Learning to move – Movement as an inspiration…Umesh Naidu

It is been nine years now, however long I journey, I realize it’s a new discovery everyday, while I feel it started only in recent times.What began as a hobby and an unwinding exercise caught up with me as I grew up. I would swim, skate, play foot ball, practice Taekwon-Do–thrice a week and dance once a year. Craft making, drawing,writing poetry intrigued me and aroused my attention and I couldn’t help but praise the beautiful things that began to inspire me.

tenets-of-taekwon-d0 Once Taekwon-Do, became my inspiration I painted on a white cloth in Korean characters, the ‘Tenets’ of Teakwon-Do.

My teacher’s encouragement and appreciation stood by me then on.

My journey in the world of arts had thus begun and I never had to look back.

With the Practice of Taekwon-Do, the martial artist in me grew to understand several nuances of the art. Over a period I understood that martial arts are marked by fluid acrobatic play, feints and extensive use of sweeps, kicks.

guarding-front-bw Moreover, I realized that it was vital to season one’s body, to prepare the body for other movements, like in case of an attack; you may have to take a punch and not show any signs of pain. Your reflexes are required to develop into responses rather than unsystematic reactions. The combination of attacks and defence makes martial arts contain the perceived ‘fluidity’ and choreography. flip

Movement Dynamics became a second nature. Nritarutya’s style of contemporary dance, inculcated the use of these dynamics. Hence for me, the way I moved with Nritarutya was not very different.

My first dance with the team was on the theme ‘Kaliyug’, a highly energetic piece. It was similar to practicing a martial art and this was for music.

I loved it and here I am today, dancing my way with the Team.

As one learns a war art form, one learns what patience is…discipline…something about time sense…a sense to deal with people and situations as time progresses. A developed intuition and curiosity into various other art forms remain as the added bonuses.When i applied these martial principles to dance, I understood movement in a very different way. It became a spiritual practice for me like practicing a ‘Tul’ or a pattern. I instantly was engrossed in the music and sometimes would forget where or what I was doing, space or time did not matter to me. guarding-bw2

chunbi-bwDance and martial arts together have helped me understand various aspects of other forms of arts, helped me understand other dancers, given me a way to deal with energies, to be friends with space and most importantly, to be responsible. Dance lets me dream and martial art lets me stay in the present.
Sometimes even while it has been a little confusing for me it has let me explore more and more. When you master something and you are performing on stage, you become one with the Dance. You truly begin to respect and love life!
I always had dreamt that I would be on stage – intuition works you see.
It is quite strange how it worked with me.

0 Comments

  • Sweta Mathur

    9th January 2010 at 9:35 am Reply

    hey umesh…im soo proud of you…:)…really happy you have gotten back to martial arts…i knew you missed it a lot…blog looks gr8…all the best with all Ur endeavors…Cheers:)

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 10:48 pm Reply

      Thank you Sweta, I really appreciate your comment. Had not left it… was just not practicing formally in a class….. Thank you so much!!!! 🙂

  • Gitanjali

    9th January 2010 at 10:46 am Reply

    wow straight from the heart ! Very cool !
    I love how you have connected responsibility and respect to your passion. 🙂

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 10:52 pm Reply

      Love your poems Gitanjali. Absolutely love your style! And in Hindi, I find it a little difficult to understand some lines but some how understand the meaning of it in the end. Some time we shall exchange poems. Than you for commenting! You are a sweet heart! 🙂 Love Umesh!

  • devi

    9th January 2010 at 11:05 am Reply

    hey! its too good! it shows how much you’ve grown and how much dance means to you :)too good! 🙂 🙂

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 10:53 pm Reply

      Thanks Devi! You make me proud being a part of Nritarutya. You are classic!
      Love, Umesh!

  • Krishna Pandravada

    9th January 2010 at 11:30 am Reply

    As a person who learnt taekwondo with you I exactly know what you mean. It is also very well written. Your martial art experience combined with dance is probably one of the greatest assets of nritarutya. Great stuff, proud of you man.

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 10:54 pm Reply

      Thanks a ton Mag! You make me smile every time I get a comment from you!
      ‘Understanding namma naduve bejaan ide’.
      You had the best flying kick in class. Keep flying man! 🙂
      Lotsa love! Umesh.

  • Preeti Dhakappa

    9th January 2010 at 9:12 pm Reply

    I love how passionate you are about what you do. That is what helps you get better. Like I told you once, you are finesse personified and your art touches the soul. Great going. Cheers! 🙂

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 10:55 pm Reply

      Dear Preeti, I just do not know what to reply back to you… ‘You’ are what you called me…Love your poems…! Umesh 🙂

  • gannu

    10th January 2010 at 3:57 am Reply

    agree totally intuition works … !!

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 10:56 pm Reply

      Absolutely Gannu, you and I are from CKP!!! Thank you for the comment!!
      Love, Umesh!

  • Shilpa Sachdev

    10th January 2010 at 8:53 am Reply

    The beat part about your article is that whoever reads it will feel it is addressed to them, each person individually!
    It is so beautifully written, and so well articulated that one almost feels that everything in the world is suddenly untangled, simplified, broken down.
    My favorite parts are ‘unsystematic reactions’, your use of ellipses (…), your energy that the reader is reminded of with every word you’ve written among many others.
    Preeti Dhakappa put it very aptly, and in just a few words, while I’m still groping for the right words. Simply beautiful, Umesh.
    Lots of love and good wishes! 🙂

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 10:58 pm Reply

      Dear Shilpa,
      I had to keep it simple as much as possible for the message to reach people of all ages. I even posted a link onto Prateek’s wall on FB. Love kids to be doing more than what I am doing now and we see that it is so much of a possibility. Kids are awesome and they are the future… setting an example for their kids … we have a progressed nation then. More positive in all aspects!
      Just wanted to scream out loud and then realize that this is what I am made up of. Thanks for all the words you have written here! And, thanks for taking the time for this! 🙂

  • Abhishek Nagarkar

    10th January 2010 at 11:26 am Reply

    Very well said Umesh. . martial arts seasons the body, mind and soul. . dance does mostly the same thing too. . u r fortunate to be able to enjoy the riches from both worlds. . u have very beautifully taken us thru a journey of your life and learnings and i have learnt a lot today.
    Thank you. 🙂

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 10:59 pm Reply

      Dear Abhishek, saw your dad perform in ‘5.someone’ and then realized what it takes to be him… felt so good… he has been through it. seen it.. and gave the best for me to enjoy…! My best compliments to him! He was simply superb!
      And , I’m right now thanking God for all that he has given me. Feel really content now! You are a great friend! Thanks man! I’d want to be like your dad! 🙂

  • Varun Kadle

    10th January 2010 at 4:15 pm Reply

    Inspiring..i love the passion umesh. keep the passion burning all ure life! cheers

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 11:00 pm Reply

      Oye Kadle! Thanks man.. we yet need to have a party. And I owe you one. Thanks for commenting! Come back soon!
      Love, Umesh! 🙂

  • Anushree Bhat

    10th January 2010 at 6:55 pm Reply

    Hi Umesh,
    I am really proud of you and really admire your commitment and dedication towards your work! I see you love what you do, and therefore your work turns out to be the best! I am sure you are going to make it really really BIG someday ( you already have achieved a lot!!) May all your wishes come true 🙂 All the best!

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 11:00 pm Reply

      Dear Anushree, getting a compliment from you is like ‘totally flying high’!
      You make me admire you even more! Thanks a ton for commenting!!!!]
      Lots and lots of love and admiration…
      Umesh!

  • vinayak joshi

    11th January 2010 at 1:14 am Reply

    i believe u have dreamt about the art with eyes open and shut. its effort that pays u. i have also been dancing and shaking my leg for almost 14 years so i totally get the feel once you are on stage.

    fight with aggression and dance with grace.. this will keep you a happy soul, else it takes a toll 🙂

    keep rocking as always, shake a leg.

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 11:01 pm Reply

      Dear Joshi!
      As ‘joshila’ as ever ! I absolutely loved what you said!
      ‘fight with aggression and dance with grace.. this will keep you a happy soul, else it takes a toll’ 🙂
      Thank you buddy! You open my eyes all the time apart from my ears! Thanks for the comment! 🙂
      Love, Umesh!

  • Sushma

    11th January 2010 at 2:21 am Reply

    Your passion is empowering. I speak the same way about yoga. Your right, we lose track of time and space often.

    Just like you… straight from the heart, original and classy. An inspiration for nobodys like myself! 🙂 You were born to be on the stage.

    PS: The mid-air pic is incredibility personified 🙂

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 11:03 pm Reply

      Dear Sushma!
      The picture was shot by Raghavendra an ex ckpite. Thanks to him… I keep getting compliments.
      You are not a nobody! You are ‘me’… my twin don’t you remember! How can you!??? More over what kind a statement is that? I do not agree.
      You have made so many people proud! Right form a young age!!!… and you are the only gymnast I know living in Bangalore. And, you practice Yoga! And you are an artist who can paint! Damn! I am jealous of you! You are so much more and you give a pure positive vibe ALL the time to people around you….. you are my friend and I have never ever seen you in any other mood other than being happy! I’m proud to have a friend like you. Thanks for the comment!
      Link – http://sushma-murthy.blogspot.com/

  • Namitha

    11th January 2010 at 8:55 pm Reply

    Amazing article. Although I’m not a “pro” like u, I’m a dancer, and just like u, I lose track of time and space often. A lot of my friends, mostly non-dancers, find it dramatic when I speak of the love for life and dream, and I find it wierd. But I realised, after reading ur article, that its art which makes u fall in love with almost everything in life. U r an inspiration.. All the best and keep rocking…

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 11:05 pm Reply

      Dear Namitha – you are a pro too… you work and you dance. Absolutely love your time management and your attitude towards life.
      Of course it is dramatic and it should sound like that.. it sounds like that even if you don’t choose to.. I totally agree. People find artists weird. I am speaking of people who do not understand art or don’t know anything about beauty.
      What is life without anything to admire about?
      Thanks for all the compliments!
      Love, Umesh!
      🙂

  • Ashwin

    12th January 2010 at 8:50 pm Reply

    As a person whom i know for the last 12-13 years. i exactly know how committed and dedicated you are towards achieving excellence. As a non-dancer( i din know what arts meant:) ) , i really got interested in the way u danced away to glory all these years. The form of dance wherein martial arts combined with dance is probably one of the most innovative and contemporary thought in modern history. very well written and always proud of you! Cheers!

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 11:06 pm Reply

      Ashwin,
      Thank you so much man… i really like the way how you appreciate the finer things in life! You are a true artist! Nritarutya has been watching you come to all our shows and enjoying it thoroughly! Thanks so much buddy! You make me so happy!
      Love Umesh!! 🙂

  • Ashwin

    13th January 2010 at 12:21 am Reply

    Its really awesome umesh… All ur hard work is in this… Dam happy for u n All the best. Keep rocking.

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 11:07 pm Reply

      Thanks so much Ashwin!!! Means a lot to me.
      Love, Umesh!
      🙂

  • Janet

    13th January 2010 at 8:53 am Reply

    Hmmmmm everyone has said almost everything that I would want to say… 🙂

    “Learning to move – Movement as an inspiration” quite an inspiring headline!! this says it all which has made you what you are today.
    It is quite impressive to know how u started of and what you have achieved today and the way you have expressed it is simply beautiful!

    I believe one who chooses what one is passionate about as a career leads one to a different level of satisfaction in life which in turn leads to the pride to carry it forward by believing in one-self which is clearly demonstrated in your article.

    After all one works to be happy, so why not work where your passion lies – this message is also clearly put forth in a nice way.

    I am sure your family also has a big share in this success as their co-operation is very important to make a career in dance this successful, Kudos to you and your family and Umesh as everyone has said it already, I am really proud of you! 🙂

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 11:10 pm Reply

      Dear Janet,
      I know for a fact that you miss dancing in college… but look at your enthusiasm! Kudos to you man! You make time to dance and you enjoy it so much!
      ‘Movement as an inspiration’… yes! But, you inspire me to keep going on and on.. I really do not understand where you gather all the energy from to make people so happy! I read your comment on and on and you have given the perfect ‘way’ /example for people to get inspired!
      I am inspired thoroughly and will want to enjoy my passion even more. I am so glad I wrote this! Thank for the comment… I showed this blog to my parents and they are so damn happy about what you wrote! I am so pleased to make them proud! Thanks to you…. I love it!
      Love, Umesh!

  • Janet

    13th January 2010 at 8:57 am Reply

    All the best!! 🙂

  • Neha

    14th January 2010 at 1:39 am Reply

    Unconditional and compassionate, you are a glowing example of a fit body, a dynamic mind and a beautiful spirit.

    God bless

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 11:11 pm Reply

      Dear Neha! 🙂 🙂
      You were a part of my growing years.. Your sculptures said it all when I used to watch them… they gave me examples of love, about sadness, about joy, being tied up… being a reflection. You are a creator and you are one amongst them who have made me. Love you buddy!
      God bless!

  • Nishanth

    17th January 2010 at 1:16 pm Reply

    My friend you know what you are doing, I can only ask you to help people Learning to move like you do.Proud of you man.
    All the best.

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 11:12 pm Reply

      Dear Nishanth,
      You know what you are doing too man… your passion lies I front of the camera and behind it… Love what you are doing to yourself. You make me proud!!!
      Thanks for the comment!!!!
      Love Umesh!! 🙂

  • gowri

    21st January 2010 at 3:07 am Reply

    Oh my god u are so flexible.great work man.U are so dedicated and U are an inspiration to others. all the best 🙂

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 11:14 pm Reply

      Thank you Gowri! ….Hoping to keep my flexibility till the ripe old age of 101! Thanks for your kind words!!!!
      Love,
      Umesh!! 🙂

  • Gaurav Medikeri

    22nd January 2010 at 8:17 am Reply

    I remember taking those 1st steps wit you brother, in the small quadrangle of MES college wen u & i were the opening scene to “Kaliyug”. A humble beginning i must say considering what you have achieved today all by your hard work & quintessential efforts. You along with the Nritaruthya team have changed the face of Contemporary dance. I had to drop out to become a Quidnunc in Med school.:-( Anyway i guess twas for the best. Really miss u guys a lot.Anyways Rock on!!

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 11:15 pm Reply

      Gaurav! Man!!! Miss you dude!! Thanks for the reply!!!
      It means a lot to me!!
      Kaliyug was the time we had the best time together! Winning competition after competition. We ruled man! 🙂 Then I still remember the first dance with Nritarutya…(‘Fantasy’) The skull t shirts… The commercial street and the malleswaram ‘traffic cops night’… Was good fun… was the best start up I could have for a dancing career!

      Hey, Doc! If I fall sick I shall come to you; if you feel like dancing… you are always welcome to Nritarutya. 🙂
      Lotsa,
      Umesh!!!

  • Salim

    22nd January 2010 at 8:21 am Reply

    touched everyone’s heart…grt keep it up – All the best..Cheers God Bless

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 11:16 pm Reply

      I’m so glad it touched your heart Salim! Trying to make a difference…..My best wishes to you… and may God bless you to..! 🙂

  • Veena

    22nd January 2010 at 8:25 am Reply

    I loved the way you said that martial arts helps you stay in the moment while dance lets you dream…
    I have always been a fan of your..
    My love and admiration for you will only grow with your growth as an artist..
    And you are a suuuuuuuuuper sweet person .. so humble…
    Just wishing the best for you woo…
    Fly … fly.. fly ….
    Warm regards
    Veena

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 11:18 pm Reply

      Dear Veena,
      Thank you so much for the comment. I shall watch you grow and learn some more from you – like I do every time !! And when you speak of positivity…. You are overflowing with it!!!
      Love and respect,
      Umesh!

  • Arun

    22nd January 2010 at 12:55 pm Reply

    Hey Kudoos TO Tae-Kwon-DO, I have done my Black belt. Nothing like Dance and martial arts together

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 11:18 pm Reply

      I totally agree Arun… Thank you so much for the comment…where did you train…?
      Regards,
      Umesh 🙂

  • megha

    22nd January 2010 at 6:20 pm Reply

    hey umesh it is extremely sincere… you deserve all the success… and its my previledge to have learnt from you… even if it was just for a few hours, in the span of all the work you do… good luck and god bless

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 11:19 pm Reply

      Dear Megha, your spirit is just too much!!! Loved working with you! Thanks for the comment!!!
      Love Umesh!

  • Harsha

    22nd January 2010 at 6:32 pm Reply

    A true artiste….what do I say/ comment?? I can just say stay on stage and give us more entertainment.

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 11:20 pm Reply

      Any time for an audience like you Harsha!! Thanks for the lovely comment!!!!!!!! 🙂
      Love, Umesh!

  • satish suri

    22nd January 2010 at 8:06 pm Reply

    move on move ahead let yr hope and expectation bear their fruit in great happenings

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 11:20 pm Reply

      Thanks a ton for the comment Satish!
      Love, Umesh! 🙂

  • Shruthi

    22nd January 2010 at 8:08 pm Reply

    Hey Umesh,

    U will not believe it but I read the entire article in one breath…very inspiring how destiny decides whats good for you…. I am very happy for u ….u made the right decision u can proudly say to the world…keep up the good stuff…All the best

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 11:22 pm Reply

      Wow! Thank you soooooo much Shruti! Coming to the end of my comments reply….i’m getting embarrassed!!(blush). never have I been this red and pink on the face leaving the February cold apart. Thank you buddy!!!! 🙂
      Love!lots of it!
      Umesh! 🙂 🙂

  • Samuel

    22nd January 2010 at 10:33 pm Reply

    Hi, saw ur writeup & pictures, very nice. Keep up the gud work

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 11:23 pm Reply

      I’m so glad you liked it Samuel…Thanks for the reply!!!!
      Thank you so much!!
      Love, 🙂
      Umesh!!!

  • Divyalasya Tanguturi

    23rd January 2010 at 2:57 am Reply

    Hi Umesh,
    Your passion for arts is very well evident in all that you have written and its intense! Its true that dance and martial arts make one disciplined and focused, not just in physical and mental but even spiritual planes. And a combination of both is wonderful!
    It is amazing to see how much you have grown from the time I knew you as a high school boy to this day. You chased your dreams and have excelled as well. You are truly an inspiration!
    I wish you scale newer heights in times to come. Keep up the good work. God bless you. 🙂
    Regards,
    Divya.

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 11:25 pm Reply

      Dear Divyalasya,
      Wow! It has been a while since school left! The bell is still ringing loud and sweet!
      Thank you so much for your kind words. …That is so sweet of you!!
      God Bless You! 🙂
      Love, Umesh 🙂

  • Ranjan Bhandari

    23rd January 2010 at 10:24 am Reply

    Superb Umesh..Innovation at its best …keep up the goodwork ! 🙂

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 11:26 pm Reply

      Thanks a ton Ranjan… Nritarutya has made it innovative for me!! Thanks for the comment!
      Love, Umesh! 🙂

  • Anupama Nalinakshan

    23rd January 2010 at 10:30 am Reply

    I love how your write-up is so sincere and straight from the soul.:)Nothing compares to the happiness and contentment you feel when you’re doing something u love. 😀 all the very best!

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 11:27 pm Reply

      Dear Anupama… You are as sweet as ever…! Thanks Buddy!Thanks for reading what I wrote!!!!
      Love, Umesh!!

  • LUIZA

    29th January 2010 at 5:03 am Reply

    Taekwon-Do, SPORT IS VERY BEAUTIFUL TO WATCH EACH PERSON IS A GIFT GIVEN BY GOD. THE SMARTER KNOW HOW TO USE THIS GIFT AND WITH IT CAN VERY SUCCESSFUL FIGHT AND SACRIFICE SO I HAVE TO SAY THAT THIS IS VERY BEAUTIFUL.

    • Mayuri

      31st January 2010 at 11:28 pm Reply

      Wow Luiza!!! You totally got me there !! off guard!!! Your understanding of this art/sport form is brilliant!! Thank you so much for the comment and the kind words!
      Love, Umesh… 🙂

  • varun

    30th January 2010 at 5:05 am Reply

    hey man ur flip s crazy!!!! wish i could do it !! an ur 1hell of a dancer as the whole world knos!!!!!!!
    now m on a dancin spree,i hope ma troop can mak it in2 ur dance company!!!

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