This International Dance Day has given us many cultural takeaways we could cherish for another year. For weeks, the dance spaces in town have resonated with the synchronised footwork of artistes, with their bhava translating into rasa, and the music filling us with moods and energies. But, we are, after all, a country blessed with artistes who have dedicated their whole lives to preserving the continuity of our philosophies. For generations, these artistes have built on these art forms, creating movements out of stories and vice versa. Our celebrations continue too, even if it is not International Dance Day anymore.
“Kalayatra 2018”, aptly titled as journey of art, is Guru Sonal Mansingh’s latest work that will be staged on April 30. Having danced for 60 years, mastering three styles and continuing her scholarly work, it is Mansingh’s quest and passion for dancing that has kept her going all these years. “It almost feels like a pilgrimage to me, one that has been going on. Last year, we completed 40 years and we had a three-day festival for it. The nature of this journey is for everyone to see,” she says. The day also coincides with Mansingh’s 75th birthday. “I cannot wait for it to dawn. There is just so much to share,” she adds.
Mansingh’s obsession with the Devi Puranas have contributed to her work as well as the Indian classical dances immensely. Her Centre for Indian Classical Dances (CICD) is called Shri Kamakhya Kalapeeth, named after her ishtadevi . “The Devi Puranas have always inspired me. The kind of philosophy available to us is unparalleled. Shakti represents creation, cosmic existence and liberation. Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh are inherent in her,” she says.
For Kalayatra, Mansingh’s disciples and repertory will start with a Kamakhyastotram , written by a Sanskrit scholar. It will be followed by Ganesh Yoga. A special choreography called Shri Devi Mahatmaya will be staged too, which is about the navarasas as in the Devi Bhagwat Mahapuranas, presenting a few known as well as unknown stories. These navarasas will be presented in Navaragamalika and each episode is contained to show one rasa. Says Mansingh, “The journey begins with a swayamwar with Shiva, then as the daughter Sati, a wife, a mother and so on. It represents all the dimensions of a woman.” In Devi Mahatmaya, Mansingh will play the sutradhaar and perform the adbhutarasa as well. There will also be a pure Odissi choreography, along with ones in Bharatanatyam and Chhau.
Wider scope for dance
As a veteran in the field, Mansingh has seen the classical dances transform over decades. “The scope is much wider than ever before. Because of social media platforms like YouTube, organised events, reality shows etc., all kinds of dance can be seen. There is a mishmash. But it is also according to time. Having said that, the idea of quick-fix somehow does not work for our classical dances. Maybe if that is the path one wants to choose, it is fine. But one, then, must not wonder where the real dancers have disappeared because there is no easy way out to being hardworking, sincere or dedicated. It does not matter what generation you belong to, you must have the heart to observe, absorb, experience and share. I am never satisfied. I have never presented a finished product, it is always a work-in-progress and the work continues. Once you think of something as finished, it closes that chapter,” says Mansingh.
For Kalayatra, about 20 Mansingh’s disciples would take to the stage, alongside her repertory, which is in its fifth edition. The music has been composed by Mansingh herself. The event also marks the 42nd foundation day of CICD. Apart from an evening of dance, music and yoga, legendary Guru Pandit Birju Maharaj will also be conferred with the fifth Jiwan Ratna Samman.
(Kalayatra will be held at Kamani Auditorium on April 30 at 6:30pm).
