Classical Hindu dance at Pleasant Hill Library

PLEASANT HILL, CA (Aug. 25, 2023) — Young performers brought the classical dance known as Bharata Natyam to the Pleasant Hill Library on Aug. 8, illustrating the expression of Hindu religious themes and devotions.

Seven students, ages 9-13, represented the Dublin-based Kalaikoil Dance & Arts of India. They performed a variety of routines in bare feet, keeping with the tradition of Hindu temples.

The classical dance, characteristic of Southeast India, is compared to Western ballet for its strong, structured steps. Placement of the hands tells the story through conventional gesture language, while the face expresses the mood.

School leaders hope the large crowd gained a greater appreciation of the Hindu classical art form, whose terminology and techniques date back to ancient principles.

For more information, visit www.kalaikoil.com.

David Scholz

David Scholz is back in journalism as a freelance writer and photographer after nearly two decades in education. Prior to moving into teaching in 2000, he worked as a full-time journalist since 1988 for rural community and small daily newspapers in Central Ohio and Northern Nevada, and later in California with The Business Journal in Fresno and dailies in the Bay Area, including The Oakland Tribune and The San Francisco Chronicle. More recently Scholz also worked in an editing, writing, and page layout role with the Rossmoor News.