Kottayam: The corridors of CMS college, Kottayam are lined up with participants ready to showcase their talents on stage. While most of the classical dancers have a whole troupe of supporters with them, one young girl stroll on the veranda accompanied by her mother who fidgets with the adornments on the Bharatanatyam dancer.

Anns T Johny, a Kidangoor native and a 2nd year BBA-Law student at Mount Zion Law College, Pathanamthitta excitedly asks the photographer to click a picture of her with her mother. This is her first time participating in a University Kalolsavam but she beams with confidence as she talks of how she learnt the performance on her own, with the help of YouTube videos.

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anns

Though she received Bharatanatyam training from her Guru Radha from the age of three-and-a-half years, Anns had to halt her dance training when she was in school due to certain personal reasons. As she stepped into higher studies, Anns concentrated on her education but the magnetic pull of the ‘Chilanga’ (Ghungroo/ bells worn by dancers on their feet), brought her to take up the stage once again.

However, instead of seeking professional training as most participants do when performing for an event like the Kalolsavam, Anns decided to trust her own talents and learn a Bharatanatyam routine using videos she found on YouTube. 

Her family supports her dreams and stands strong with her, Anns says. Though competing against more than 70 other participants, Anns is an embodiment of confidence and conviction in one’s own talents. She wishes to continue her dancing journey and says her penchant for this artform is one that doesn’t dwindle even after taking a break from it.