The eight-dancer ‘Damaru’ ensemble is led by Vidhya Subramanian. | Photo Credit: Season Unnikrishnan
The term ‘classical’ has gained a whole new meaning in today’s world. Boundaries have become porous and artistes are redefining the genre in their own distinct way. While collaborations reign high in music, Bharatanatyam exponents have started showcasing the classical form’s flexible core. Even its time-tested repertoire (margam) is being reinterpreted to accommodate newer perspectives. Add to this, the increased reach through social media and technological intervention. It seems like a great time to be a dancer. Ask Vidhya Subramanian, and pat comes the reply: “It is lovely to be a dancer at any given time.”
Explaining her response, Vidhya, who has done her Masters in Theatre Arts, says: “I have danced under the guidance of my guru S.K. Rajarathnam, when terms such as ‘viral’ and ‘views’ did not exist. Now, I dance in an AI-driven era, with the liberty to ideate and implement. A creative individual will thrive in any period, through any trend. My generation of dancers has been more fortunate, though. We sit on the cusp of tradition and innovation, deriving the best from both.”
SOURCE: THE HINDU
