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.
Monday, October 18, 2010
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!
Dancing with a star
Since we couldn't have auditioned for a TV show, the best thing to happen was to get actress Indrani Haldar to dance with us in our version of Dancing with the Stars.She played the lead role of Chandalika in the Tagore dance drama. Working with such a well-established award winning star was quite a memorable experience for all of us.
Last 2 weeks, all the fun & games was over. No more Chinese take-outs or cooking group lunches. It was time to do our routine faultlessly. We were dancing in a contemporary style, different from Odissi. We all knew the routine in our sleep but the stage positionings were a challenge.
Every dance was drastically different in nature. One scene we were snooty, mean village girls, then we changed costumes and became happy, dancing maidens before turning into vodoo & black magic practitioners. With so many costume changes there was no time to think about the routine. All the sweat & pain of the rehearsels was helping now when we wre breezing through the routines.
The theatre was jam packed,there was not an empty seat. Our well-wishers had turned out in full force to support us. The beaming faces of our friends & family showed how much they appreciated our effort. Their applause & smile is still embedded in my mind.
Last 2 weeks, all the fun & games was over. No more Chinese take-outs or cooking group lunches. It was time to do our routine faultlessly. We were dancing in a contemporary style, different from Odissi. We all knew the routine in our sleep but the stage positionings were a challenge.
Every dance was drastically different in nature. One scene we were snooty, mean village girls, then we changed costumes and became happy, dancing maidens before turning into vodoo & black magic practitioners. With so many costume changes there was no time to think about the routine. All the sweat & pain of the rehearsels was helping now when we wre breezing through the routines.
The theatre was jam packed,there was not an empty seat. Our well-wishers had turned out in full force to support us. The beaming faces of our friends & family showed how much they appreciated our effort. Their applause & smile is still embedded in my mind.
Running high on dance
This summer has been a gruelling test of endurance & stamina. Our long cherished dream of putting on a fabulous dance show on the occassion of the silver jubilee celebration of Guru Mitra's dance school came true.
We trained 5-6 days a week for over 2 months to look perfectly in sync with each other. Dance is all we dreamt about in this unbearable summer heat. Our trainers from Kolkata, Tapasda & Saheli grilled us the Indian way. Repeating again & again till we got it perfect. We trained morning & evening juggling family, jobs & household chores. Kudos to our families for putting up with us.
All of us forged a special bond with each other. This was our parallel family. Having meltdowns, sharing joys & disappointments together. Being the group co-ordinator I spent hours emailing & bonding with each person. We all drew from each other, focussed on pulling through with a positive team spirit. For many it was a return to dance after a long span of time. Getting such a break was good fortune but high pressure.
The last 10 days seemed never-ending for we were running high on adrenaline. Driving more than 2 hours & rehearsing in the theatre I returned at midnight to find my kids sleeping. It was a full time committment.
But it was all worth it. I know this was once in a lifetime experience.
I am fortunate to be a part of it and to foster this special friendship through the love of dance.
We trained 5-6 days a week for over 2 months to look perfectly in sync with each other. Dance is all we dreamt about in this unbearable summer heat. Our trainers from Kolkata, Tapasda & Saheli grilled us the Indian way. Repeating again & again till we got it perfect. We trained morning & evening juggling family, jobs & household chores. Kudos to our families for putting up with us.
All of us forged a special bond with each other. This was our parallel family. Having meltdowns, sharing joys & disappointments together. Being the group co-ordinator I spent hours emailing & bonding with each person. We all drew from each other, focussed on pulling through with a positive team spirit. For many it was a return to dance after a long span of time. Getting such a break was good fortune but high pressure.
The last 10 days seemed never-ending for we were running high on adrenaline. Driving more than 2 hours & rehearsing in the theatre I returned at midnight to find my kids sleeping. It was a full time committment.
But it was all worth it. I know this was once in a lifetime experience.
I am fortunate to be a part of it and to foster this special friendship through the love of dance.
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