January 7th, 2010
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.
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.
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. 
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. 
Dance 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.
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!
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!!
Thank you Gowri! ….Hoping to keep my flexibility till the ripe old age of 101! Thanks for your kind words!!!!
Love,
Umesh!!
Gaurav! Man!!! Miss you dude!! Thanks for the reply!!!
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!
It means a lot to me!!
Kaliyug was the time we had the best time together! Winning competition after competition. We ruled man!
Hey, Doc! If I fall sick I shall come to you; if you feel like dancing… you are always welcome to Nritarutya.
Lotsa,
Umesh!!!
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..!
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!
I totally agree Arun… Thank you so much for the comment…where did you train…?
Regards,
Umesh
Dear Megha, your spirit is just too much!!! Loved working with you! Thanks for the comment!!!
Love Umesh!
Any time for an audience like you Harsha!! Thanks for the lovely comment!!!!!!!!
Love, Umesh!
Thanks a ton for the comment Satish!
Love, Umesh!
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!
I’m so glad you liked it Samuel…Thanks for the reply!!!!
Umesh!!!
Thank you so much!!
Love,
Dear Divyalasya,
Love, Umesh 
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!
Thanks a ton Ranjan… Nritarutya has made it innovative for me!! Thanks for the comment!
Love, Umesh!
Dear Anupama… You are as sweet as ever…! Thanks Buddy!Thanks for reading what I wrote!!!!
Love, Umesh!!
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…