Reflections…
Its a beautiful feeling to be on stage. The seemingly endless hours of practice, aching feet, coordinating footwork with the tabla, listening attentively and tuning in with all the musicians and not to forget a few butterflies in the stomach…somehow the mind forgets all the dissonance and an organic wholeness and a union with my dance is all that matters on stage. This stage transforms into a blank canvas for me to dance in my colours. As i dance to the vandana, i am invoking the gods in heaven, the earth under my feet and the vast endless space all around me.
I look at the audience, but i don’t really see anyone. i visualize a beautiful, sublimely Ganesh and i surrender myself in prayer. My inner light guides me and is my most trustworthy compass on this mystical journey. I can hear my teacher singing the thumri, thaat and the todas. From her i have learnt to dance only for myself. To dance like there is no tomorrow and today is a sacred precious gift, to be savored and lived with zest. The gentle swirl of my ghagara, my feet dancing to the intricate beats of the tabla and my very being starts unfolding to this divine music.. dance is indeed a meditation, with my guru guiding me to its very core. Have i become the dance or has the dance become me !!
The melodious tinkling of ankle bells..
a collective gasp…. sweet tears..
a prayer is answered…. yet again
I am a Pune based artist, Kathak dancer, Dance Movement Therapist, and an avid Yoga practitioner/ teacher. I am also the Director at the Sakal Media Group, a Trustee of Pune Blind School and Nirdhar Trust.
Being a part of Sakal Media Group, with its strong foundation of service and ethical journalism, I am deeply committed in making this world a better place by pushing boundaries, giving opportunities to others, following my convictions, helping others make better choices and to tell powerful stories that will help reshape the world we live in.
