Rhythmic movements, statuesque posturing and enthralling abhinaya impressed the audience at the third International Dance Festival at Kamani Auditorium recently. Interestingly, the subtle movements and well-rehearsed expressions on various classical dances were not being performed by dancers from our own country. The festival, organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, had 12 artistes from Italy, Spain, Iran, Russia, Argentina, Kazakhstan and Poland, showcasing their mastery over various Indian dance forms.
Alisa Afanasyeva, who is trained in Bharatnatayam, from Russia staged an enthralling performance with her sister, Margarita. The two told a tale of Lord Shiva’s wedding preparations, where the snake in his neck turns into a beautiful garland and ash becomes sandalwood paste.
Thrilled at the big round of applause they received, Margarita said, “We get amazing response in Moscow too, but it’s always exciting to perform in India.” She said that it’s hard to find an Indian dance teacher in Russia. “It’s hard to find a place to practice also. Therefore, I plan to start a dance school soon,” added Margarita.
It was an Indian classical dance performance in Moscow that introduced Margarita to Bharatanatyam. However, it was a dance item in an Hindi film that inspired Silivia Rissi from Argentina to train in Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Odissi dance forms under gurus like Ranga Vivekanandan, Shanta and VP Dhananjayan. “I found the Indian dance high on energy and body movements that are very different from other dance forms like ballet. Especially the facial expressions that are very difficult to master,” says Silivia, who was in the city to perform for the fourth time.
Another dancer, Asha Ponikiewska from Poland, who has been learning Bharatanatyam for last 10 years, agrees that the graceful movements and statuesque postures need lots of concentration. “It also took me a while to learn the extensive make-up and carrying the costume and jewellery,” Asha says as she practices some moves in front of the mirror just before the final performance. “It’s not easy for the foreigners to learn Indian dance as their body structure is different,” said choreographer Jayalakshmi, adding that many youngsters abroad are interested in Indian dance.