For Grade III and above.

Teaching Bharatanatyam as part of the school curriculum in India can have numerous benefits. Bharatanatyam is a classical Indian dance form that has its roots in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is a highly expressive art form that involves intricate footwork, hand gestures, and facial expressions. Here are some potential benefits of including Bharatanatyam in the school curriculum:

Why Baratanatyam in our school curriculum?

• Cultural Preservation: Bharatanatyam is a traditional dance form that has been passed down from generation to generation. Including it in the school curriculum helps to preserve this cultural heritage for future generations.
• Physical and Mental Development: Bharatanatyam is a highly physical dance form that requires a lot of stamina, flexibility, and coordination. Learning Bharatanatyam can help improve students' physical health and well-being. Additionally, the expressive and emotive nature of Bharatanatyam can help students develop their emotional intelligence, creativity, and self-expression.
• Physical Fitness: Bharatanatyam is a physically demanding dance form that requires strength, flexibility, and endurance. Regular practice can help students to improve their physical fitness.
• Creative Expression: Bharatanatyam provides students with an opportunity to express themselves creatively through dance. This can help to develop their artistic abilities and boost their confidence.
• Cultural Awareness: Learning Bharatanatyam can help students to develop an appreciation for Indian culture and traditions. This can help to promote cross-cultural understanding and respect.
• Enhances self-confidence: Bharatanatyam requires students to perform in front of others, which can help improve their self-confidence and self-esteem.
• Career Opportunities: For those students who are passionate about Bharatanatyam, there are career opportunities available in fields such as performing arts, choreography, and teaching.

For Grade I and above.

Teaching Carnatic vocals requires a structured approach that focuses on both theory and practical aspects of the music form. Here are methods that Mother Theresa Memorial School uses to teach Carnatic vocals:

1. Basic concepts: Start by teaching the basic concepts of Carnatic music, such as Swara, Raga, Tala, and Shruti. Ensure that students understand the meaning of each of these concepts and how they relate to each other.

2. Vocal exercises: Begin with basic vocal exercises to help students develop their voice and improve their range. These exercises can include breathing techniques, vocal warm-up exercises, and voice modulation exercises.

3. Learning songs: Once students have a grasp of the basic concepts and vocal exercises, move on to teaching them songs. Start with simple songs that have fewer notes and gradually progress to more complex songs.

4. Emphasis on pronunciation and intonation: Emphasize the importance of proper pronunciation and intonation while singing Carnatic songs. Students should learn to pronounce each word and syllable clearly and accurately and understand the significance of intonation in Carnatic music.

5. Encourage practice: Practice is essential to learning Carnatic vocals, and students should be encouraged to practice regularly. Assign songs to practice at home, and provide feedback and guidance to help students improve.

6. Live demonstrations: Invite professional Carnatic vocalists to give live demonstrations in the school, which can inspire students and give them a better understanding of the music form.

7. Assessments: Conduct regular assessments to evaluate students' progress and understanding of Carnatic vocals. These assessments can include written tests, practical exams, and performances.

Here are some potential benefits of incorporating Carnatic vocal in the school curriculum:

1. Enhances cognitive development: Learning Carnatic vocal music involves the development of musical memory, attention, and auditory perception, which can help enhance cognitive development in students.

2. Improves focus and concentration: Carnatic vocal music requires students to concentrate and focus on the music, which can help improve their attention span and focus.

3. Boosts creativity: Learning Carnatic vocal music involves the development of artistic expression and creativity, which can help students in developing a more comprehensive approach to their studies.