Case Study
I was diagnosed with Auto immune disorder in my mid-30s. I was advised by my doctor to exercise since it would help my fatigue and stiff joints. I took that opportunity to learn a new skill rather than go to a gym or exercise at home since that will require a lot of motivation and I was not feeling very motivated.
I have always loved dancing and did Bollywood dance but never had or took the chance to learn classical dance. When I searched for classical Indian dancing in Basingstoke, I came across Kala the Arts and Odissi. I had heard of Odissi but never saw the form. So I researched Odissi dance and found it interesting. It took me weeks to call Sushmita and enquire about classes and she ensured me that there were adults learning because I was apprehensive of being the only adult. It took me even more weeks to gather my courage and join the classes. Even though I knew classical dance need a lot of energy like Bollywood dance, I did not count on the core strength and coordination required. I used to finish the class and then crawl back to bed because it would tire me out completely. Even during classes I had to rest every 5 minutes. My coordination was off, I found it difficult to hold a position and I could not remember the steps I was taught- it was frustrating. But I was determined to continue with the class since I had paid for it and I do not like giving up.
I have been learning Odissi for some time now with Kala the Arts. Sushmita has been a very patient teacher and taught me the dance at my pace. I cannot do a complete Batu or Pallavi or Moksha, but my posture, my technique and my coordination is quite good, if I may say so myself. I can do the dances in sections and the sections are getting longer. My body movements are less stiff and my mudras are more clear. I have found dance not only a great way of being fit but also a skill that brings a sense of achievement. I enjoy my classes glad they are local and feel proud that I can do a classical form. Odissi is a form of dance that makes you feel beautiful with its earthiness, expressions and compositions. I help teach new students and provide a background to the dance helping create a creative and cultural community in Basingstoke.
A Student of Kala The Arts
An interview by Suhana Rini Tiwari why she dances Odissi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JveXiMLK_Vk
I have always loved dancing and did Bollywood dance but never had or took the chance to learn classical dance. When I searched for classical Indian dancing in Basingstoke, I came across Kala the Arts and Odissi. I had heard of Odissi but never saw the form. So I researched Odissi dance and found it interesting. It took me weeks to call Sushmita and enquire about classes and she ensured me that there were adults learning because I was apprehensive of being the only adult. It took me even more weeks to gather my courage and join the classes. Even though I knew classical dance need a lot of energy like Bollywood dance, I did not count on the core strength and coordination required. I used to finish the class and then crawl back to bed because it would tire me out completely. Even during classes I had to rest every 5 minutes. My coordination was off, I found it difficult to hold a position and I could not remember the steps I was taught- it was frustrating. But I was determined to continue with the class since I had paid for it and I do not like giving up.
I have been learning Odissi for some time now with Kala the Arts. Sushmita has been a very patient teacher and taught me the dance at my pace. I cannot do a complete Batu or Pallavi or Moksha, but my posture, my technique and my coordination is quite good, if I may say so myself. I can do the dances in sections and the sections are getting longer. My body movements are less stiff and my mudras are more clear. I have found dance not only a great way of being fit but also a skill that brings a sense of achievement. I enjoy my classes glad they are local and feel proud that I can do a classical form. Odissi is a form of dance that makes you feel beautiful with its earthiness, expressions and compositions. I help teach new students and provide a background to the dance helping create a creative and cultural community in Basingstoke.
A Student of Kala The Arts
An interview by Suhana Rini Tiwari why she dances Odissi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JveXiMLK_Vk