Manning moves

At 24, this heir apparent of Sarabhai legacy defines his own existence with set lines of his ingenious skills.

Son of famous Bharatnatyam dancer Mallika Sarabhai, Revanta Sarabhai feels that art cannot be associated with sexual identity

At 24, this heir apparent of Sarabhai legacy defines his own existence with set lines of his ingenious skills. And the legacy of cadence is carried from two ladies to the man in the family where the man leaves no stone unturned in balancing the components of Lasaya and Tandava in his moves. Apart from basking in the glory of an impressive lineage, Revanta Sarabhai, grandson of Mrilani Sarabhai and son of famous bharatnatyam danseuse Mallika Sarabhai, has earned his own identity.

In the city this Sunday to give a bharatnatyam recital on the theme Celebrations, for the Poona Music Society, the prodigy shares his perspective for his passion.

At the age of eight when Revanta gave his first solo performance at the Lotus temple in Ahmedabad, the hope of man taking the centre stage in classical Indian dance soared high. And here he is living up to the expectations. With more than a hundred Bharatnatyam recital shows and solos scattered across the globe, Revanta strives to bring back the lost legacy of the role of a male dancer in Indian classical dance as he goes about elaborating on the components of Bharatnatyam. 8220;Bharatnatayam is born out of the dance of the universe. Shiva and Paravati when they dance what originates is Bharatnatyam,8221; says Revanta who also is a trained Kuchipudi dancer. The dancer who has completed a BFA from the University of Arts from Philadelphia further elaborates, 8220;There are two very distinct components in the dance form, Tandava and Lasaya. Where Tandava explores vigour and energy Lasaya on the other hand explores grace and beauty. A dancer has to be the embodiment of both.8221;

Revanta, who also is trained in contemporary dance forms and martial art feels dance cannot be associated with sexual identity. 8220;I think of myself as a body driven by intricate rhythmic pattern, beats and above all passion for dance.8221; According to him a true dancer balances both in his movements and expressions. A man and a woman they both complete each other and a dancer cannot do justice to dance if he does not balance both these attributes in him or her.8221;

Today, when women completely dominate the traditional classical dance and the names of male classical dancers are hard to come by, Revanta8217;s approach towards dance is refreshing. 8220;I also want the youth to take notice of traditional classical dance. Where hip-hop and reggae is gaining ground, I want to shift the focus of youth to traditional Indian dance and that will only happen when men as well as women both will equally feel a sense of belonging to the dance form,8221; says he.