Mistress of the dance floor
MAITHRI SRIKANT
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Kalamaster, a judge of Amrita TV’s Super Dancer, says there is a talent powerhouse in Kerala.
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There is a talent powerhouse here, especially among girls.
Photo: S.S. Kumar
Dancing queen: Kalamaster has many leading stars dancing to her tune.
Kalamaster is synonymous with cinematic dance in India. With leading stars dancing to her tune, she has given cinematic dance in India a facelift. A firm believer that dance is universal and can transcend barriers of language and place, she feels that even a foreigner can comprehend a ‘Krishna Leela’ or ‘Sitakalyanam.’ Excerpts from an interview:
Work pattern behind your success?
Follow a thread in each work and choreograph in accordance with the potential of each artist.
How did you enter this field?
It was my sister’s husband, Reghuram, a choreographer, who introduced me to the field. My sisters were taught dance but as I was often sickly as a child, I was not allowed to dance. However, the desire to learn dance had me learning Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, Kathak, ballet and tap dance.
Essential attributes that budding dancers should possess.
Punctuality and discipline. Rigorous rehearsals are a must. Yoga and exercise are vital as it helps in maintaining a fit body and the right posture.
Cinematic dance tends to dilute the presence and significance of traditional dance forms. What is your take on this?
Cinematic dance is basically inspired from Bharatanatyam and innovated upon. However, classical dance will never lose its sheen .
As a choreographer and judge, what is your angle on Amrita TV’s Super Dancer show?
It is a unique programme for young talents. There is a talent powerhouse here, especially among girls. They are well trained in classical dance. Classical dance is the base for cinematic dance. They are hardworking and open to all forms of dance. I am glad that the attitude towards cinematic dance is changing in Kerala. There is more of acceptance and appreciation of cinematic dance.
What about conflicts in judgment?
For a judge, there are different yardsticks such as costume, chemistry, expression and overall perfection. However, for the audience, the criteria would be different. And perceptions do differ in a live performance and on television.
How rewarding do you think it will it be for the participants?
Top directors have been calling me up and enquiring about various participants. Mainstream film industry is likely to absorb some of these fresh talents. Talent will soon bring them to the limelight.
Any tips for the participants.
Every beat is important and that is one of the quintessential elements in choreography. Lyrics and the understanding of it is important. The right expression too plays a role.
As a choreographer, who would you rate as the best dancers among the film stars?
Bhanu Priya, Simran, Juhi Chawla to name a few.
What is the latest in cinematic dance?
Bharatanatyam has made a comeback.
What are your preferred tracks for choreography?
I love music and as a dance choreographer, I love Carnatic and melodic songs. Have you thought about stepping on to the silver screen yourself?
Not my cup of tea. As a back-screen technician I have a longer tenure than a star!
Could you share with us your dream on the dance floor?
A dance school for generations. Kala’s ‘Kalalaya’ should be eternal.
Which country’s dance form do you appreciate the best?
India’s. And I would like to export it to the rest of the world.
And finally, how would you view cinematic dance as a successful career?
At present, it is not too significant but a choreographer has a bright future. However it is my vision to prove that it can be made a career, a livelihood. In a way, I have already done that.
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