Dance: Intense, luminous

Chennai: With her mastery of the technique of the fine art of dancing she commands a presence on the world stage. Malavika Sarukkai is acclaimed globally for creative dance choreographies, which transport the viewer with the heartbeat of dance, taking it beyond geographies. As the founder and managing trustee, Malavika started the art trust Kalavaahini three years ago. In the last two years, the trust has been awarding four fellowships to classical dancers to choreograph work within the classical genre which is original in concept, creative and intelligent in execution. In the Dance Immersion Program the Trust has created space where renowned artistes share their vision, passion and creative process. The program provides an oasis where dancers with serious intent can imbibe, observe, question and reflect on dance. 

“Dance, in short, is my life. It is neither part time nor full time but a life time's dedication”, she said while explaining her passion. Malavika Sarukkai shares more on the Fellowship Award Program, Kalavaahini and her love for dance in this interview.

1. What are the items the artistes are going to perform this time? 
In the Fellowship Award Program 2017-18 there are two artistes featured in the evening presented by the Kalavaahini Trust.  Sadaya which is a Bharatanatyam performance by Christopher Gurusamy will be followed by ‘Dhwani - Sound and silence’ in Odissi by Shashwati Garai Ghosh. Both programs being premiers will offer the Chennai audience innovative dances within traditional choreography.  

2. How many years back did you start this trust? Why? And, what inspired you to start such cultural programmes?
Kalavaahini was formed in May 2015. The main purpose of Kalavaahini is to foster excellence in classical dance and the critical heritage of India it represents. After decades as a performing artiste, I was keen to provide a platform where gen-next dancers who are committed, intelligent and hardworking are invited to showcase their work.  The Fellowship is created with the aim of stimulating thought-provoking work and well-researched work.

 3. Is there a unique plan for this year?
The broader vision of Kalavaahini Trust includes documenting and archiving material in the performing arts and allied subjects; organising seminars of intellectual inquiry where aspects of Indian art, performative or academic, are explored; creating dance productions in collaboration with artistes from different disciplines; conducting Dance Immersion Programs; awarding meritocracy-based scholarships to nurture the next generation; and through all this, to keep the intrinsic flow of  tradition, vibrant and salient.