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New Indian Express
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Steps through time: Gen-Z dancers share their stories on World Dance Day
Dance isn't just about movement it's about feeling, expression and storytelling. Every dancer has a unique journey that begins somewhere between a beat and a heartbeat. In this feature, we look into the personal anecdotes of dancers from across the country and beyond as they share how dance became an inseparable part of who they are. From childhood inspirations to social media fame, these dancers show us that behind every move, there's a story. As the world celebrate International Dance Day today (April 29)—an annual event promoted by the International Dance Council (CID) and the International Theatre Institute to raise public awareness of dance as an art form— The New Indian Express took the opportunity to speak with a few prominent Gen-Z dancers who have made their mark on social media. We asked them to share their thoughts on the transformative journey of dance, from traditional roots to modern expressions, in today's globalised world. Amisha Jayaram: From backyard grooves to stage performances For Amisha Jayaram, a 22-year-old dancer, choreographer, and creator from Manipal, Karnataka, dance has always been an integral part of her life. Growing up, she was inspired by watching her mother attend dance classes and perform casually on stage. Though she started at a young age, her passion quickly became something more serious. 'Dance has always been more than just a hobby for me it's shaped who I am,' Amisha shares. 'From dancing in my backyard as a toddler to now performing on large stages, dance is something I can't separate from who I am, like a buy-one-get-one deal. Wherever I go, when the music hits, I just move.' Her first exposure to dance was when she was so young that she could barely walk. Her mother would bring her to dance classes because she was too small to stay home. Amisha would start grooving, not really knowing the steps, but with so much joy that her dance teacher noticed and encouraged her. This early belief from her teacher instilled a sense of confidence that drove her forward. As she grew older, Amisha began exploring different dance styles through online platforms like YouTube, becoming more versatile and developing her own unique style. One of her proudest moments came when a dance trend she followed, the "One Dance" trend by Drake, gained significant attention, bringing recognition from the original creator. For Amisha, seeing others recreate her videos is one of the best feelings, motivating her to keep pushing forward. Uthara Jayan: A journey from reluctance to passion Uthara Jayan, a 23-year-old from Muvattpuzha, Kerala, found her love for dance through a more reluctant start. Encouraged by her mother, Uthara joined classical dance classes at the age of five. 'I was very lazy and used to skip my classes,' she recalls. 'But my mom would scold me if I didn't go, and she sat with me until the class was over.' It wasn't until after her 10th grade that Uthara began to realise the importance of dance in her life. She started to take her practice seriously and felt a deep sense of pride when she was called on stage for school performances. Classical dance became her favourite style, and over time, her commitment to it grew stronger. Uthara also believes that social media has revolutionised the dance world. 'It has opened doors for many talented dancers who were not recognised before. But at the same time, it has also made room for untrained dancers to gain fame, which I feel can sometimes compromise the art,' she explains. She also adds, 'For me, there's no need to mix dance styles. I believe in staying true to the roots of classical dance.' Hashna Sivasothilingam: Bridging cultures through dance Hashna Sivasothilingam, a 21-year-old dancer and choreographer from London, UK, has been dancing since the age of three. Growing up in a Tamil family, she was introduced to Bharathanatyam by her mother and Guru, Ragini Sivasothilingam. For Hashna, dance is much more than just a performance; it's a way to express emotions and connect with her culture. 'Dance is more than just movement it's a language without words,' says Hashna. 'It allows me to communicate emotions and stories that words often can't capture. It's been a form of strength during tough times and a celebration in moments of joy.' Hashna's journey began with Bharathanatyam, but over time, she was drawn to a wide array of dance styles, including hip-hop and contemporary dance. While her foundation remains rooted in classical dance, she embraces fusion, blending different styles to reflect her evolving identity. She particularly enjoys mixing traditional dance forms with contemporary music, showing that traditions can remain vibrant and adaptable. 'The fusion of Bharathanatyam with pop, hip-hop, or R&B is a way of showing that our traditions are dynamic, just like we are,' she says. 'It's about embracing where I come from while also celebrating who I am today.' Shiva Soorya: The power of dance in overcoming struggles Shiva Soorya, a 19-year-old dancer from Kerala, describes dance as his way of snapping into reality. 'When I'm performing, I find peace,' he shares. 'It's like how people find comfort in their own space when going through tough times for me, that comfort is dance.' Shiva's journey into dance began at the age of four, inspired by his elder sister, who has been his role model from the start. Although he enjoys performing various dance forms, fusion holds a special place for him. 'Fusion is a way to bond different cultures together. It's one of the best ways to connect with people,' he says. Shiva also highlights the importance of training. 'In the age of social media, people are posting videos without understanding the basics of dance. If we want to make a career out of it, we must train smartly. Without proper knowledge, nothing can be achieved.' Anubhya Rana: The passion for dance above all Anubhya Rana, 22, from Dehradun, Uttarakhand, decided to pursue dance professionally after graduation. She started her formal training in the 8th grade and has since become deeply immersed in the world of dance. 'I've been dancing my whole life, but when I began training seriously, I realised that this is what I want to do with my life,' she says. Her biggest inspiration is music. 'It's not just the songs but the rhythm patterns, the sounds around us. Anything with a beat gets me moving,' she shares. While Anubhya has not yet created any trends of her own, she enjoys participating in them and sharing her interpretations on social media. She believes that dance should be respected, not just as entertainment, but as an art form that requires discipline. 'Training is key,' she says. 'There's so much competition now, and if we want to stand out, we need to invest time in mastering the basics.' This World Dance Day, they remind us that dance isn't just about technique or trends. It's about emotion. It's about culture. And most of all, it's about connection to oneself, to tradition, and to others. Because no matter where you come from, when the music plays you just move.
Indian Express
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
International Dance Day commemorates ‘father of modern ballet': Who was Jean-Georges Noverre?
Across countries, time zones and political ideologies – be it in the streets of New York, the opera houses of Paris, or the temples of South India – dancers around the world will pivot, plié and stomp to honour International World Dance Day today (April 29). First marked in 1982 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) under UNESCO, the day commemorates not just professional dancers and their creativity, but is also an ode to the spontaneity of movement and the expression that the art form is capable of. The celebration is also for the birth anniversary of French ballet dancer and choreographer Jean-Georges Noverre, also known as the father of modern ballet. Jean-Georges Noverre's path to dance Jean-Georges Noverre was born on April 29, 1727, in Paris in a family of modest means. While his father was a soldier in the French army, his mother came from an aristocratic household. Growing up in Paris, Europe's cultural nerve centre, Noverre was exposed to the arts easily. Opera, ballet, and theatre, which were especially funded by the French Crown, were an integral part of his early life. Men learned dance back then as an education, and it was considered a significant marker in social grooming. Noverre learned from the famous dancer and teacher Louis Dupré and debuted at the Opéra-Comique in Paris in 1743. His interest grew mainly from cultural immersion, Dupre's mentorship and his own creativity, where he began linking movement with expression. He became a ballet master and danced in the court of Versailles before moving to London and Berlin. Search for emotive storytelling in ballet Before Western classical dance acquired meaning and stories, it existed for entertainment in European courts. Ballet, which emerged during the Italian Renaissance in the 15th century, was rigorous, complex and emotionally aloof. It was more like upper-class pageantry that was an extension of court rituals. Precision and symmetry were significant, but ballet existed without any emotional vocabulary. Various dance reference books from the time talk about courtesy, following the chain of command, posture and technique, and not about showcasing happiness, ecstasy or turmoil. It was all beautiful to watch, and Noverre was fascinated, but he also wanted dance to mean and feel something. What contributed to his ideas was the French Enlightenment movement (late 17th century to early 19th century), which stressed reason and ideas of identity. This was also when some members of the intelligentsia were criticising ballet performances and equating them with mere gymnastics, asking for a purpose to the narrative. A democratised vision for dance In 1760, Noverre went on to publish Lettres sur la danse et les ballets (Letters on Dancing and Ballets), a treatise which spoke of storytelling and dramatic expression in ballet, and how dance should be capable of moving its audience. He made the costumes simpler, removed facial masks (a mainstay then) so that one could see a dancer's expressions, brought about changes in choreography and moved beyond usual tropes to teach dancers how to be storytellers. He called his concept 'Ballet d'action', where a dancer was to convey meaning through movement. He'd ask dancers to observe their daily life and project it in their dance with expressions of joy, grief, and anger, among others. 'The dancer must feel before he can attempt to make others feel. He must possess a soul,' he wrote in the manifesto. Difficult transition and a controversial dance revolution Like all radical ideas, Noverre's ideas were not instantly embraced and were criticised by some. Many ballet masters thought such views were dangerous and would kill an authentic form. However, the younger dancers and choreographers all around Europe were interested in moving forward, and soon his ideas began to find some recognition. A significant collaboration was with composer Christoph Willibald Gluck, who tried to bring about similar changes in opera. In 1776, Noverre was made the ballet master at the Paris Opera, a prestigious tenure marked by disapproval from many. But in the following decades, his ideas became increasingly more important, and a shift began. A legacy Noverre wouldn't live to see While his theories influenced the 19th-century Romantic movement (emphasising storytelling and emotions), Noverre did not live to see ballets such as Giselle (1841) or Swan Lake (1877) with their exquisite heroines – a direct result of his ideas. He died in 1810 and never saw how ballerinas became so significant in the years to come. Before this, all ballet dancers were men. Pointe work, the rigorous skill of dancing on the tips of the toes, was yet to make an appearance. Noverre remains a foundational figure, whose ideas paved the way for 20th-century pioneers like Isadora Duncan, Doris Humphrey, and Martha Graham, who introduced new styles and aesthetics to ballet.
Hindustan Times
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
International Dance Day 2025: 6 classical dancers on finding identity, purpose and passion through dance
International Dance Day, celebrated annually on April 29, is a global tribute to the art of dance initiated by the International Dance Council (CID) and the International Theatre Institute. The date marks the birth anniversary of Jean-Georges Noverre, the pioneer of modern ballet. For many, dance is more than just an art form, it's a path to self-expression, self-discovery and purpose. On this special occasion, HT Digital has reached out to renowned classical dancers, who have shared their inspiring journeys of finding identity, passion and purpose through dance. (Also read: Step inside Azim Premji's ₹350 crore Bengaluru bungalow: Not Indiranagar, Sadashiva Nagar, Jayanagar, it's located in...) Bharatanatyam dancer Madhura Bhrushundi reflects, 'For me, it is the seamless coming together of music, movement, rhythm, poetry, and emotions wherein lies the beauty of dance and its power to move. Each facet of dance- learning, observing, imbibing, practising, teaching, and performing-has enriched me in its unique way, often without me even realising it. It is only in the moments of stillness and silence within the dance that I'm able to truly grasp the profound impact it has had on me over the years. Dance has been my one true companion—the one constant that allows me to simply be. And as I journey further with it, I hope to uncover deeper layers to the enigma that is dance!' "My first identity from birth is as a human being. But socially, I'm known as an artist, which is an identity I've earned through a lot of life experiences and challenges. I believe that some form of yoga is necessary to find inner peace or salvation. For me, the way to achieve this is through Karmayoga, the yoga of action. It's often said that people spend their lives searching for their purpose," says Kathak Dancer Dheerendra Tiwari. He adds, 'In that sense, knowing my work and purpose as an artist feels like a true gift. And I see it as my duty to respect and honour this gift. Before really engaging in any spiritual practice or sadhana, it's important to understand what it means. For me, dance is a sadhana that goes beyond just logic; it's a way of living, as essential as my daily needs. When I'm deeply involved in this sadhana, I feel completely present in the moment. It's like I'm not burdened by the past, and at the same time, I'm not lost in fantasies about the future.' Kuchipudi dancer Abhinaya Nagajothy shared, "Kuchipudi for me, is a way of life. My world has always revolved around dancing probably destined even before I was born as a third-generation artist in my family. I believe it is beyond storytelling or cultural connection and defines my identity and being. Bharata in his Natya Sastra says: "Na tat jnanam na tat shilpam Nasa vidya nasa kala Nasau yogo na tat karman Natyesmin yanna drishyate" There is nothing that is not found in natya (performance): knowledge, sculpture, education, art, yoga, performance encompasses EVERYTHING." Odissi dancer Shashwathi Garai Ghosh beautifully expresses, "I dance—I internalise. It is an experience, a quiet vista, a lilting tune, a sense of something growing inside me."
Hans India
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Celebrate the universal language of movement
Every year on April 29th, the world comes together to celebrate International Dance Day, a day dedicated to the art of dance in all its forms. Initiated by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) in 1982, this day continues the tradition of recognising dance as a universal language that transcends boundaries, cultures, and generations. This year's theme focuses on "Dance for Well-being and Unity," highlighting how movement not only entertains but also heals, connects, and empowers communities around the globe. From traditional folk dances to contemporary styles, dance reflects the diversity of human expression and serves as a powerful tool for cultural preservation and innovation. Across the world, celebrations include live performances, dance workshops, flash mobs, and digital showcases, allowing dancers and enthusiasts to participate whether in theatres, schools, public spaces, or online. Special emphasis is being placed on making dance accessible to all — regardless of age, ability, or background — promoting inclusivity and mental and physical wellness.
Gulf Today
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Nimrat Kaur talks about the impact of theatre experience on her career
On the occasion of World Theatre Day, actress Nimrat Kaur took a nostalgic walk down memory lane, sharing key moments from her journey in theatre. Celebrating the art form that shaped her as a performer, she opened up about the lessons she learned and the challenges she faced along the way. With heartfelt reflections, she highlighted the importance of theatre in her life. On Thursday, the 'Airlift' actress took to her Instagram handle and shared a couple of photos from her theatre performances. For the caption, Nimrat wrote, 'Snapshots from a time I owe everything to as an of my learnings, failings and most importantly getting up to start all over again. Theatre was, is, and will always continue to be my inner compass, holy fire and my favourite playground. Where I learnt to question, create, be bold and vulnerable all at the same time. In the words of Augusto Boal 'Theatre is the art of looking at ourselves.' Here's to the magic of the stage, may it forever continue to inspire, to introspect and enchant us all. Happy World Theatre Day.' In the photos, Kaur is seen performing in various plays, fully immersed in different characters, showcasing her passion for the stage. Interestingly, many actors have reminisced about their fond memories of theatre on World Theatre Day, sharing how the stage shaped their artistic journeys. One such actor is Pallavi Joshi, who expressed her deep-rooted love for theatre and its profound influence on her craft. She recalled her memories and said that in Maharashtra, theatre has survived because it's easy on the pocket to buy tickets. Pallavi told IANS, 'The whole mathematics of theatre is very different. Theatre has survived in Maharashtra because it's easy on the pocket to buy tickets. When the ticket prices are low, the collection is lower, which means the share of actors' money and the margin of producers profit is also on the lower side. It is a sad state of affairs. She also expressed that theatre is home to countless exceptionally talented actors who, unfortunately, remain vastly underpaid. 'Their value addition to any play is invaluable. Yet it seldom translates in their paycheck. The bigger stars still manage to make some money, but the rest of them still need to depend on a regular job to get by, and treat theatre as a hobby.' For the unversed, World Theatre Day was established in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute to celebrate the art of theatre. On the work front, Nimrat was recently seen in the film 'Sky Force,' which premiered on Jan.24. Directed by Abhishek Anil Kapur and Sandeep Kewlani, the film centers around India's first airstrike during the 1965 Indo-Pakistani war, particularly the attack on the Sargodha airbase in Pakistan. The movie also features a star-studded cast, including Akshay Kumar, Veer Pahariya, and Sara Ali Khan. Prior to this, the 'Dasvi' actress featured in Mikhil Musale's mystery thriller 'Sajini Shinde Ka Viral Video,' which also starred Radhika Madan, Bhagyashree, and Subodh Bhave in the lead roles. Indo-Asian News Service
