I have been learning dance for 22 years. Yes, that is a lot. Often, people ask us whether this means that we have our own dance classes. No. That is not the only reason to learn dance."How much would you charge for a performance?" is the next question. "It depends on what sort of performance it is," I reply. "If you want a full-fledged dance drama, obviously, our cost is higher, so we charge more."If it is not a dance drama, people ask, "Why is it so expensive?"I never know what to reply. I have so many ideas in my head, but I think, "Isn't it obvious?"1) We practise a lot. If we need to put up something that is professional, it is necessary, don't you think? 2) If you want us to be "professional", at some level, you accept that performance is our source of income. We perform three or four times a year, usually. Calculate how much a performance ought to cost if you think of it in … [Read more...]
Jatayu Moksham
The Kalakshetra troupe performed in Pune for the first time last evening. Finally.When I watch them dance, I understand. I understand why Kalakshetra is such a reputed name in the dance world. I am awed by the vision of Rukmini Devi, and her incredible imagination. I see dance as architecture, performance and storytelling. I am moved to laughter and tears, empathy and revulsion.I don't particularly like the Ramayana as a story. I find Sita a rather insipid character, whimsical and petulant. Rama, to me, is too good to be true. Too much of an unbelievable mixture of human and god. I am revolted time and again by the way Rama and Lakshmana taunt the rakshasi Surpanakha before shaming her. There is too much wrong with the story, for me. Yet, on stage, it is divine. The characters are living, breathing individuals. Sita, roused to anger, is formidable. In love, she wins my … [Read more...]
Arangetrams and Anniversaries
My dance teacher does not remember the exact date of her Arangetram, but she does remember that it was in 1964.Just for today, I'm going to pretend to myself that her Arangetram was the 29th of October, 1964.Because today, I think of all the time that has passed since our Arangetram: my sister's and mine. It's ten years since ours. 29th October, 2004. Ten years.Ten years of learning, performing and teaching. Ten years of acquiring a blend of pride and humility. Ten years of discovering beauty and expression. Ten years of understanding our bodies better - not so much through talent of our own as because we persevered.And just for today, I will pretend that our ten years marks my teacher's fifty years. Because then I realise how much farther I can go. Ten years, then, is nothing. … [Read more...]
Arangetram – Chaitrali, Diaspina and Purvi
"How was the Arangetram? How did Chaitrali do?" my mother asked.I had one word in response, "Moving."And it was moving for more reasons than one.When Chaitrali, despite her hearing and speaking disability made her speech, many of us were in tears. "I thank the didis," she said, painstakingly. "Varsha didi ... Nisha didi ... Resham didi ..." I pursed my lips to hold back the tears. When she finished her solo, many of us were crying again. Those of us who have our five senses intact should be ashamed of erring on stage when she managed. Somehow, she managed. Sure, she looked at us for confirmation that she was doing it right. She wanted us to be there to support her. But what's so strange about that?But equally, I was moved by Diya and Purvi.How did Chaitrali do? What time is Chaitrali's Arangetram? Diya and Purvi did not have the right to make mistakes because they were doubly … [Read more...]
Arangetram
The Academy of Indian Dances welcomes you to the Arangetram of Chaitrali, Diya and Purvi.Chaitrali is a special girl with a hearing disability despite which she has persevered and come to this stage. Her Arangetram is a proud moment for her parents, her guru, and somehow by extension, all of us. Diya and Purvi - hats off to them for their cooperation and support. Things have been different for them because they have the overwhelming responsibility of being better than ever and making no mistakes at all.This Arangetram is certainly going to be memorable.Venue: Tilak Smarak Mandir Date: 10th August, 2014 Time: 5:30 pm … [Read more...]
Day One: Abhinaya
The day was full of surprises, with just two participants for our workshop. We had questions about whether we should cancel. We decided against it, and perhaps it was a good thing.The workshop was an experience. Things that we had planned could not take place simply because there were not enough people. Yet, it taught us much. I came away with no regrets about having done it, but lots of questions. Tomorrow will be an experience too. With a performance scheduled, it will be strange if there are just two people, and even stranger if there are fewer.Maybe more will show up; maybe not. If nothing else, twenty years of training in Bharatanatyam will stand us in good stead. It helps when dance is flowing through your veins! … [Read more...]
Abhinaya – A Workshop on Indian Classical Dance
This weekend, we bring to you a dance workshop - Abhinaya ... … [Read more...]
Performances and Workshops
Many books on dance talk about how the layman likes quick movements and rhythmic pieces. There is a certain amount of condescension when dancers write about quick eye-movements and complicated-looking footwork because all of that is eye-wash. It is easy showmanship for an uninitiated audience. The true connoisseurs of art, say dancers, are those who realise the beauty of slowness and depth rather than eye-catching speed.In 2012, we had three performances in France - two in Renage, and one in Voiron. After our Renage performances, we asked our friends and members of the audience which pieces they liked so that we could decide on the pieces we would perform at Voiron. And the answers took us by surprise.The favourite pieces, we discovered, were the slower, deeper pieces. Those that explored a rasa like bhakti, devotion. Those that gave full sway to abhinaya.Because abhinaya, whether … [Read more...]
Technician
I have lost track of the number of times I have been in charge of lights and sound. As a small performing troupe, we can't always afford a professional lights and sound manager. And we most certainly cannot afford to have a technician with us for all our practices.At IIM Indore, it was fascinating. The scope of those lights was tremendous, and I enjoyed myself to the fullest, wishing I had more time to work things out and use the lights to our best advantage.At various other programmes, I have been in charge of the sound - both during the performance and (more often) pre-performance. I manage the details for practices, go to the studio to make changes in the music, all of that.But for the first time, I received a badge identifying me with this hidden non-profession of mine. I should probably keep it; when next can I dream of getting an identity card like this one? … [Read more...]
Nayanabhinaya
What is Nayanabhinaya?Divide the word and we get "Nayana" (eyes) and "Abhinaya" (loosely translated as expression).The eyes are an essential part of Indian classical dance, and that is one of the reasons why they are highlighted with thick kohl. The eyes express emotion and create beauty.Learn the basics of Nayanabhinaya at our workshop on Abhinaya at The Cultural Centre. Dates: 26th and 27th July, 2014 Time: 5 pm - 7 pm Fee: Rs. 1,500 … [Read more...]