“I learned a lot from Natyakala conference and also got lots of tips to improve. i enjoyed it a lot." That was a statement coming from none other than the iconic cinema choreographer Saroj Khan to whose tunes bollywood and the entire nation has shaken its hips and I was among the fortunate few to see her literally shake her hips and hearts at Natyakala. What makes it more intriguing is that this statement was made at a conference which is generally associated with purists of classical dance.
There is general conflict in our minds when we have an option of being traditional or modern. Most of the time we choose either to be traditional or modern and in the process forget that both can co-exist and collaborate. When tradition marries modernity a fusion is created and new vistas open up, well that is what happened at Natyakala.
The traditionalist welcoming and appreciating the modern dance whole heartedly. The modern dancer requesting the purists every time before giving a performance to excuse her if there were flaws in her dance movements. Remember the person who was apologizing was none other than the legend called Saroj Khan. In return what did she get, a standing ovation from the audience and Padma Subramanian jumping on the stage to hug Saroj Khan. Yes, there were tears in the eyes of Saroj Khan. In the last five days of the conference this was the first time I saw the audience giving a standing ovation to a performance on stage.
It was a moment to cherish for all dance lovers. You had to be there to see it. One of the best sessions in the last five days not essentially in the sense of quality or content but more so in the spirit. As a matter fact I deleted one of my tweets “Good to see the traditional art appreciating the movie choreography which is definitely less aesthetic. Real fusion #Natyakala09” just to avoid unnecessary arguments as to which is better. The real need of the hour is fusion and complimenting each others strength and not one-upmanship as to which is better. If a first timer like me who has all along been exposed to the modern dance can be awed by the grace, agility and what not of the classical dance. A fusion of both is definite to explode our minds.
One common accusations of traditional dance is that it is more elitist and in the stranglehold of a certain class or community. May be this is the first step to break the illusion and take it to the masses. A logical next step of this should be to conduct workshops on traditional art form where people from all walks of life can attend and ensure this divine art form is not locked up with the elite alone.
Dance matters and it is in safe hands too.
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