"Dance is all about enjoying the process" -Governance Now

"Dance is all about enjoying the process"

Yamini Reddy, born to Padma Bhushan awardee Kuchipudi dancers, Dr Raja and Dr Radha Reddy, speaks to Governance Now about her journey

Geetanjali Minhas | January 23, 2019 | Mumbai

#BRIC #SCO summit #personal note #Yamini Reddy #Kuchipudi dancer #Padma Bhushan #classical dance

Photo Courtesy: Inni Singh, Ravinder Reddy

Born to Padma Bhushan awardee Kuchipudi dancers, Dr Raja and Dr Radha Reddy, Yamini gave her first dance performance at the age of three. She has received Sangeet Natak Akademi award, National Bismillah Khan Yuva Purasakar and Devadasi National Award among others. She was the first dancer ever to perform at the Wigmore Hall London in 2011. She has performed for various heads of countries at the BRIC and SCO summit in Russia (2009) and performed before the president of Hungary during his visit to India. She teaches Kuchipudi at a classical dance institute in Hyderabad established by her parents.

What is dance to you?

It is intricately woven into my life. Most people view dance as entertainment. But having been with it since birth and watching my parents (also through my own experience), I have come to realise that dance is a very wholesome way of living. As professional dancers our body and mind are always in sync. The spiritual aspect of dancing helps us nurture our soul and creativity enables to express our individuality.

How have your parents influenced you?

They have taught me so much more than dance. Their ethics and principles constantly reflect in me. They have taught me values such as hard work, commitment, honesty, sincerity, love and compassion.

How is Kuchipudi different from other dance forms?

Kuchipudi originates from dance dramas known as Yakshaganas or Veedhinatakams. It is an interesting method of dance-drama. The sporadic items that are now performed as solo items find their roots in ancient items, which have evolved to suit the present-day needs. This makes Kuchipudi effervescent.

How do you experiment with art?

I prefer to do it without disturbing the grammar of the art form. I find new and interesting ways of presenting the traditional Kuchipudi, for example, by using shadows and silhouettes during introductions, costumes, light, etc.

Your memorable performance:

When I performed ‘Shiva Dance’ with my father. I also fondly remember the first time all five of us – dad, mom, Kaushalya mom, Bhavana and I – danced together as family.

Challenges in combining different classical dance forms?

Every dance has its own grammar, which has been exhaustively researched over centuries. To meddle with it is not right. While doing any sort of fusion work, it is wise to thoroughly research every aspect.

How was the transition to move out of your parents’ shadow into your own?

Having legendary parents is not easy, especially when you are trying to make a mark in the same field. Your work is judged with a lot of expectations, which you are expected to meet at a young age. But if you are true to the art and work sincerely your work will shine. The transition can be exhausting. I do not measure myself against my parents.

What does governance mean to you?

It means taking care of people and things around in a moral, ethical and disciplined way. It is similar to parenting. It is not what the child wants but what the child needs and giving it to him/her in a restrained and disciplined manner to ensure their good upbringing. Tough governance – knowing what is good for the people and ensuring it is done – may not always please everyone but will yield great results.

What can the government do to promote classical dance forms?

Start by having a strong cultural policy.

At present you are busy with?

Concerts. Also dwelling on an idea for a new production.

Your advice to aspiring dancers:

Dance is a physically grueling field with a long period of struggle. Even the most privileged dancers have to go through it. My advice is to stick with it through the tough times and have faith. Dance is all about enjoying the process.

(The interview appears in January 31, 2019 edition)

Comments

Other News

UPI continues to remain free for peer-to-peer transactions: Finance Ministry

The new UPI framework introduced has no impact on any person to person transactions, and UPI will continue to remain completely free for all person-to-person transactions, irrespective of the amount transferred, the finance ministry clarified on Tuesday. Payments to merchan

SEMICON India 2026 and the making of a chip powerhouse

On Thursday, prime minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate SEMICON India 2026 at Yashobhoomi in Dwarka, New Delhi. Global chipmakers, policymakers and investors will fill the halls, all watching an industry India has built from the ground up. For three days, the country`s semi-con (semiconductor) manufact

Lokayan 26: Indian naval ship sets sail from Livorno, Italy

The Indian Navy’s sail training ship, INS Sudarshini, set sail from Livorno, Italy, on Saturday on completion of a successful port call. During her stay, the ship participated in a series of professional interactions and cross-training visits, strengthening bonds of friendship and maritime partners

Global South: Health cooperation needs institutions to make solutions scalable

September 12 marks the International Day for South-South Cooperation, commemorating the 1978 Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA). Forty-eight years later, its central proposition remains relevant: countries of the Global South can draw on their own knowledge, experience and innovations to address shared d

Reading the mind of Xi Jinping

As India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Summit this weekend, and as prime minister Narendra Modi is set to hold a bilateral meet with president Xi Jinping, China’s growing global influence and the changing dynamics of India-China relations will be under focus. But to understand where China is head

BRICS at 20: From economic weight to global influence

This year marks 20 years of BRICS, with India set to host the grouping’s leaders’ summit this weekend. The anniversary offers an opportune moment to assess BRICS’ growing importance at a time when the effectiveness of global governance and the credibility of multilateralism are under in