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The Rasika dance company

Sanatani and Sivanjali – both from Russia, are disciples of Indradyumna Swami. In the interview below, they share with us how due to full faith in their beloved Spiritual Master, they were able to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks.

Maharani: Could you tell us how the ‘Rasika dance company’ was formed?

Sanatani: I was part of an individual dance performance since 2000. Knowing Srila Gurudeva’s desire to have a dance group, I started looking for dance partners. One day in the temple, I met Sivanjali, who had never danced before. I revealed my mind to her and offered to teach her how to dance. So, since 2006 we have been performing together. We are lovingly called the ‘Rasika dance company’.

Maharani: What improvisations went into your dance style since 2000?

Sanatani: Initially it was a traditional Indian style solo performance. In 2006, I started to change the dance style towards being more dynamic and grand.

Maharani: Your performance is wonderful and you both seem to be in perfect synchronization. Do you practice a lot?

Sanatani: In the beginning I used to practice for 6 – 7 hours a day and later 2 – 3 hours was enough. Later, with Shivanjali we used to have a combined practice for 2 – 3 hours a day, 3 times a week. But now, we don’t practice that much any more.

Maharani: Could you share some experiences from the tour?

Sanatani: The most recent experience, which is still fresh in my memory, is from our last Australian tour. Almost towards the end of the tour, Srila Gurudeva approached us and asked us if we can make our performances grander.

We gathered six girls together and decided to make a new type of dance. We had only 5-7 days to teach the girls everything. It was very difficult. I didn’t sleep for 4-5 nights in trying to put all my energy into this project. One day after the practice, the girls were lying on the ground, too tired to move. I wondered: “How is it possible to make all these girls dance professionally and in synchronization?” It seemed almost impossible.

Only thing I could draw strength from is my faith in my Spiritual Master. I knew that if Srila Gurudeva wanted something, it would work out. All we had to do was to put all our efforts in the direction of his desire. The girls also felt inspired. When we finally got on to the stage, the whole auditorium was roaring and everyone stood up. Throughout the following four festivals, the whole auditorium was practically roaring after the performance. Srila Gurudeva asked: “How could you do this? I never even dreamt that it would be so amazing.”

This experience increased our faith tremendously. We understood that if one has a strong desire to satisfy one’s Spiritual Master, nothing is impossible, even miracles can happen. Another important contributing factor to our success is cooperation – working towards the common goal to please our Spiritual Master. It deepened our relationship with each other and that sense of cooperation touched our audience’s hearts very much.

Maharani: What is your realization through all the experiences so far?

Sanatani: I have only one desire – to satisfy my spiritual master. All my thoughts are about how to please him. I understand that this dance is a way to associate with my Spiritual Master. By being conscious like that, this service is helping me deepen my relationship with him. As a result I feel a very strong connection with him.

Maharani: Can you tell us about the biggest difficulty and the greatest pleasure in your service?

Sanatani: The biggest difficulty is the austerity involved. After the intense tour, sometimes working without holidays, we come to the point that we can’t move at all. Just when thinking of taking a break, the next Polish tour starts. We have to step up and continue with the service. Not only that, we have to improvise the performance, enhance the costumes, be enthusiastic to inspire the girls etc. In addition to that, I have to balance this service with my other responsibilities like – take caring of my job, my child etc.

My greatest pleasure is to see that Srila Gurudeva is happy. All the austerities are worth, when I see him smiling looking at the happiness of the audience.

Maharani: What would you say to all the devotees about the Polish tour?

Sivanjali: Everyone who comes to the Polish tour is very special due to their deep connection with Srila Gurudeva. Everything is impregnated here with the mood of service to him. The Polish tour is like his child and serving here helps deepen our relationship with him.


Views: 662 • August 22, 2010 Behind-the-scenes




Comments : 1


  1. Do they have a website? Videos on youtube? Where can I see more?