In this blog, young Tribhang dance student Anjel shares her experience of touring with Kala the Arts in 2024…
It has been a captivating adventure performing Batu, a technical Odissi dance composition, and Shivoham, a commissioned and creative dance composition, choreographed by my Guru Sushmita Pati. I travelled across the South of England from the bustling seaside town of Bournemouth to the cozy and quiet town of Walton-on-Thames. As a Kala The Arts young student and member of Tribhang it has been an honour to be able to join them on a journey to spread the joys of Indian classical dance, especially Odissi, the oldest classical dance in India originating from the eastern state of Odisha in India, throughout the globe. With my mum alongside me we have experienced many wonderful environments.
On the 8th of June 2024 me and my fellow dancers were full of excitement as we were getting ready to perform our debut performance of Shivoham (a production about Lord Shiva and his bond with nature and the Earth and her animals) at Aldershot Victoria Day Parade. Our countless hours of rehearsals were finally about to pay off. The second I stepped on the stage my alter ego embraced me and classical dance flooded into my body. Every move, every step, every element of the dance had me enchanted. An audience member from public – commented “It’s so beautiful, this is the best I saw today and has made me so happy”.
Me, my mum and many other residents of Basingstoke were mesmerised by the Diwali festival celebrations on the evening of the 8th of November 2024. This included an inclusive parade celebrating the many diverse ethnic groups not just in Basingstoke but worldwide. As the booming Dhol drums sounded at both the front and back of the parade lineup, I was filled with pride and excitement about my culture. After the parade finished we were led to the Amphitheatre where the audience, who were in thousands, took their seats and performers including myself prepared ourselves for the multiple performances.
First we were engaged in the dances performed by primary school children of Basingstoke and Hook. After this I had my dance. Full of anticipation and passion at the same time I prepared myself for my cue with my co-dancers, all of us dressed in our earthy tones of blue Odissi costume and our silver jewellery glinting underneath the lights. While dancing Shivoham I felt a whirlwind of enjoyment as the sound of the violin fascinated the audience and dancers each note coordinating with each step. Before I had realised my performance was over and me and my fellow dancers took our last bow and that was the end to a tremendous night.
On the 16th of November 2024 this wonderful tour of Shivoham continued now to be accompanied by another piece, Batu, another dance performed in the honour of Lord Shiva.
As soon as me, my mum and my co-dancer got of the train at Bournemouth station we were greeted by the crisp autumnal breeze and proceeded to start our walk down to the sea to the Pavilion Dance Centre. On our walk we saw many stunning views of the English Channel and Bournemouth Pier. When we finally reached the Pavillion we were warmly greeted by my Guru Sushmita Pati and the Pavillion staff.
The day flew by and before I had realised the rehearsals were over and the time for our performance was here. As I waited for the audience to fill up the seats I could hear many whispers of apprehension not knowing what the show would be like. The stage was elegantly lit focusing on key angles of the dancers and our costumes. Our Shivoham and Batu was consistent, each movement flowed with the next with grace and energy. The applause that rang out throughout the theatre was deafening, proving that we had succeeded in capturing their hearts while dancing. After the show we got changed and shared our individual experiences while performing and made small but valuable memories together. That concluded our very busy day.
The dance tour finished with the final performance on the 23rd of November 2024 at the quiet town of Walton on Thames in Surrey. Even though the venue was considerably smaller than the Bournemouth Pavillion the people in the audience were eager and longing to see Indian classical dance. Before getting on the stage I was greeted with many warm smiles and questions displaying an interest for the dance. While I was dancing underneath the vibrant stage lights many pleased and happy faces were visible in the audience and my confidence soared. After the dance I was praised so much for the dance and many people were interested in the heritage of the dance form.
Overall, it has been a delightful journey with Kala The Arts and I have gained many useful skills, opportunity of working with professional artists on professional stage. Also had a lot of exposure to outdoor and indoor venues, this gave me such happiness and for which I would like to thank my Guru Sushmita Pati and the organisation for.
By Anjel (14)
(Student and member of Tribhang Dance)