Ashwaty Chennat

CARING + FLEXIBLE + JOYFUL + MINDFUL + EXPLORATORY

“I wanted to wear a pink tutu and look sparkly when I first joined a ballet class at the age of 4.5. The meditative state of simple physical actions in a sequenced set to dynamic melodies and rhythms soon felt like home to me. I never imagined not dancing and looked forward to every recital and finding my way to create to music and stories that inspired me. Friends and family had to witness my tinkering and choreographic projects in all states. I only had two ballet teachers in my life, but their passion and choice to take us "seriously" as young artists in the classroom was palpable and there isn't a day that goes by where I don’t feel immense gratitude to Miss Lisa and Mis Deena. Ballet is in my body and I carry it around wherever I go, more than anything else I have physically attempted. I spent so many hours of my physical and social life in the ballet studio, and it is the most comforting memory I have. I feel grateful that I didn't go any further with it - I quit in the 10th grade - as I am sure the creeping competition and the body shaming would have eventually tainted my experience. I said yes to this project because of how much I love SLOW and INTENTIONAL movement practices. I want to bring the experience of body awareness and flow state that I experience - thanks to Ballet and other highly disciplined dance practices I have been in - to those who may have been afraid of exploring ballet for themselves or those who may not have had access in their youth.”

About Ashwaty