Rahul Acharya, a disciple of Durga Charan Ranbir and well versed in Guru Debaprasad Das style of Odissi, was recently in Kolkata to perform at the Odissi Dance Festival.
This member of the Sacred Dance Guild, U.S. is the first male Odissi dancer to be awarded the Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. At present he is working on a volume “Evolution of Odissi”.
Excerpts from an interview
What does dance mean to you and what do you do to keep in form?
Dance is my process of self-discovery. It is a personal journey of discovering my inner self. I understand myself better when I dance, I am totally involved both physically and emotionally. Besides sustained dance and yoga practice daily, I cross train extensively. I like running and also like doing weights (strictly under a trainer).
Tell us about your choreographic work.
I am developing an idiom taking into account the various treatises and thus undertaking a thorough study of the ancient techniques. I am re-analyzing the Ashtapadis from the various Bhasyas written post Jayadeva. Under my Guru Pandit Nityananda Mishra I have worked on a couple of my own choreographies. My presentations today are mostly my own choreographies.
Dance is not only physical but also metaphysical. What is your take on it and what do you to remain calm?
The process of dance is beyond mastering technique only. We train hard in the techniques for a certain period of time beyond that we transcend. For example 20 years of constant training and daily practice without fail will give you confidence that you are technically precise but then what comes next?
Unlike Western forms, in Indian dance forms, the body is used as a vehicle to transcend to a spiritual realm.
Your question is absolutely relevant and true. Dance is anything but merely physical.
I am trained in advanced yoga and the rigour of exercises that I undertake daily needs a great deal of discipline. Besides I tour like crazy and perform all over. This requires a great deal of discipline to be able to sustain and adapt. I have a carefree no holds barred approach to life. I push my extremes and learn from it. I lend my ear to everyone and ultimately land up doing what I feel. This gives me a tremendous amount of calm and peace.
