Mesmerizing Eyes of a True Guru

“You are a Bharatanatyam dancer, why are you attending a Mohiniattam workshop?” they asked. I had two words for them – Bharati Shivaji! We often clamber to spend just a few minutes with corporate leaders, stealing a moment in the lift or at the cafeteria. Yet, we overlook opportunities to learn from great leaders outside of board rooms. Bharati Shivaji is not just a Mohiniattam legend and a perfectionist at her art, but more importantly a thought leader in her field. So why would I not sign up for this workshop where I could spend three days with her, learning all that I could?

This Mohiniattam workshop was brought to us as part of the Celebrate Dance Series 2010. This series is a contribution of Mrs. Vaijayanti Kashi, to the world of dance. In this workshop, the third of the series, Mrs. Kashi, once again, has out done all expectations. Through these workshops, she brings the best in the world of dance, to artists in Bangalore. Each of these workshops leaves me awaiting the next one eagerly.

In this workshop, the content structure was particularly interesting to me. It had a good balance of technique and histrionics (Nrtta and Abhinaya). The technical piece, the Cholkattu, was of just the right size. For non-Mohiniattam dancers like me, it was not too long to overwhelm us, yet was enough to give us good exposure to Mohiniattam Nrtta. As I struggled to interweave languor into grace, the uniqueness of the style dawned on me. Chechi, as Bharati Shivajis students fondly call her, patiently explained to us, what our body was struggling to grasp and put into motion and we slowly worked through the intricacies of this dance form.

The Padam posed an interesting challenge for me. Learning a composition which focuses more on abhinaya poses less of technical barriers and hence should have been easier for me. Yet, I struggled, as I often got distracted by Chechis mesmerizing abhinaya. Her subtle yet delightfully sensual eye-movements transport you to a land of dreams and fairy tales.

As we took a break and sat at Chechis feet, sipping hot tea, Chechi spoke to us about the history of Mohiniattam. She talked about its development, pre and post-independence. About their struggle to gain Mohiniattam acceptance in the country and the challenges it faces today. We learnt more about Mohiniattamitself. About how Lasya and Shringara Rasa are so central to Mohiniattam, that they are even seen during Nrtta. About the more dramatic and yet more soulful nature of the Abhinaya.

At the end of each day, as I sat on the cool floor and the serene surroundings of Shambhavi theatre, stretching and massaging my sore muscles, I wondered at the myth the Mohiniattam was an easy dance to do. I watched Chechi chat with her students and even from the distance I could see the love and affection she has for her students. Chechis wiliness to open her hearts wide for anyone who wants a place in it and yet the strength and determination she demonstrates when it comes to the growth of Mohiniattam, might seem in sharp contradiction to each other, but blend gracefully in this beautiful person. I was looking at a true Guru, in what comes closest to a Gurukul, for city dwellers like me.

As I journal my account today and look back at the past three days, I am not sure if I have managed to learn the characteristic sways of Mohiniattam, but I am sure I have gained more understanding of the style, which will allow me to appreciate it better. I believe that the more art we learn to appreciate, the more beauty we let into our lives. People like Mrs. Kashi and Chechi dedicate their lives to bring this beauty into our lives and help us enrich our lives. And all we need to do is to want it!