‘Contemporary influences in classical dance essential’

Dance workshops are a good way to assimilate information, develop new perspectives and interact with other members of the fraternity. And putting together her years of integrated experience, Dr Lakshmi Ramaswamy, a senior disciple of Chitra Visweswaran, conducted ‘Chaturlakshana’, a twoday comprehensive workshop at her institute, Sri Mudhraalaya. 

The first day began with her taking up two uncommon and rarely discussed texts, Tolkappiam and Koothanool, that have dedicated sections on rasa or aesthetic flavour. In her second session on abhinaya, she showed how a single character can be portrayed through myriad shades of expression. 

The second day began with a session on rhythm, the design of which included recapitulating the basics and wrapping it up with some challenging, brainstorming exercises. The final session was on lights and choreography, a first of its kind in the city. Her agenda included: types of equipment, their functions and layering a visual presentation. She says utilising available light resources is an art as much as knowing how to manage with limited light is. 

“To the viewer, it is not only the dance that is available for perception, but also the ambience or artistic space that is served on a platter. All these aspects are integral to the audience’s experience of travelling from the physical space to enjoying the rasa of the performance. The knowledge of rare texts gives dancers more inputs and direction to their given grammar, while the atmosphere of the performance is enhanced by the backdrop and lighting,” Dr Lakshmi explains. 

She thinks that classical dance has moved from its branding as a ‘lesser art’ to a well-known and cherished one. The wrong notion of it being restricted to a certain community was also fading away. “But a possible danger is that, in the name of fusion, sometimes confusion is created. As long as someone wants to call it classical, it is essential to stick to the grammar of it and explore within its boundaries.”  

She grants that tradition and westernisation are on opposing sides, especially when it comes to preserving classical dance. But embracing changes and contemporary influences, thereby making art relevant to the ever-evolving social fabric, is essential, says Dr Lakshmi. “There is nothing wrong in getting inspired by different interpretations, but mere aping of something is bad. 

Changes can be tried out while creating; as long as it does not disturb the root of its identity, it would be refreshing. But once the basic roots – the DNA – is challenged, the outcome can be dangerous.” She is glad to note that there is increased interest in classical dance among the younger generation. “They’re also keen on learning the science behind it.