Elements of Grace

Her latest dance initiative – Nijatatva – is a take on the four elements of the universe and its impact on the human mind. “In Hindu astrology,a person is given a set of pillars which comprises air,water,fire and earth. Fire gives us a fighting spirit while water bestows upon us a caring nature. Wind represents intelligence and earth showcases the stern self. I have tried to bring all of these elements together through the use of painted hands and graphical fluorescent lights,” Desai adds.

The agile and dynamic movements inspired by kalaripayattu will be used to portray the valiance of Rama. The compassion of Buddha will be depicted through the softness of Bharatnatyam. Balarama’s practical intelligence will be expressed through intricate footwork and Krishna’s ingeniousness is expected to be brought forth with the use of fluorescent lights. Desai is performing with her 50-odd students for the first time in Pune.

“These mythological characters never become outdated. The affection between Yashoda and Lord Krishna is evident in every mother-child relationship even today,” adds Desai. Echoing on the same lines,Chapekar shares,“Myths are not fairytales. They have a strong moral. Each character stands up for certain principles. And we should try and understand the lesson behind every such myth. Lalan has portrayed the lessons learnt from myths in a very innovative way.”

Chapekar taught Desai for two years and is all praise for her. “She had always been open to experimenting with dance forms. As a student,she was keen and always buzzing with innovative ideas.”

And using this zest for dance,Desai hopes to strike a chord with the Pune audience. She feels that they are more critical than their Goan counterparts. “The audience here is more informed and people have a critical eye. Goan audiences are less critical yet they are open to unique experiments which give me the platform for such endeavours.”

(Nijatatva will be held at Yashwantrao Chavan Natyagruha on September 27,6.30 pm)