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The Sankya group of Dancers

Since the past two years, Sankhya – a special dance group from Mumbai – has been a part of our festival tour. Their performances run throughout our festival and play an essential role in adding an Indian flavor to our ‘Festival of India’.

Following is an interview with Sankhya’s main dancer, Vaibhav Arekar (Vaibhav), by Maharani Vrinda Devi Dasi (Maharani).

Maharani: What is ‘Sankhya’ Dance Company all about?

Vaibhav: We are a professional dance company based in Mumbai. The artists are trained under one school of thought. They receive thorough training for 7 to 8 years before they become professional dancers and join the company. The company is relatively new and is functioning under my artistic direction.

Maharani: Could you explain the meaning of the name of your company? When did it start and how?

Vaibhav: “Sankhya” is one of the many philosophical systems in India. It recognizes two principles – the masculine called Purusa and the feminine known as Prakriti. The name symbolizes the harmonious balance of the two opposites. “Sankhya” was born in 2009.

Every artist needs his own workshop where he can experiment with his medium of expression. I felt a deep need to establish my own company so that I can have independence in my artistic expression. This is the inspiration behind “Sankhya”.

Maharani: Could you explain a little bit about your dance style?

Vaibhav: “Sankhya” has a firm rooting in the classical dance style – Bharatanatyam, which hails from the southern part of India. But the repertoire of our company ranges from the ultra-classical to dance-theater works. We also perform the folk dances of India.

I believe in making the classical dances appear contemporary so they do not remain some museum pieces. Though our dance is pure classical, Bharatanatyam, you will feel as if you are witnessing a contemporary dance form. The treatment given to the movements, their structuring and the entire floor plan or design makes it look contemporary and appealing to the modern audience.

The same holds true even with the themes. We have traditional themes such as pastimes of Krishna and Radha; the story of Goddess Durga killing the demon Mahisha; the dance of Shiva; a song in praise of Saraswati etc. We also have certain universal themes like seasons of India – spring, summer and the monsoon.

The dance based on five elements of nature – the pancha-mahabhuta was especially created for the Polish tour. Apart from these, we have six folk dances specially choreographed for the tour. Yes, we have the most famous “Dasavatar” as well.

Maharani: How was your experience with us last year? And what brings you back this year?

Vaibhav: The experience last year was an enriching one. From the point of view of a choreographer/performer it is wonderful to perform every day. The idea of bringing the rich dance heritage [a dance tradition that traces its roots to 3rd or 4th century B.C. and still a performing art] to the Polish people – entirely new audience – is very inspiring. The Polish tour gives a fresh life to the traditional arts, thus preserving our rich Indian culture.

What brings us back is the warmth of all the devotees and the love we got from Gurudeva, all the crew members and of course from Nandini and Jayatam Prabhu. I even feel that the excitement of performing every day is secondary to this feeling of being loved. Personally, this festival was an eye-opener to see so many devoted, inspired and charged up people, all firmly united in their belief in Indian philosophy and Vedic lifestyle. Yes, this is also the reason why I am back. When so many souls are trying to search the ways to transcend this material world, why shouldn’t I? Even if in a small way, be a part of this endeavor.

Maharani: Do you see any difference in the audience’ reception in Poland when compared to in India?

Vaibhav: Well, I have to agree that there is a vast difference. Especially as classical dancers, it is quite evident. When exposed to a foreign land the style loses its context, the symbolism of the hand gestures and motifs are not very well understood. Since we are not dealing with a dance audience here, it is a challenge to communicate the essence of our Indian culture via dance forms. We have to be creative also in presenting the traditional Indian dance to the modern audience without losing its essence.

Maharani: What is your opinion about this tour?

Vaibhav: I have performed in similar festivals, but none of this stature and grandeur. Nor have we been such an integral part of any festival. I must say that the festival is truly unique in its design. But I’m more astonished by its impeccable execution. Being involved in organizing a three-day festival in Mumbai, I can imagine the herculean task of the organizers in making every festival a success. All praises to them. I have never seen an entire festival shift base every three days, that too without any hiccups! The technical crew is fantastic.

It will not be an exaggeration to say that I am dazed by the magnitude of this festival and truly mesmerized by the charm, cooperation and peace inspired by Gurudeva’s love and devotion. The festival is truly a dedication to the feet of Krishna.


Views: 874 • August 8, 2010 Behind-the-scenes