History tells us that dance was generally a part of rituals, worship, social celebrations, expression, storytelling, and entertainment. Across the globe, dancing continues to be part of traditions. It has also become a part of a healthy lifestyle, with gyms providing various dance classes as part of their fitness schedules.

As an ancient and celebrated tradition in India, dance is an important part of its culture. One of the many dances of this country is Bharatanatyam, originating in the Hindu temples in the state of Tamil Nadu.

This style of dance has inspired many other forms of dance and storytelling in India, including Sankeernam Alarippu, Gowlamalika Thillana, and Chinnanchiru Kiliyae, which is strictly storytelling.

Born in Princeton, New Jersey, Chandni Rajesh moved to Bangalore, India, when she was three months old. Rajesh lived there for roughly five years, moving back to Princeton until the end of her high school career. While living in New Jersey she performed in the New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania areas.

India dances atop the Rocky Mountains A moving moment is captured during one of Chandni Rajesh’s Bharatanatyam performances. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANDNI RAJESH[/caption]

Rajesh discovered dance at five when she began studying ballet at Princeton Ballet School. She continued to dance ballet until 18, in a pre-professional program. A year after she began learning ballet, she started Bharatanatyam.

Rajesh shares, “Dance was introduced to me through my mother, who was a tap dancer and ballet dancer when she was a child. I am eternally grateful for the introduction to such disciplined forms of selfexpression.”

Her academic career brought her to Seattle, where she attended the University of Washington. While in Seattle, she joined a national classical Indian dance team and traveled across the country for competitions.

In June 2022, Rajesh found herself in the town of Nederland after earning a B.S. in environmental science resource management and a minor in quantitative sciences. With a professional classical violinist for a mother and a father who is the director of Gallup World Poll, it’s no surprise that Rajesh is as worldly as India itself.

Rajesh’s parents continue to live in New Jersey, but she occasionally goes back to India to visit family. Jayram, Rajesh’s brother, also lives in Nederland, working for the town’s Public Works department.

Along with her dancing Rajesh has adopted more mountain-like activities while living in Nederland. She enjoys hiking, rock climbing, snowboarding, trail running, and backpacking. During December and January, Rajesh will be traveling across India, dancing in several locations.

“It is a great honor to have been invited to perform in these places of great cultural significance. I am even more thrilled to be experiencing this adventure alongside my mother, who is not Indian but has been immensely supportive and pivotal in instilling my joy for dance.”

Dancing is not Rajesh’s only passion. You can find her working as Wild Bear Nature Center’s Community Engagement Manager. Today, Bharatanatyam isn’t viewed in the same sacred context it once was. It does continue to be a beautiful art form, as proven by Rajesh and her passion for classical Indian dances.