At a recently held dance workshop, Pandit Birju Maharaj said, "Satellite channels are like the apsaras in heaven intent on breaking our tapasya for knowledge. But just like the speedy turnover of prime ministers, fads in music are a passing phase. Classical styles, however, are like the sun and the moon -- unshakable. There might be a storm and darkness, but soon the clouds clear and they gleam once again."Attended by noted dancers like Rajika Puri, Daksha Sheth and Sucheta Chapekar, the workshop spoke about Indian dance being a neglected art form. While it was agreed that tradition cannot be changed, the artistes present lamented about their isolation. A brief transcript of the discussion: Pandit Birju Maharaj: We should simply not dance for ourselves -- it is like performing alone in a locked room. Artists must relate to the audience. The art must be palatable, easily savoured like a sweet dish.Rajika Puri (Bharat natyam dancer): People complain that classical dance does notevolve beyond the hackneyed themes of Krishna stealing butter. For such people, we should conduct more lecture-demonstrations in order to make them understand the art forms instead of being in a hurry to hold formal recitals.
Pandit Birju Maharaj: We are used to starting a performance in Vilambit laya or with a Vandana. Instead, we could develop a short introductory capsule which gives the audience an idea of what is to come. This may capture their attention. While retaining the purity of the dance, one could experiment with the accompaniments. A loud percussion to accompany Shiva's tandav nritya may startle the audience into attention.
Daksha Sheth: How do we make young dance students enjoy the activity of dance itself, instead of teaching them with a goal to perform?Pandit Birju Maharaj: We let them play with dance for a few years. Gradually as they grow up, we should teach them its seriousness.
Sucheta Chapekar (Bharat Natyam danseuse): At an early stage, children should betaught about the relevance of art to life. They are taught so many subjects in school. Why can't they have one lesson a week in which they just listen to strains of the tanpura.
Dance is akin to theatre. If a dancer enacts the scene of Lord Krishna stealing butter mechanically, no-one will enjoy it. But if the Bhav is conveyed properly, everyone can identify with it. I am sure even American children sneak into kitchens and steal food. Why is the film Titanic such a hit? Because it deals with the universal sentiment of love. Love is all encompassing. Technique is one part of art. Unfortunately, technique is called art.
Pandit Birju Maharaj: Once a stagehand asked Pandit Shambhu Maharaj whether he should use red, yellow or blue light during a performance. Maharaj replied, `You must simply use white light which will reflect the colours created by my dance.'
Uma Dogra: What financial security do we offer for young girls and boys who are serious about dance?
Saswati Sen (Kathakdanseuse): Most schools in New Delhi have made dance a compulsory subject at the primary level. Graduates from Kathak Kala Kendra do not have a problem getting a job. In a place like Mumbai, even a graduation or post-graduation is not enough to get a job.
Saswati Sen: Why has dancing become such an expensive proposition. Why is it that only a few top dancers are invited to perform while junior and mid-level artists are completely ignored?
Pandit Birju Maharaj: Almost 15 people used to accompany my father on his tours. After his performance, he would introduce one or two students who he felt were ready to perform. Now, it is too expensive for students to accompany their gurus every time. But it is possible for patrons to ask gurus to recommend students even today.
Attended by Manjiri Kalghatgi
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
