Dance Like a Woman

Borrowing from classical, modern, and jazz styles, contemporary dance incorporates elements from many styles of dance, but it most often perceived as being closely related to modern dance, ballet and other classical concert dance styles. For Preethi Athreya who needs no introduction it is a critical lens - a sensibility, rather than a form. Words from the dancer on how she draws inspiration from Bharatnatyam and her much talked about performance at Alliance Francaise Your thoughts on being one of the few contemporary dancers in Chennai… I may be one of the few, but the movement for contemporary dance in Chennai is strong and deep-rooted in reclaiming the body and its dignity. How does your day begin? My day begins with training usually, then it goes on to a series of experiments sometimes and at other times, just reading and reflection. What is the creative process behind the creation of a piece of contemporary dance? This differs with each practitioner. For me it is in allowing the concept of a work to clarify itself over time with questions, trials and discussions. How do you draw inspiration from Bharatnatyam? Bharatanatyam is a good foundation. Sometimes it allows play, especially if you understand the principles and keep your sense of curiosity. Would you like to educate people on the merits of contemporary dance and how? No ... I think people are educated enough to make their own individual points of entry into the contemporary. How was the overall response to your performance at Alliance Francaise? Extremely energetic and enthusiastic. Words of advice to aspiring contemporary dancers… Take time to understand why you want to be one, before you think of how to be one. On your working with Magic lantern in the production of Ponniyin Selvan… I am a volunteer who is aspiring to participate and enjoy a process with Magic Lantern. It is a space that allows great sharing between disciplines like dance, music, theatre and visual arts.