Sheila Coleman/DANCE ACROSS BORDERS

Arudhra Krishnaswamy, 24, studies dance at The Danceworx and is a PhD student in Film and Theater.

2. How did you hear about The Danceworx? How long have you danced with The Danceworx? Why do you train with The Danceworx? Back in college, I became a member of the Western Dance society and funnily almost 95% of my team members were students of the Danceworx. Before that, I was always aware of the existence of the academy. However, I didn’t know much about it. So college was when I really got to know what it was and how great it was. Somehow, unfortunately though, I never found the time to join the academy back then. With college and so many other things going on at the same time, I couldn’t make time for dance lessons. After the completion of my program…, I left for Singapore and spent the next few years there. So when I decided to come back, I was determined to join the academy and get some solid training and FINALLY, I made that happen! I joined the Danceworx in Aug 2011.

3. Why do you dance? Dance has always been my greatest passion. I don’t know how my world would function without it. I hear a piece of music and I can’t not move to it-on a train, on a bus, at home, in the bathroom..wherever. It’s a little bit embarrassing sometimes. I might have my ipod on at the max volume, and I become oblivious to everything around me and start moving involuntarily and 5 minutes later I’d notice people looking at me with a strange incomprehension. Haha. When I was 6, my mum saw the dancer in me and decided to put me in a dance school. I started taking Bharatanatyam (Indian classical ) lessons and continued until the age of 18. In Singapore, I couldn’t survive without dance for very long so started taking open Hip Hop lessons which was definitely a lot of fun. I also did an introductory workshop to contemporary dance. Learning different styles of dance has always been my aspiration because they’re so beautiful in their own way. So when I landed in Delhi, I decided to continue with dance and get some solid training in jazz, ballet and modern, which is something I had always wanted to do.

4. What should the world know about dance in India or India in general? In my opinion, India, given its rich cultural heritage and its diverse nature, has lots to offer. Dance in India is a mode of expression, communication as well as celebration. In different states, dance takes on a different role. There’s classical, which is symbolic of the culture and the values of that particular state and is obviously more rule bound and strict in its nuances. Most states have a folk style as well which is more celebratory and grand. More vivacious and free flowing- bright and inclusive. And of course, there’s film or what we call Bollywood style now which is now a new genre of dance in India. It’s is a fusion of a lot of different styles but is appealing to the masses.

Arudhra believes that "a dancer is an athlete and being a dancer could be a lifelong career."

It is unfortunate that dance even today, at least in India is a ‘strange’ and a incomprehensible career choice in the eyes of a lot of people. The idea of being a dancer or the choice of becoming a dancer still brings a lot of insecurity to the parents of those who make these choices. Even though things are changing and the society is definitely more open to this career choice than before, it is still in its infancy. So now if someone decides to become a jazz dancer or a ballet dancer or a contemporary dancer…that would be even more of an insecurity. The awareness of western dance in India is still very poor. People do not know that a dancer is an athlete and being a dancer could be a lifelong career…

5. Does anyone in your life regularly inspire you? Why? If its dance related, then my teachers. Every single class I take, my teacher becomes my only inspiration. I want to be like them. I want to be able to dance like them. My teacher becomes my driving force.

If not dance related, all those people in this world who dedicate their lives to animal welfare and protection are most inspirational. I have always been an animal person and have worked for various organizations as a volunteer or as a team member. I try to do my bit for the animals, especially those that are homeless. And when I am not able to do much due to my own limitations, I look at those who have given everything up just to make the lives of those who cannot fight for themselves better- that is truly inspirational.

6. Favorite quote:
“To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

7. What is your greatest dream? To be very honest, my greatest dream is to build an animal shelter in Delhi where there are countless homeless dogs and other animals. Every single day I come across a dead dog lying on the road, and it is painful …truly heartbreaking. I want to change things…This is my greatest dream!

Links
In our interview, Arudhra describes the challenges of pursing dance as a career in Asia. She says, “…the liberal arts and fine arts have taken the back seat as a profession… because the economy being in shambles… have trained our minds to think along the lines of mainstream” professions, the professions that earn money. To listen to her full interview, click: Dance as a profession in Asia by Arudhra