Vatsalya: The Dance of Connection, The Art of ParentingVatsalya is an experiential Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) workshop inspired by Bharatanatyam, exploring the many dimensions of parenting through the timeless story of Krishna and the relationships of Devaki, Vasudeva and Yashoda.Through movement, rhythm, abhinaya, storytelling and reflective practices, the workshop journeys through three distinct yet interconnected experiences of parenthood.Devaki and Vasudeva represent the parent who loves deeply yet is faced with circumstances beyond their control—the anxieties, fears, sacrifices and difficult choices that contemporary parents often encounter.Yashoda brings us into the world of everyday parenting: nurturing, protecting, setting boundaries, experiencing joy, and learning to let a child grow while holding them close.The story becomes a mirror for contemporary questions:How do we parent when we cannot control the world around our child?How do fear and expectations influence our parenting?When do we protect, and when do we let go?How can we truly connect with our child rather than simply manage them?Using the expressive vocabulary of Bharatanatyam and the embodied approach of DMT, participants are invited to move beyond “What should I do as a parent?” towards “How am I showing up in my relationship with my child?”Vatsalya ultimately explores parenting as a dynamic dance between holding and letting go, protection and freedom, expectation and acceptance, love and connection.Goals:To explore parenting through the embodied language of Bharatanatyam and DMT, using the contrasting experiences of Devaki, Vasudeva and Yashoda to examine attachment, protection, control, expectations, boundaries, autonomy and letting go.Outcomes:Participants develop greater awareness of their parenting patterns, emotional responses and relationship with their child, while experiencing movement-based tools for cultivating connection, empathy, presence and conscious responding.Open to all (preferably aged 25+ yrs) with or without experience of dance (interested in parenting)Facilitated by: Dr. Dhruva Ithal (Psychiatrist, Bharatanatyam Dancer) & Pratima Pandurangi (Bharatanatyam Dancer, Certified DMT Practitioner)A Gentle NoteThis session is designed as an experiential and educational introduction. It is not intended as a substitute for long-term clinical psychotherapy. Participants seeking deeper, personalized somatic or psychological work are welcome to continue exploring therapeutic journeys with the therapists following the workshop.
