Interview Segment — September

Here, we reach out to people who will reflect on the theme and share their insights as to how it relates to their lives and work.

This month YFN reached out to Vidhya Kandeban, who shared her thoughts on the representation and portrayal of women in Bhartanatyam, an insight into its history, as well as how her own experiences as a Bharatanatyam dancer have empowered her! Read a short Bio on Vidhya, after the questions!

• Who are some women in Bharatanatyam who inspire you, and who South Asian women can learn from?

I have many dancers who I look up to and who inspire me. All dancers are women of power in my opinion. Being a pro at a performing art is no ordinary feat. It take immense dedication, hard work and skill to be a bharatha natyam dancer. But I’ll name two who are on the top of my list as women who inspire me. And who also I so pure women all over the world and not just South Asia as this art form now transcends continents.

Rukmini Devi Arundel — the lady who was the revivalist of the ‘sadhir’ style of Bhratha Natyam and introduced the Kalashestra form of the dance. The Kalasheshtra style is what I have been trained under, and it is only obvious that she is an inspiration to me and thousand of other dancers. A woman who gave the dance form a face lift and made it appreciable by all. She had a futuristic vision for the art form and her legacy continues even today.

Another present time dancer who I am a fan girl of is Rama Vaidyanathan, also a popular Indian Bharathi Natyam dancer who has performed all over the world. I’ve had a honor of performing alongside her, it was a complete dream come true. Her expressions and fluid movements are mesmerizing and her passion and dedication towards the art form is inspiring.

• In your view, how has the inclusion and representation of women in such a dynamic art form shaped the lives of young women and girls? How has it shaped yours?

Bharatha Natyam is a performing art , and any performing art requires skill, dedication and confidence. I think these qualities are very important to survive in today’s society, specially dedication and confidence and these attributes make women stronger and bolder. Being a dancer has definitely contributed towards making me a better person. Also, dancing makes me happy, it’s my happy place. It’s like getting into ones own wonder world , the feeling cannot be described in words. It refreshes the mind and body along with empowering an individual.

• In your opinion, how has Bharatanatyam shaped and reflected gender roles in society?

I wouldn’t look at it this way. It isn’t aimed towards shaping anyone’s role in society gender wise. But definitely, as mentioned above , it shapes an individual and empowering them with attributes which contribute towards making one a better and confident person. I guess in that sense women have more confidence in themselves. But don’t forget , there are many extremely scintillating male dancers too!

• How do you think Bharatanatyam has evolved throughout history? Is it more accessible to people of different genders today?

Origins of Bharatha Natyam as per historical texts reveal that Bharatha Natyam was first documented as a theoretrical thesis named “Natya Shastra” by Bhartha Muni, who was a Indian theatrologist and a musicologist. There is also a myth that the Sage Bharata Muni was taught this divine art form by Lord Shiva, who then documented this as the “Natya shastra”. Bharatha Natyam — is believed to have got its name from — Dance form with a combination of Expression, Musical melody & Rhythm. “Bha”- Bhavam — Expression “Ra”- Ragam — Musical melody “Tha”- Thalam- Rhythm. So this is basically the history as stipulated in the scripts. The dance form was a general practice during the ancient times in the Southern part of India, performed by a devadasi — a girl who is devoted to worship and the service of a deity or a temple for her whole life. The dedication takes place in a ceremony similar to a marriage. Dance and music were essential parts of temple worship. Besides performing rituals and taking care of the temple these women learned the Indian classical dance and maintained a high social status as they were encouraged by public funds to pursue their arts. Today over the years, Bharatha Natyam has gone down many families and hence taken many styles which have evolved and developed differently. Now people with established professional careers are also professional dancers. People from all backgrounds of race and religion and even countries are dancers. People from all genders are dancers. This is what I see as evolution. The all inclusive nature of this art form is fabulous! And I love how diverse it is becoming!

• In your experience as a Bharatanatyam dancer, how has this classical dance form been useful in expressing stories and ideas of women and sexuality?

Bharatha Natyam is a fabulous medium to express stories and ideas. I have portrayed many roles as a dancer , of goddesses, of strong bold women, of leaders , and their principles and lives being conveyed to people has been the biggest strength. By nature people like a little drama , a little colour and illustration. Hence a message or ideal being conveyed by dance accompanied by music , expression and colour is always effective and strong. I think one of the highlights in my dancing career was playing Sita — thus displaying her devotion, honestly, and also bravery. Her ability to attract respect and admiration, her ability to withstand distress, and the way she stood her ground is definitely something which all of us can learn from. It was a very heavy character to play, but it added a lot of value to me as a dancer. And I’m glad I did it . I am looking forward to playing more powerful roles in the future, thereby creating an impact for those who need it.

Vidhya Kandeban

Vidhya Kandeban is a mother, lawyer, social activist, academic, Founder of The K.C.Kamalasabayson Foundation, Co-Founder of Social Responsibility Asia (SR Asia) and the Co-Founder & Director of Academics Group, Sri Lanka’s first cross-sector education think-tank. She is also a professional Bharatha Natyam dancer and has performed in over 100 stage shows to date.