Every fall in India, during the magnificent festival of Navaratri, Hindus perform nine days of jubilant dances to honor the goddess Durga, a multi-limbed deity considered the “protective mother of the universe.”
Last Friday, all three sections of Kindergarten celebrated this important holiday of Hinduism, the oldest and largest religion in India, during a spirited workshop that transformed the Assembly Room into a joyous setting for a morning of music and movement.
As the students watched from their spots on the floor, Chapin parents Sheryl Shah and Sumeen Mehta introduced them to “garba,” a dance form synonymous with Navaratri that often incorporates colorful wooden sticks, or dandiyas, into its choreography. Holding a stick in each hand, Ms. Shah and Mr. Mehta modeled a few basic moves, clicking their own sticks together, then each other’s, before inviting their Kindergarten daughter to demonstrate her skills.
“Who else wants to try?” asked Ms. Shah, resplendent in a jewel-toned “Chaniya choli,” a traditional three-piece outfit comprised of a simple top, a long skirt and a shawl-like dupatta. A sea of hands shot up. While the guests handed out dandiyas, the students arranged themselves into pairs and spread out around the room.
Following along with Ms. Shah and Mr. Mehta, they clicked their dandiyas and their partner’s, filling the space with rhythmic sounds. A team of faculty circulated, offering help and encouragement, including Lower School Dance teacher Susan Strong, Head of Lower School Arts and Integration Sarah Bellantoni and Lower School Head Thérèse Cruite, as well as the classroom teachers.
After a few minutes of practice, a fast-moving song was incorporated into the activity. The students clicked their sticks in time with the music, executing the steps as best they could. “One, two, three, four, five,” instructed Ms. Shah from the front of the room.
No sticks were needed for the next exercise, only the Kindergartners themselves. With the pairs facing each other, they formed a circle within a circle. While one student took a step to the right, their partner stepped left. The result was a rotating set of partners – and more than a few giggles from the participants.
When the two circles merged into one, the students rolled their arms in front of them and clapped their hands before Ms. Shah and Mr. Mehta taught them a final dance sequence. While keeping the circle moving, they dipped their left hands into the center, spun around, and put their right hands in. Then, with arms wide, one high and one low, the dancers straightened arms together in the middle, then back out again. “One, two, take a turn,” guided Ms. Shah.
Toward the end of the workshop, Ms. Cruite introduced another visitor, a Class 12 student, who stopped by to join the fun festivities. As the younger students sat cross-legged on the floor, the Upper School student and Ms. Shah performed a quick dance number, skipping and twirling to percussive sounds and rich vocals, much to the delight of their audience.
“Let’s give our special guests a round of applause,” said Ms. Bellantoni, launching a chorus of exuberant cheers for Ms. Shah, Mr. Mehta and the students’ Chapin “sister.”
“Thank you for letting us share our holiday with you,” said Ms. Shah as the three classes of Kindergartners began to line up, still excited by this illuminating and energetic celebration of Navaratri.
