In conversation with Sailaja

Dance teachers have contributed enormously to national harmony by starting institutions and revitalising the traditional culture of yore, conveying the message relevant to the time. Kalaimamani Prof Sailaja, a well-known dancer and choreographer and founder of Sailasudha (An Academy of Excellence in Kuchipudi and Bharathanatyam) has won numerous awards and titles to her credit. Moreover, she is also the organiser of ‘Nrithya Sangama’, an art confluence, a yearly feature. This globe trotter has just returned after having participated in several festivals abroad.One is impressed by her sojourn into the world of creativity. She is all set to premiere in Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘Chandalika’, this Margazhi season as a tribute to one of the greatest renaissance poets of the country.Here’s what she had to say on few of her favourite topics of conversation during a quick chat with City ExpressOn her new production:I have dedicated this year to my production of ‘Chandalika’, written by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. I have concentrated on the songs and dance forms to capture the universal human search for love, peace and harmony that Gurudev so diligently propounded and propagated through his eternal works.On the present scenario:I think the present art form is precariously placed between a worldwide phenomenon, simultaneously trying to retain the sanity and integrity of the traditional forms. We will have to be sensitive interpreters of the values and grow out of the binding, with adherence to the concept of tradition.On new forms of expressions in dance:I think the Indian classical dance form is blessed with incredible freedom for each performer. Most Indian dancers are on a voyage of new expressions, keeping faith with several strands, not reflecting the old. However, the old tradition should not vanish.On tips to improve the art:I believe there should be a better appreciation of the work of one’s contemporaries around the country. I have always recognised the quality, dedication and hard work of students. Her advice:We should retain the art’s sanity, its integrity, its depth of spirit. There should be a major revolution among the youth. They should step in with passion to dance and should be committed towards art, and explore the unexplored arenas only to discover contemporary developments.