Interviews
BeyondBooks: ‘Confidence comes with repeated practice’
This Bharatanatyam dancer from Apeejay School, Kharghar, says the art deepened her respect for her heritage
She is, at present, studying in Class VIII at Apeejay School, Kharghar. While she focuses on her academics during the day, classical arts have always been an important part of her life. She has been training in Bharatnatyam for eight years now. She considers herself a dedicated learner who loves the challenge of mastering complex rhythms and the beauty of Indian culture.
“I chose this dance form because I was fascinated by the beautiful costumes and the sound of gungroo. Even though it is complex, that complexity is what drew me towards it,” Anushree Mudafale said in a candid interview, among other things.
What is the toughest part of Bharatanatyam for you?
I think the toughest part for me is finding the balance between footwork and expressions. The footwork requires immense physical strength and stamina, while expressions need emotional connection and control. The real challenge is performing with full energy while keeping my face calm, and telling the story without looking too tired.
What level are you at, and how do you balance dance with school and performances?
I am in my fourth year now. Balancing both definitely takes a lot of discipline. I treat my dance practice as a way to de-stress after school. I try to follow a strict schedule, completing my assignments early so that I can dedicate my evenings to regular practice.
What has dance taught you, and has it changed your outlook in any way?
It has taught me to become more disciplined and to understand that perfection only comes with repetition. It has also given me a much deeper respect for my heritage and the hard work that goes into any classical art form.
Is there a performance that is special to you?
My special performance was Badi Utva during the stage performance for the fourth year. I felt a real connection with the audience, especially during the storytelling part about how Lord Ganesh likes to eat modak. It made me realise that dance can be a language of its own.
What would you say to students who want to learn but feel nervous?
To students who feel scared, I would say don’t focus on being perfect at the beginning. Focus on the joy of movement. Confidence comes with repeated practice.
