The first step

In 2005,Kale along with a group of other dancers had been to Odhissa to perform in a national level dance competition. “ I have performed on stage with groups several times but this is a special event for me as this is my first step into the professional world,” she further adds. For the dancer,the turning point in her life so far has been when she met Dr. Sucheta Chapekar. Chapekar herself has been honoured with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Academy has been instrumental in mentoring her. “I am deeply grateful to Sucheta Tai. She is the ideal mentor that one can have and I should bless my stars to acquire my knowledge under the aegis of her and Kalavardhini Charitable Trust,”says Kale. Kalavardhini conducts training and examination for the Rangapravesham course. The rangapravesam is the license to a dancer’s first performance on stage. With constant efforts and perseverance Kale has reached the required level and thus has been chosen for the Arangetram.

Speaking on her routine,Kale says,“First I had to strengthen my basics only then could I attempt the Rangaprabesham. One needs to mathematically maintain a routine in order to learn something completely,” she says. When not dancing Kale can be found on the campus of Garware College where she is studying science at the intermediate level. Talking about hobbies and leisure she says,“Just like any other person,I watch television and listen to music (old Hindi classics preferably),but dance gives me a certain satisfaction which nothing else can.” Kale expresses gratitude towards her parents as well. “They have always supported me,especially my mother,0who had introduced me to Bharatnatyam.”

(Manasi Kale will perform at Bal Shikshan Mandir’s M.C.S. auditorium on September 16)