ARTICLE January 31, 2025

Transitioning from dancer to dance critic

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In 2014, for some reason that defies logic, I wrote a critique on the formidable Dhananjayan’s performance ( you can find the link below). 

I had written:
Shanta Dhananjayan’s depiction of a vasakasajja nayika in “Theruvil varano” was everything you would expect from a legend – practiced precision with every emotion portrayed with restraint, expected out of an uttama nayika…..However, at this point it would do us students justice to see teachers of great standing explore the nayikas and present the compositions from different perspectives”. 

What I suggested was for Shanta akka to consider  “intellectually stimulating abhinaya” rather than play safe.  She read the review and after a brief discussion she simply said: Keep writing, you write well. 
Now, what desire propelled me, their student, write a critique on their performance?

From the time memory serves me (early teens; I came under their tutelage at Bharatakalanjali at age 5), I always spoke up when I believed otherwise. Sir would get annoyed of course,  but always, well, almost always we could have a conversation around the said topic. 

I thus grew up with a  deep knowing that, no matter how formidably successful they are, they will always offer a safe space to speak up, be seen, and be heard. They are at heart, artists— genuinely kind, loving, and generous.

It is now time for me to “ dare greatly” and review/critique and situate the role of artists and their art  in a rapidly changing cultural environment.

A few questions keep coming to my mind:
How can I offer honest and productive feedback ?
How can I write in a way that helps the dancer gently replace their bejeweled ego for thought-provoking art, and point out cultural trends, all the while upholding the core of integrity?
How can I carry on the legacy of my mentors’ kindness, love and generosity?

I am betting on my wild heart and expansive mind to light my way. 

Find below the link to the critique: 
https://narthaki.com/info/rev14/rev1696.html

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Trying something new is energizing! So here I go…. NEXT