The yoga and classical dance traditions of India have been intertwined for millennia, with the precise gestures and movements of Indian classical dance achieved through yogic concentration, while the aesthetics of dance enhance yoga practice. This connection is explored for the first time in a unique narrative. Roxanne Kamayani Gupta began her journey into dance and yoga 25 years ago, seeking to uncover their mysteries and shared origins. As a young American student, she was absorbed into Indian culture, became a Hindu, and embarked on an extraordinary path. Gupta became the first Western woman to be accepted and trained by Indian masters, performing classical traditions from royal palaces to international arts festivals while earning a doctorate in the anthropology of religion and exploring various yogic traditions. Mastering Kuchipudi dance and studying hatha and kriya yoga, she unites these two streams of consciousness. Her tantric approach to yoga and dance embodies the totality of human experience, resulting in the dance of the yogini—the sacred feminine initiatress. With extensive photographs of innovative yoga routines, Gupta distills her experience into techniques that assist students at all levels in achieving a dynamic, beautiful, and graceful practice.
