I always feel nostalgic during this time of the year. Couple of years back,I made that crucial call to Guru Mitra that changed my life forever. After waiting a lifetime I had to know if my dreams of pursuing Odissi would ever materialize? Or would I have to train to be an aerobics instructor(another of my crazy obsessions)?
I had never heard of anyone teaching adults classical dance. Mitra is a pioneer in that field. After years of teaching school kids, she had started training a few adults. I stuck around the adult & kid classes till my basics were perfected. I knew I was on the right track when my muscles ached. Mitra was the perfect guru for me, with her wealth of knowledge & never ending enthusiasm, she was determined never to let me give up. She always set the bar high, forcing me to dance under all circumstances & making me drive long distances, (to her disappointment I still cannot parallel park).
I learnt to dream big. I promised to train harder than anyone else to realize this dream of mine.
For years we had a mixed group of kids & adults performing all over New Jersey. But somewhere down the line, more & more adults started signing up till we formed RDM professionals in April 2010.It gives me immense happiness to see the girls so motivated.They literally keep me on my feet. I am grateful for getting such a great bunch of friends. Together we dream of many more successful shows.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Friday, November 19, 2010
Looking back at 2010
RDM team had a super run this year. The Indian festivities are over as we get ready to embrace the holidays. In a month's span we did 4 shows before I squeezed in 2 lecture demonsrations. All of them were highly demanding. I had been the one wondering why there was such a lull after our mega Aug 1st show. God certainly heard my complaints. The test was my endurance to withstand the pressure of changing repertoire and gruelling rehearsels.I thrive on such challenges. Nothing makes me more happy than counting the number of shows we need to do.
I started learning dance to find a little joy in this alien land. Little did I know the call of stage grows on you. I love the groups where I can feel the vibes and energy of my team. Switching gears to do the solos is extremely challenging but once on stage everything else is forgotten-it's only the dancer and her audience.
Winter isn't a quiet sabbatical for us. We learn new pieces getting ready to hit the stage for summer. Most conferences and festivals are booked in July. August is the only time off before we get into the Puja frenzy.
This year I had the added excitement of 2 shows during Diwali. We presented a totally different repertoire at the ESU campus. We had a challenge to top our last years performance. It is always a joy to be at a college campus, feeling the buzz and enthusiasm of the students. The audience was spellbound by our stunning rendition of Bollywood classical songs. It was a departure from our all classical repertoire. A lot of thought and practice had gone into making our choreography novel and refreshing, yet true to our pure, classical Odissi technicalities. The Diwali dhamaka was there in our Bollywood beats.
One more show lined up for me in December at the prestigious Sruti event in Philadelphia, when I go back to performing timeless pieces from my Odissi repertoire. Then I too can get into the Christmas spirit. Let's hope the new year proves to be more successful and challenging than this one.
I started learning dance to find a little joy in this alien land. Little did I know the call of stage grows on you. I love the groups where I can feel the vibes and energy of my team. Switching gears to do the solos is extremely challenging but once on stage everything else is forgotten-it's only the dancer and her audience.
Winter isn't a quiet sabbatical for us. We learn new pieces getting ready to hit the stage for summer. Most conferences and festivals are booked in July. August is the only time off before we get into the Puja frenzy.
This year I had the added excitement of 2 shows during Diwali. We presented a totally different repertoire at the ESU campus. We had a challenge to top our last years performance. It is always a joy to be at a college campus, feeling the buzz and enthusiasm of the students. The audience was spellbound by our stunning rendition of Bollywood classical songs. It was a departure from our all classical repertoire. A lot of thought and practice had gone into making our choreography novel and refreshing, yet true to our pure, classical Odissi technicalities. The Diwali dhamaka was there in our Bollywood beats.
One more show lined up for me in December at the prestigious Sruti event in Philadelphia, when I go back to performing timeless pieces from my Odissi repertoire. Then I too can get into the Christmas spirit. Let's hope the new year proves to be more successful and challenging than this one.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Gripped by Puja fever
Being miles away from India, it's surprising how much enthusiasm Desis have for Indian festivities. New Jersey is a happening place at this time of the year. Durga Puja extends over 2 weekends at various venues. It's a challenge for us to do so many performances in a short time span.I have danced to all permutations and combinations. Doing shows back to back over the weekend or shows the same day at 2 different venues. What was the challenge in store this puja season?
Last weekend we were fresh from our 2 month hiatus making an appearance in North Jersey pada of ICC. This weekend we were in Delaware, then back to Central Jersey for Dashami. We had Mitra barely catching any sleep as she was accompanying a batch of kids to the Dusherra festival in Edison and then joining us for our dance at Kallol, New Jersey's biggest puja. None of us could go through that routine, so we skipped the Dusherra celebrations. Some brave folks still managed to squeeze in dandiya nights after all this crazy schedule. I was left postponing dandiya plans for the innumerable time.
We had returned late in the night from Delaware, barely eaten the next morning before putting on make-up and driving to our final show day. It's a miracle that my kids made it to tennis or had any lunch. We were on auto-pilot mode functioning like zombies. I had drawn a chart color co-ordinated detailing all stage position since we had different set of dancers all the 3 days. The crowd support and our Edison samosas kept us functioning. There were high expectations from our team, since memories of our performances at Banga Sammelan and George Street Playhouse Aug 1st was etched in people's minds. We never dreamt this final day would be such a test of physical and mental endurance before our home crowd.
All the hard work we had put in during the summer was paying off now as all of us could dance no matter what. Sleep or food didn't matter. If there was a committment we would do it and we would win the crowd. That's the spirit of RDM professionals.
Last weekend we were fresh from our 2 month hiatus making an appearance in North Jersey pada of ICC. This weekend we were in Delaware, then back to Central Jersey for Dashami. We had Mitra barely catching any sleep as she was accompanying a batch of kids to the Dusherra festival in Edison and then joining us for our dance at Kallol, New Jersey's biggest puja. None of us could go through that routine, so we skipped the Dusherra celebrations. Some brave folks still managed to squeeze in dandiya nights after all this crazy schedule. I was left postponing dandiya plans for the innumerable time.
We had returned late in the night from Delaware, barely eaten the next morning before putting on make-up and driving to our final show day. It's a miracle that my kids made it to tennis or had any lunch. We were on auto-pilot mode functioning like zombies. I had drawn a chart color co-ordinated detailing all stage position since we had different set of dancers all the 3 days. The crowd support and our Edison samosas kept us functioning. There were high expectations from our team, since memories of our performances at Banga Sammelan and George Street Playhouse Aug 1st was etched in people's minds. We never dreamt this final day would be such a test of physical and mental endurance before our home crowd.
All the hard work we had put in during the summer was paying off now as all of us could dance no matter what. Sleep or food didn't matter. If there was a committment we would do it and we would win the crowd. That's the spirit of RDM professionals.
Girls night out in Delaware
Delaware was the surprise this season. We were excited to be going to a different neighborhood. The RDM team went in 2 cars, stopping at places to pick-up dancers en-route to Delaware. I-95 was notorious as ever; the traffic heading for a game in Philadelphia. Some of us had to do make-up & hair in the car.
It was a hilarious car ride. We knew that even though we had split up, all of us were practicing the same songs, since we could see heads and hands moving in unison in two different cars. Practically all of us drive nowdays with one hand on the steering, the other in a mudra. Facial expressions is practiced on all other drivers. Driving to a venue is always adventurous. It's the drive back later in the night which is awful. You feel so drained out that no amount of Dunkin Donuts works on the system, all you want to do is sleep.
The organizers had a killer dinner waiting for us. We were royally treated. Having always had a diet of samosas, Gatorade or energy bars this was a treat- something unexpected. We had to dance after eating the mithai and batura. Fo the Aug 1st show, we hadn't eaten anything the entire day. What a contrast? It's a bad idea to bring us food before our show but all that drive made us forget our usual discipline.
The dances went without a hitch. We had a different sequence here since Guru Mitra was dancing and some of our dancers were not there. All this had to be co-ordinated in less than a week. I did my solos and disappeared to help with the costume changes. Suddenly there was loud applause, I literally ran on to the stage to find my series of group dances starting. If I didn't enter at the right minute, the rest of the dancers would be stuck on stage.
It was a rare treat to watch our Guru dance. I never watch any dancer before I perform but I too couldn't let this moment go. I had to be there to understand the essence of the moment. Videos would never bring the same feelings in me. Her Bangla dances to Tagore's poetry were a big hit with the puja crowd. Standing in the wings we could learn first-hand how to emote & captivate the audience. Mitra's fast paced Odissi piece, Battu dedicated to Nataraja had us all spellbound by her complex footworks. We were charged up to do our pallavi. The pace and mood had been set by Mitra. We had to keep the momentum going.The audience equally appreciated the classical pieces and the Bangla songs. This was well worth the travel!
Show over, having wooed the Delaware folks we switched back to Mommy mode. I had made numerous calls before going on stage trying to fix my son's imaginary tummy ache but I knew it would disappear the second he reached his friends house. Still all of us were crazy worrying about dinner and bed time, none of us were in a mood to enjoy the puja festivities. Strangely, all we wanted to have was a regular Saturday night, reading to our kids and tucking them in bed. But we are dancers, this is our version of Girls night out.
It was a hilarious car ride. We knew that even though we had split up, all of us were practicing the same songs, since we could see heads and hands moving in unison in two different cars. Practically all of us drive nowdays with one hand on the steering, the other in a mudra. Facial expressions is practiced on all other drivers. Driving to a venue is always adventurous. It's the drive back later in the night which is awful. You feel so drained out that no amount of Dunkin Donuts works on the system, all you want to do is sleep.
The organizers had a killer dinner waiting for us. We were royally treated. Having always had a diet of samosas, Gatorade or energy bars this was a treat- something unexpected. We had to dance after eating the mithai and batura. Fo the Aug 1st show, we hadn't eaten anything the entire day. What a contrast? It's a bad idea to bring us food before our show but all that drive made us forget our usual discipline.
The dances went without a hitch. We had a different sequence here since Guru Mitra was dancing and some of our dancers were not there. All this had to be co-ordinated in less than a week. I did my solos and disappeared to help with the costume changes. Suddenly there was loud applause, I literally ran on to the stage to find my series of group dances starting. If I didn't enter at the right minute, the rest of the dancers would be stuck on stage.
It was a rare treat to watch our Guru dance. I never watch any dancer before I perform but I too couldn't let this moment go. I had to be there to understand the essence of the moment. Videos would never bring the same feelings in me. Her Bangla dances to Tagore's poetry were a big hit with the puja crowd. Standing in the wings we could learn first-hand how to emote & captivate the audience. Mitra's fast paced Odissi piece, Battu dedicated to Nataraja had us all spellbound by her complex footworks. We were charged up to do our pallavi. The pace and mood had been set by Mitra. We had to keep the momentum going.The audience equally appreciated the classical pieces and the Bangla songs. This was well worth the travel!
Show over, having wooed the Delaware folks we switched back to Mommy mode. I had made numerous calls before going on stage trying to fix my son's imaginary tummy ache but I knew it would disappear the second he reached his friends house. Still all of us were crazy worrying about dinner and bed time, none of us were in a mood to enjoy the puja festivities. Strangely, all we wanted to have was a regular Saturday night, reading to our kids and tucking them in bed. But we are dancers, this is our version of Girls night out.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Cruising along!
A month's long break from dance was much anticipated by us. We envied those who went on vacations while we languished in the blistering summer heat. Going on a cruise was what I could think of all summer long. Even mundane things like doing grocery or cleaning seemed appleaing - a break from our back-breaking schedule.
We had decided not to communicate with each other for an entire month- a total hiatus from dance, when we would do all our catching up with friends & family. Little did anyone know that dance had become an addiction. We are incomplete without it. My system goes haywire, I churn out burnt dishes, I am miserable & restless all the time. A part of me is so dead, so joyless if I can't dance. I need to dance in order to live. It is what makes the dull, mundane routines of life a joy.
The Caribbean cruise did little to lift my spirits. The boat encountered choppy waters, I was restricted to yoga and running up & down the stairs. I cursed the mouth watering deserts, which I didn't have the heart to resist. My sense of discipline is much stronger if I have a show coming.
Looking at the dancing waves, I could only think of dance in my head. Putting my feet up & lounging on the deck chairs is not for me. However much I may have craved for it. I need to be on my feet- dancing & exercising till my bones ache.
Our month long break is over, Ganesh Chaturthi marked the resumption of classes. We were all eager to make a comeback. No complaints. We had had enough of a break. On a lighter note, my kids were only to happy to see me off to my dance class.
We had decided not to communicate with each other for an entire month- a total hiatus from dance, when we would do all our catching up with friends & family. Little did anyone know that dance had become an addiction. We are incomplete without it. My system goes haywire, I churn out burnt dishes, I am miserable & restless all the time. A part of me is so dead, so joyless if I can't dance. I need to dance in order to live. It is what makes the dull, mundane routines of life a joy.
The Caribbean cruise did little to lift my spirits. The boat encountered choppy waters, I was restricted to yoga and running up & down the stairs. I cursed the mouth watering deserts, which I didn't have the heart to resist. My sense of discipline is much stronger if I have a show coming.
Looking at the dancing waves, I could only think of dance in my head. Putting my feet up & lounging on the deck chairs is not for me. However much I may have craved for it. I need to be on my feet- dancing & exercising till my bones ache.
Our month long break is over, Ganesh Chaturthi marked the resumption of classes. We were all eager to make a comeback. No complaints. We had had enough of a break. On a lighter note, my kids were only to happy to see me off to my dance class.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Jersey Girls down the shore
Atlantic City has been my dream dance destination for over a decade. The newly built convention center hosted this years Banga Sammelan, a 3 day festivity that attracts thousands of Bengalis in North America.
We were over- stretching our limits by taking on this committment, a mere 3 weeks before our own show. All of us had reached a break-down point. The dances for Banga Sammelan were totally different from our show dances. An entirely new routine had to be mastered & perfected in a limited time span. We worked diligently, trying to keep our heads clear. Not an easy feat if you are doing 10 different dances in a month's time.
It was sheer will power that worked here. There was a point of insanity when you would practice your dance expressions at the gas station attendant or your mudras while driving. We had to focus 100% and be calm before the show. The new costumes lifted our spirits as did the beautiful stage lighting. Our New Jersey supporters turned up to cheer us on. The medley of dances went by fast. Hours & hours of excitement was over in a flash.
We were all set on having fun. We went beserk shopping for sarees & kurtis before wearing traditional Bengali sarees & participating in a fashion show. Our beaming, smiling faces showed our relief having gone through one big show. A days break was what we got before heading back home & rehearsing for our own show.
We were over- stretching our limits by taking on this committment, a mere 3 weeks before our own show. All of us had reached a break-down point. The dances for Banga Sammelan were totally different from our show dances. An entirely new routine had to be mastered & perfected in a limited time span. We worked diligently, trying to keep our heads clear. Not an easy feat if you are doing 10 different dances in a month's time.
It was sheer will power that worked here. There was a point of insanity when you would practice your dance expressions at the gas station attendant or your mudras while driving. We had to focus 100% and be calm before the show. The new costumes lifted our spirits as did the beautiful stage lighting. Our New Jersey supporters turned up to cheer us on. The medley of dances went by fast. Hours & hours of excitement was over in a flash.
We were all set on having fun. We went beserk shopping for sarees & kurtis before wearing traditional Bengali sarees & participating in a fashion show. Our beaming, smiling faces showed our relief having gone through one big show. A days break was what we got before heading back home & rehearsing for our own show.
Look who is behind you? Lord Jagannath
Dasabatar was a labor of love. We were lucky to get 10 different people to play the 10 avatars. For over 6 months we had been learning this challenging piece, trying to memorize every avatar. After mastering the traditional Jayadev slokas, we started learning the newly recorded version with narration. We were kept on the edge till the very end before each person got her avatar. I am amazed at my director's foresight in assigning a role suited to each dancers personality. I craved for Rama & was grateful to have the opportunity to enact him.
On the day of the show, we rehearsed for this opening act. When the curtains went up, all of us were in a calm, meditative state, absolutely enjoying the roles we had been assigned. That very morning, I had carried Jagannath in my car to the theatre. Turning back in the darkness of the hall, I found him seated behind me. That was a blessing! Having him in such close proximity, I knew the show would be fabulous. Dasabatar would be the talk of the town. Jagannath would bless me in my ashtapadi, Lalita labangalata, which I had learnt at his feet.
May he continue to bless & guide me forever!
On the day of the show, we rehearsed for this opening act. When the curtains went up, all of us were in a calm, meditative state, absolutely enjoying the roles we had been assigned. That very morning, I had carried Jagannath in my car to the theatre. Turning back in the darkness of the hall, I found him seated behind me. That was a blessing! Having him in such close proximity, I knew the show would be fabulous. Dasabatar would be the talk of the town. Jagannath would bless me in my ashtapadi, Lalita labangalata, which I had learnt at his feet.
May he continue to bless & guide me forever!
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