involved in the choreographic process. I consider the training we had here as a significant step in my Bharatanatyam practice". "Master wanted to get the best from us", says Aurélie also called 'Shanti' by Lakshman.

Says Vanishree, "Lakshman's sense of humour make us forget our tiredness and difficulties. It is a real happiness to learn from him."

Charlotte Gillot can be contacted at e-mail: chachoug@yahoo.com