She belongs to Kerala and has been living in Delhi for more than half-a-century. Yet, she is one of the most admired, revered and sought after Bharatanatyam artistes in Chennai – the land of Bharatanatyam. A phenomenon in the world of Bharatnatyam today who has been conquering hearts of her audience and disciples worldwide, the globe-trotter dancer-choreographer-teacher has won India’s top honour for performing artistes – the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award – in addition to the highest honours of three Indian states for dance – Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh – and several other coveted titles and recognitions like Nritya Choodamani from Krishna Gana Sabha, Chennai.
She is Rama Vaidyanathan.
What made her a phenomenon!
The inaugural episode of the baithak series – a meet-the-artist session launched by NIV Art Centre in New Delhi on August 8 – demystified the artiste through her following first-person narration and confession in response to the questions raised by her fans and disciples during the session:
Struggle matters
When you struggle to achieve something, you learn how to value it and revere it. As a child raised in Delhi half a century ago, I had to travel about 15 kilometres by bus after my return from the school to learn under my guru Yamini Krishnamurthy. And it was for four days in a week. Neither the extreme weather of Delhi nor any school exams did ever deter me from joining the dance classes.
Attitude matters
One’s attitude towards one’s chosen art form matters the most. While dance is an ocean, the dancer is merely a drop of water in it. This attitude of humility and surrender is the most important realisation in one’s journey as an artiste.
Love matters
How do I deal with the dual pressure of performing and creating (choreography) or teaching? Often, I am being asked this question. My Instagram handle describes myself as “In love with Bharatanatyam”. I walk the extra mile for my love. And I am in love with my dance always, every moment of my existence.
Inspiration matters
Every morning, as I get up, I ask God through my first and foremost prayer to keep me inspired. Inspiration is the most important factor for creativity. The more you create (choreograph), you understand the dance form more and better.
Conviction and innovation matters
A creative person should have conviction about the importance of one’s own creations. I learnt from two great gurus belonging to two different styles – Yamini Krishnamurthy and Saroja Vaidyanathan. I assimilated the essence of both the styles and evolved as a dancer and choreographer. Style apart, I also tried unconventional contents like AIDS and breast cancer for my choreographies. I didn’t know then that I was creating a new style or new vocabulary. But I always loved my work and believed in myself. Evolution of the artiste and innovation by the artiste make the work relevant.
Awareness matters
It is important for a dancer to take dance out of the classroom. This is the most important process of transformation of a dancer into an artiste. Notice life around you. Take interest in art, literature, cinema and even the other dance forms. I even get ideas from Bollywood movies. It is important to be aware and alert of the life and creativity around you. Don’t be a frog in the well.
Practice matters
Sustained practice is extremely important. The younger you are, more practice is required from you. Dance gives you as much as you give to dance.
Teaching Matters
I have been teaching students since I was 19. Teaching dance has nourished me as a dancer. It had helped me to be systematic in dance-theory. The more you teach, the more you learn.
Audience matter
Learn to balance between what you want to present and what the audience want to witness. Study their cultural context while choosing choreographies for performances at different locations.
Factors that matter for the aspiring dancers
In order to explore the scope in classical dance as one’s career, the aspiring young dancers should cultivate at last three things: they should have conviction about their own work; they should be ready to invest enough time – it could be 20 years and not just two or three years – and finally, they should be ready to face the struggle and accept the challenges associated with the life of an artiste. Struggle is beautiful. Enjoy it. It shall enhance you. It is important to listen to your heart and take risks.
(The video of the baithak series with Rama Vaidyanathan shall be available on NIV’s YouTube channel).
Photographs courtesy: NIV Art Centre, New Delhi
