When passion speaks with positivity
Passion spreads the inspiration.
Along with patience and perseverance
Creating and sending goodwill all over.
How truly wonderful is that?
So as passion pulls the cart, patience and perseverance carries it through to its destination.
Savvy
A good dancer invites you on a journey
You choose to flow along if you wish
Never in compulsion but in emulsion
Of the spirit of the moves
In unison from the heart of the art
In emulation of the joy of the dance
That frees you into acknowledging
The rhythm within so divine.
Listening to the melody in reverance
Tuning to the beat of the distant drums
Movements in momentous vibrance
Then all is harmony in the symphony.
Savvy
The Creative touchIs in the hands of the artistA simple stroke here a drag thereCreates a whole new meaning.Bringing life to the art.While embellishments adorn the art in the artistryThe message conveyed well, even in the simplest formAdds the depth of authenticity to the story telling.The genius is in the ingenuityIn the portrayal of the abstractsWith an intuitive intellect of insightsAll in the astute acumen of innovation.Art can be both joyful and painstaking in the process…To cast and carve, chiselling awayTowards the finesse of the elusive perfection.All is but a masterstroke of the creative touch.
An ode to artistry I must thank this unknown artist in the clip who created this beautiful depiction of the festival of Pongal celebration in South India.Watching this video clip made me write a few dedicated verses on the art and flair of the creative touch.Savvy
Do you love to dance?
Do you enjoy leading a dance?
What makes a dance enjoyable?
Dance is a lot like life . Here I bring forth a few simple pointers on Partner Dancing.
Important lessons in leadership are easily learned, on the dance floor…as you lead and as you follow.
They are very simple lessons and yet very powerful and contribute in making one a better dancer immediately. But more importantly it helps to know how to be a better leader in life too.
About two decades or more, Social dancing workshops and lessons in India were rarely common. We decided to do something about it and the Dance Concepts Latin &ballroom dance workshops began . We started with the basics :a Foxtrot , a Waltz , Jive , Rock n Roll and of course a Cha Cha Cha.
The idea was to teach as naturally and as simply as possible, so that the students made quick progress in learning the concepts of dancing rather than just a routine. Having had the privilege of sharing our social dancing skills with so many eager learners over the years we made a few observations … when the learners were learning the footwork side by side they would find it a breeze. But when we instructed them to join hands and dance together in an open hold some of them felt as if they were wrestling more than dancing with the lady pulling one way, while the man was pushing her another way Each had their ideas about how they should move and how it would look.
Social Dancing is a partnership, a partnership where there is a leader and a follower. Even if you don’t like to follow, to dance well together it is wise to respect the partnership rules. Learning to follow is a skill that one needs to develop and is not necessarily easy. It’s difficult as you have to do the same thing your partner is doing, except backward.
Just as important, you have to follow his lead even if it seems as if he’s going the wrong way. And thus if one learns to lead well, the partner may actually enjoy the feeling of being led than feeling yanked and shoved around.
Traditionally the man takes the lead on the dance floor. Yes, in ballroom dancing – even in these days -mostly the man leads. But roles can be and are reversed as well. After all it takes two to tango… if one leads the other follows.
Being a leader is more about sensitivity and definitely not about pushing your partner around, but to lead well, it is necessary to develop spatial awareness so you know exactly where your partner is at every moment, which foot their weight is balanced on without looking. You have to be aware of their pacing, and be mindful of the strengths, and weaknesses. And you have to take all that into consideration every time you move with a partner in your arms.
A good leader connects than controls.
Savvy
Sense what you are going to do before you do it. Just be aware of what your next step is going to be, and give your partner the signal at the right time so they can follow you gracefully. Like so in life: Having some foresight of what your life should become is like knowing what type of dance you want to do. But being a good leader requires more of you than that. It demands that you also have good ideas about the medium- and short-term tasks that are required to achieve that vision. And it means you have to communicate those ideas to your partners – those who are working closely with you to achieve your vision.
When dancing together it is very important to …
Signal your intentions with clarity. To lead well, and the way to avoid using force is to give strong, clear signals. The clearer your signals are, the easier it is to follow you. And the easier it is for your partner to follow you, the better you will look and feel together and the better they will like dancing with you.
In life: knowing what you want from your partners, colleagues etc is not enough. You have to let them know what you want them to do by communicating it to them with clarity. And most of all you have to develop the art of patience.
Lead to demonstrate your partner’s strengths.In dancing, the purpose of the leader is to lead – but the purpose of the dance itself is to enjoy the moment with your partner, each focusing on the bringing the best of each others strengths than the weaknesses…
Wise leaders hardly blame the follower when things go haphazard , which it might at times! After all exhilaration and excitement are a stones throw away from comfort zones that one might trespass at times , yet when ever the leader and the follower work in harmony … it is magnetic and mesmerizing indeed! It is then a dance beyond all expectations!
Savvy Raj
Member of International Dance Council
UNESCO
Have you witnessed the trees dance?
Swaying in the winds with soaring spirits
Beckoning the sky to rain some more …
Even a seemingly barren tree
Is full of life and alive in every moment
Ready to spring with a freshness of spirit
Even the dry parched roots, shapes into a new life.
The branches may be dried but trust nature to grow some more
And fill the senses once more
With vibrant hues of leaves in all shades of green.
Being a tree is a mighty task
Sheltering and shading every passerby
Giving fruits is a labour of love
Receiving carbon and sharing oxygen
And standing rooted to the ground
In all its natural abundance
For life to spring countless times
With nesting birds and the burrowing bees
The spirit of the tree is all heart
Sharing beyond compare
And watch as the world passes it by
In the echelons of time.
Trees stand the test of time
Of guts and glory upholding untold stories
Letting go the falling leaves in every day
Letting go the fright of loneliness and the pain of loss
Cos it knows the circle of life only too well…
What goes comes around
Like a breath of fresh air and a bud that is ready to spring.
Written by
Savvy Raj
It is Monday morning and a start to a new week! Here is a beautiful story share.
Sunflowers 🌻 turn according to the position of the sun, in other words, they “chase the light.” You might already know this, but there is another fact that you probably do not know!
Have you ever wondered what happens on cloudy, rainy days when the sun is completely covered by clouds?🤔
This is an interesting question, isn’t it?
Perhaps you think the sunflower withers or turns its head towards the ground. Is this what crossed your mind?
Well, that’s incorrect!
This is what happens?
They turn towards each other to share their energy.🌻🌻
Nature’s perfection is amazing; now let’s apply this reflection to our lives. We all want this light and seek it in different ways: in our family, friends, religion, work and so on. But there are always going to be cloudy days, gloomy days, because there is no escaping them!
When this happens, most people become overwhelmed, low-spirited, and the most vulnerable ones, some-times, become depressed.How about following the example of the beautiful sunflowers 🌻 supporting and em-powering each other. Nature has so much to teach us.
Wishing everyone a “Sun flower”🌻 trait of turning towards each other on their cloudy and gloomy days.
Reading this story drew me to another fascinating aspect so visible in the sunflowers. The mathematical order of their spirals, that continue to mystify us in all their glory.
Here is an interesting explanation for such a phenomenon.
Truly are many aspects to the ordinary… and yet simplicities of harmony in the very complexities and chaos of life and living.
3 Day Lyrical Favourites
Challenge accepted.
My sincere thanks to Dr Sridhar for nominating me for a ‘3 day Lyric Challenge’
Please do check his wonderful blog at
Philosophy Through Photography
And dwell into the philosophical angle of his photos which is his interest as well.
Hence the apt title.
My choice for Day 3 of the Lyrical Challenge is
This song is about taking chances and not being afraid to try something new.
To day my nominees to this challenge are:
1 Kamal http://boundlessblessingsblog.wordpress.com/
3 https://rhythmandthedancer.org/
Rules:
1.Thank the person who nominated you.
2.Share one of your favorite song/lyrics one at a time for three days.
3.Nominate three other bloggers each day.
Savvy Raj
http://www.savvyraj.com
As a Ballroom & Latin dance educator, many students have asked me what my favourite dance style is…
It is said that each style is like a language. Personally, I also think of different dance styles as having a “mood” that goes with them. I guess it’s not surprising that I do like lots of “happy” or “joyous” styles of dance. But I really do like the variety of dances for the variety of moods and it’s amazing ability in bringing a sense of balance. If I was stuck to dancing in one style, I would probably get bored after a while (I know that sounds strange). But it’s one of the reasons I really like dancing a variety of dances.
The Tango (for its intensity and passion at play as much as its fancy footwork)
And dancing the Waltz (for the heady glide, the rise and fall and its romantic sway).
Love the Rumba for it certainly is the dance of love… the song Everyday I love you, immediately comes to mind. But this performance by Slavik and Karina is quite riveting.
Happen to like the Cha cha for its stylish moves as much as its teasing spirit …that kind of speaks, this is my move … now, what’s yours?
I love the Jive for its lively spirit. You can truly never be sad after a little Jive/ Swing and Rock and roll. What say? At least it has always been a happy dance for me.
Really fond of it as much as the Samba for its lively bounce, so full of joyfulness.
Then of course comes the Foxtrot that feels like a wonderful conversation a dialogue between the steps
I also like the Merengue with its simple marching steps and executing many inter-looping turns almost feeling like a pretzel.
And how can I leave the Bachata for its engaging sensuality as those dancing hips don’t lie, they say it all and much much more…
Dances are so many and styling makes it even more unique.
In fact, I enjoy all these dances and more for their unique expressions – just one style would get boring.
The trick is to flow with the music and your partner whatever the dance and partake in the pleasure of dancing together in the now.
To actually be able to enjoy dancing to the varied music styles that would be a real treat. All the more reasons to learn and train in more than just one dance style :))
Do share your thoughts on dance and if you love to dance, what your favourite style of dance is…
I would be glad to learn and read more.
Savvy
Smile from the heart…
Help without expectations
Care without agenda
Paint with love
Sense the love!
Express yourself!
Share the love…
You do not live each day to discover what it holds for you, but to create it!
Lets start by creating some positive thoughts in and around us!
Savvy
Life is full of awe and wonder
For wonder reveals the soul of the being.
As awe springs forth from the heart of the living.
Amazing are the insights in the keenness of wonder …
To delve deeper than what’s visible in contemplation
To care to discover the mystery in anticipation
To appreciate with discernment than discrimination
To witness the unfolding in patience of observation.
The intention creates the perspectives in the dimensions
The adaptation untangles the transition
Between the illusions & manifestations in creation .
Only a heart and mind that is willing to acknowledge beyond the strife.
Unearths the undiscovered gifts of life..
As the heart widens its gamut of being
The horizon uncovers the abundance.
Savvy
Artwork by Savvy Raj
Someone asked me why I dance… and I said I dance to create myself.
I like to dance in my thoughts, words and deeds. By that I mean I enjoy the harmony of movements whether in thoughts or action.
Personally, I respect and value all forms of creativity and believe in the immense value of it in our daily lives.
We are all creative beings but some have to find their path themselves while perhaps for others the path is laid out for them.
We need to honour our creativity we need to find avenues to let go express and share what comes naturally to us. In that is a healing and restoring beyond compare. Have seen a single dance light up a dancers eyes or a single song or a painting stroke change the mood not only for the viewer but for the artist themselves.
Creativity is who we are and lets never forget it. The challenge though is to understand techniques of channelising creativity in a form that is valued and shared by many and that comes from practice. It is a path of immense possibilities each having the potential for soulful connects with self as much as others.
Dancers: An Artwork by Savvy Raj
What we create is meant to be and hence we learn to channelize the flow in more meaningful ways. Just the other day standing before a painting of just two vertical lines symbolised many possibilities… a bridge, to a tube, to a scale, to a road and more… infinite mind, infinite imagination, a fodder for thought in the letting go.
Yet to channelize the thoughts is a task for many demanding ardours and disciplined approach in thinking and streamlining strategically to enhance the end product be it any art form in life and living
Creativity must never be suppressed or repressed as then it manifests in disease of the body and mind. Immense is the power of creative movements to balance the body mind and spirit.
Express with every cell of your being the magnitude of your being… cos that’s what you are meant to do here.
Savvy
A visual verse
Wrote this impromptu poem after seeing this clip shared by my dear friend Efi from https://efisoul63.wordpress.com/about/
yesterday on my post Creativity: A matter of approach https://wp.me/p6a0yZ-2Em
Watch these amazing and spirited performers daring to dance like so…
<a href=”http://
“>Waltzing On the Walls
Waltzing beyond the Walls
Art lives in betwixt and beyond the walls of assumption
A dance happens in the letting go and in the gumption
Take away the fear of falling down and failure.
Take away the fear of doubts and see what the spirit can endure…
Soul dances leading through the spirit and the body follows
Unshackling conventions and freeing of limitations that hollows
Defying the elements and daring to dance
Shaping new frontiers without losing form or stance
Spirit of life I bow to thee🙏
You are beyond all decree.🤲
Savvy
You are a tiny speck in the multitude of multiverses around. Your life circle is what you are bound to create in your lifetime.
As life happens you will be drawn from your roots in various ways. New people and experiences will in time add new thoughts and dimensions of behaviour and you may perhaps feel a little or a lot away from your centre. In fact you may find yourself lost in your way . Rest assured that it can happen to one and all.
The patterns you draw are unique to you. You are your own choicemaker.
And as for the challenges in the paths that open…they are your life’s way of testing your faith in your path and providence. As you move forth to spread your wings to take the flight and experience time, be sure to keep a track of your center of being. Let it be your internal guide to bring yourself into balance.
The so called paths are open to all explore. The truth is out there and within you at the same time in the same moment. All is found is striking the balance.
The circle of life bears the wisdom of balance. The centre is the core and as you strive to balance the self towards your centre, your circle is strengthened by the interconnects of one’s own circle of being. And yet as you strive to reach out to others circle’s of being in the grids of connection, the circle of connections gets stronger in between while new dimensions are interpolated.
A few reflections…
Your life is not your own. Thinking so is an illusion.
You are meant to be all that you can be.
You have a purpose that is larger than your self .
You are meant to live and reach out and expand the self
You are meant to to merge and emerge in the new circles of connection.
The choice of being in true to yourself is yours to make
The patterns you create help expand the universe .
The connections you make in your lifetime leave a pattern in the grid for another to sense and evolve in time .
No two patterns are alike as the patterns are unique to your being.
Your purpose then is to live your life to the best of yourself.
Reach out to make connections and experience the realms while staying true to your centre.
As you learn your way back home, more will to find their way back home in time and space continumn.
Savvy
To be Continued.
Had shared this post on social media back in time called The Gift of Life !
Would like to share this message again , as it has personally been a great excercise in Gratitude and contentment besides empowering positivity…
“When I was a little girl I often have witnessed my dear father see and give great value and acknowledge every little good that is or that happens, however small they may seem to others. It could be a with a gentle word , a tiny appreciation or a little compliment. He taught me one of most important lesson for a lifetime ….to notice, respect and reflect on the good in and around us … and to live positively and think of life always as Plus++++es.
Savvy
Life is beautiful as it is and it is in us to see it so …” Savvy Raj
Savvy Raj 
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