Mayuri Upadhya, artistic director of the Bengaluru-based Nritarutya Dance Collective, recently performed at Big B’s birthday celebration.
The Big B effect:
For Nritarutya to perform at Amitji’s birthday was history in the making, not just for my team, but for all the artists from Bengaluru. To work on a production based on the poem, Madhushala, a classic, in 20 days’ time, was a huge challenge. I was involved with not just choreography, but all aspects of the production. That, by itself, was an enriching experience. We had Mohiniattam, Indian contemporary dance, folk forms, Dollu Kunitha and Kamsale from Karnataka, Theyyam from Kerala and aerial artists, all divided into groups who presented themselves in different verses in the choreography, complementing each other in harmonious unison.
The making of
Nritarutya:
I co-founded it with four dance enthusiasts, Madhuri, Sathya, Geetha and Umesh, in 2000. The team is furthering the understanding of dance forms and performing modern dance.
The dance journey:
Born in Mysore and brought up in Bengaluru, Mayuri says, “I was initiated into dance at a very young age, training primarily in Bharatanatyam and Kathak, also Kalaripayattu. My journey as a performer exposed me to contemporary movement techniques and also led to my working with various established contemporary dance companies. I had a body of skills which was special and I loved the attention I got by exhibiting my talent.. I realise my passion and focus are in expanding the boundaries of dance,” she says.
Being Mayuri:
Passionate and perfectionist, Mayuri says, “I work hard and expect everyone in the team to give their best. I’m a free-spirited person who likes to travel, explore new experiences and am a constant seeker of adventure.”
Awards galore:
This year I was one of 10 awardees from the arts to be honoured by the former Governor of Karnataka, V.S. Ramadevi, on behalf of Manav Charities, which has been recognising individuals from various fields who have contributed to society.
Soul sisters:
The two sisters, Mayuri and Madhuri, set the stage on fire every time they are on it. Mayuri says, “We are siblings who fight about clothes, find time to giggle endlessly, argue over dance classes, have physical fights, spend days not speaking to each other and then patching up. As adults, we are very protective and nurturing of each other. I think we have an inbuilt insight over the years into each other’s systems, sometimes, even more than what we understand of our own selves. We are dedicated to what we do and share a common passion for work and dance.”