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"TAPASYA" - pray for a soul
Nisha Bhat is currently a senior in the magnet program at Campbell High School. She started taking Bharathanatyam classes under the tutelage of Guru Preeti Vinayak Shah when she was 11. At The Narasimha Academy of Arts, Nisha has performed for various local events and the Academy's Annual Recitals. Nisha also plays the violin in her spare time. She is a member of the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra. She is an active member of several academic and service-related school organizations. Nisha thinks that today people are so concerned with bettering their own lives that they forget to think about others who are less fortunate. For this reason, community service is not just a school requirement for her, because she thinks it is very important to help those who do not have the same opportunities as she does. She gives back to the society through participation in service clubs such as Interact, National Honors Society, and the Recycling Club. A few words from Nisha: "A major reason why I am looking forward to dancing in Tapasya is because it is a fundraising project for Ekal Vidyalaya, which aims to eradicate literacy in rural India. I have always believed—and I have been raised with the idea—that education is extremely important in life, so I am looking forward to contributing to this cause. I take pleasure in having the opportunity to give back to the community in any way possible, so naturally I am very excited to be able to combine two things I love doing—dance and community outreach—by taking part in Tapasya." "I really enjoy Bharathanatyam not only because I like dance, but also because it is a link to my heritage. When I was younger, I used to think that classical dance was boring, but now I am truly glad that I chose to pursue Bharathanatyam instead of Bollywood because it is so much more meaningful. Each class, I learn more about my own religion and culture instead of just footwork. However, a great part of my increased interest in classical dance can be attributed to my wonderful dance teacher. It is simply very difficult to not make an effort to improve or to take an interest in dance with a teacher who is so passionate about whatever dance or performance we are preparing for. During these past several years, not only have I been able to improve as a dancer, but, through her meticulousness, Ms. Preeti has also taught me to appreciate and understand the amount of practice and hard work that goes into every seemingly effortless movement. Her refusal to accept mediocrity has always motivated me to try harder and do better, and I have been able to apply this attitude to other aspects of life. I truly do always look forward to coming to class."
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