Slice of Life: ‘I believe stage is the place where I belong’

Chennai

I began to learn Bharatanatyam when I was in Manali, at the age of five. Even though our whole family consisted of music and dance lovers, I was the first person in my generation to take up dance. Since, I come from a defence family, we could not settle down in one particular place. Hence, my brother never got an opportunity to explore arts. However, I was lucky enough to find a good teacher. I love Bharatanatyam because it is such an expressive art form. Without the need for words, the dancer can convey their emotions, sometimes through their eyes alone. I loved being on stage, and I loved performing. With my husband’s support, I continued dancing until I was in my 30s. But I stopped dancing following the birth of my second child. My last performance was just a month after the child was born. I performed for a New Year’s function at our apartment, and then took part in a race as well. But, I blacked out and swooned. I could not take up dance after that. I was gripped by a fear of what would happen if I fainted again. But I am a person who would always have a lot of things going on. So, 10 years ago, I opened a company and enrolled in various clubs in the city. I am a people’s person, and love to be surrounded by people. It was at a function of one of these clubs when I finally danced again. I was very nervous before I got up on stage, but once I got there, I just knew that the stage was the place where I belonged.