A fundamental shift in the Indian monsoon has occurred over the last few millennia, from a steady humid monsoon that favored lush vegetation to extended periods of drought.

By Tom Strini, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Jul. 3--Bharatnatyam, the classical dance of India, grows from roots in 2,500 years of Hindu temple dancing. Its branches reach all the way to Fond du Lac, where Maya Kailas has made Bharatnatyam a big part of her life.

By Max Koh THE first night of female dance performances offered four talented danseuses from four countries - January Low from Malaysia, Masaka Ono from Japan, Mitali Devi from Britain, Madhavi Mudgal from India.

By K.K. I WAS disturbed by your report that a group of bharatanatyam dancers were only allowed to perform if they agreed to do so without the customary on-stage pooja to Lord Nadaraja ("Uproar over ruling against prayer, statue" - NST, June 4).

By MARY-LIZ SHAW Chicago's Natya Dance Theatre will bring the fascinating southern Indian art form known as Bharata Natyam to the Cedarburg Cultural Center this weekend as part of the center's Folk Heritage Series. Bharata Natyam, created 3,000 years ago, combines music, dance and drama.