Jayshree Bala Rajamani founded the Bharathakalai School of Dance in 1987 in New Delhi, India. Jayshree was one of the foremost disciples of the late Guru K.J. Govindarajan, a proponent of the Thanjavur style of Bharathanatyam. She specialized in Abhinaya with Smt. Jamuna Krishnan of New Delhi. 2012 celebrated her 25th year of teaching and in that regard the Massachusetts House of Representatives gave a spcial Citation honoring her 25 years of service to the community. She has received numerous awards for dance including being voted the best dance school in New England in 2011 and being nominated a finalist for Woman of the Year 2013!
In addition to her commitments to her student base, Jayshree also conducts Lec-Dems on Bharathanatyam at different schools, universities and museums. Taking her dance to the next level, Jayshree has been collaborating with non-traditional musicians and dancers, to much critical acclaim.
Jayshree has a Masters degree in Mass Communications from the Mass Communication Research Center, New Delhi, and currently is an independent documentary filmmaker. Jayshree feels she is very blessed to be able to pursue her passion for both filmmaking and dance.
In her own words, "My line of work is Artistic and Creative! Being a classical Bharathanatyam dancer/teacher and Documentary filmmaker – I have the freedom to create, explore and through that share my ideas and passions".
Why did you chose to pursue this particular path?
Dance was something that was gifted to me by my mother! Her passion and love for dance is what got me hooked! I’ve been dancing for as long as I can remember.
Filmmaking happened by accident! I actually wanted to be a medical doctor in the Indian Army (no less) but fate took me along another path and while deciding what to do after completing my Bachelor’s in English Literature a friend of mine told me to apply to film school. I didn’t think I’d get in, but I did and loved that creative process completely!
I suppose it was meant to be as I was able to bring my love for dance into my love for filmmaking!
What are the personal /environmental attributes that have helped you succeed in your career?
As a person I believe in hard work and no shortcuts (unless it makes sense to take the shortcut). I also want to be sure I know what I’m doing before embarking on it. Both as a filmmaker and a dancer that is very important, as you need to be able to have conviction in what you are doing both to perform and to present as that conviction is what will hold your audience and allow a connection to be made. Otherwise you might as well be presenting to a brick wall!
Environmentally – I have been lucky in having people trust in me and in my work! Whether it be a Producer of a film, a student, a musician or a fellow dancer, without people believing in me and in what I do, I would not be where I am today!
What challenges if any have you faced in your career path?
Many challenges, much like everyone else! Without those challenges how would one grow?
What advice would you give to those who want to follow your path?
Be sincere and do what works for you!
What lasting impact do you expect from your work?
As a filmmaker my films will be there for all to see!
As a dancer, I hope to showcase the beauty and flexibility of Bharathanatyam through my many collaborations whether they be with fellow dancers, Jazz Musicians, Tap Dancers or other world dance forms - dance and the arts can certainly bring the world closer as they do transcend cultural barriers!
As a teacher, I hope to inspire love and awe for Bharathanatyam in all my students!
What is the secret to your maintaining a work -life balance?
A very understanding and supportive family!
What activities outside of work are you involved in ? (Charity, arts, community service etc)
I do a lot of Community Service I truly believe in using my Dance in bringing together our diverse community. I have been involved with many fundraisers for local organizations like IDRF, NEHTI, MITHAS, Satsang Center, Sankara Cancer Foundation to name a few. I have worked with IAL, Lexington Historical Society, Munroe Center for the Arts, Lexington’s 300th Committee, Local Schools and Colleges. My favorite Charity to support is BSSK – the wonderful orphanage in Pune India that gave me the privilege of being called Amma! I also Co-Chair the Arts committee at my Son’s school and was the Co-Chair of the Arts committee of my daughter’s school for the 2012-2014 academic year. We also support, as a family a bunch of charities around the world.
What do you do for fun?
I love to read, travel, watch movies, eat, spend time with family and friends!
Who are the people who you admire/ inspired /emulate?
My biggest influences by far are my Family! My Parents who never stopped me from following my dreams! I also take immense inspiration from life in general – there is so much that I don’t know and people, cultures, books, events, places all have something that creates admiration, inspiration and reason to grow!
What is your personal philosophy of living life?
Be Happy, don’t knowingly harm others!
What was your happiest moment in life?
With God’s grace there have been many many happy moments in my life, but by far the happiest day was when our Son and Daughter entered our lives!
When there were low points in your life what advice did you value the most to pull through?
There are many low points also! You just have to keep the faith and do your best to work your way out. It also helps to have supportive family and friends around!
Do you have a fitness routine that you would like to share?
I dance everyday!!!!!!
Do you have favorite book/author - Do you have a favorite song/ musician?
I love P.G. Wodehouse and any author of Asian descent. I love all music jazz, hip-hop, Carnatic, everything!
Do you like to cook? What is your favorite dish to make?
I love to cook! I love to try new things – I just made a veggie Shepards’s Pie!
One fun fact about you
I pretend to be “Jill†the British mum to my kids – it cracks them up as I talk in a British accent to them!
Any special words of advice for women? Any piece of information you wish you had known growing up?
Be confident in yourself and never give up!
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