#66 of 365~A Silent Obsession

India

A country of swirling color, specific spices, 1.2 million people, 
and the land of my silent obsession.

There is a deep desire in my heart to visit the country of India. I've always been fascinated with the landscape, interested in the culture, and enamored by the people.  Nick and I have been fortunate to have met several individuals who've become fast friends and who have welcomed us to "come home" often.

This year, I am blessed to have a special student whose family has literally become my personal teachers on all things Indian.  They recently took me to the Indian grocery store where "Little Miss" helped me pick out treats for our Preschool friends.  We are currently learning about India in the classroom and thought this would be a great way to incorporate foods from their culture.  Our class is studying India because we are raising money to send to our sister school.  Everything we raise will be donated to the schools new library.

Our school also has a diverse population that includes an amazing young lady who is trained to dance in one of the 9 classical dance styles of India called Kuchipudi.

Kuchipudi originated in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. This dance form was originally danced only by men and boys. About 50 years ago, women also started dancing in this style. Her dance was about Siva the lord of dance (according to Indian Mythology). The lyrics were in the language Sanskrit. The music is in the Carnatic style, the oldest classical music style in India.  The crowd was mesmerized. I'm in love.