Re:

Posted by Ranjana (59.144.16.126) on January 03, 2006 at 08:51:31:

In Reply to: Mediocrity- prevalent but not endangering posted by Sangeetha on January 03, 2006 at 08:50:34:

Sangeetha ji, I agree with you when you say there is lots of skill and no demand. But shouldn't we actually think of some management principles and create the
demand. Probably, innovations in dance originate that way. Some dancers choose to use less traditional and popular means like Bollywood to get to the masses, eg:
classical choreography to Bollywood songs, and such productions do work well. The dancers feel they can attract people to pure dance through these varied
approaches. And in a way, I feel it is working. Taking a less conservative approach with a view to attracting people towards an undiluted form is OK, according to
me.

Secondly, there are so many cases when someone is desperately looking for a dance teacher and doesn't find one. That is because dancers choose to settle in
certain areas. The viability of certain forms is more in certain areas. Very few people would actually go and start teaching Odissi or Manipuri in Chennai, in a way, it
is harakiri. Dancers would rather go and settle down in the Eastern parts of India if they have an option. Risk-taking is necessary. Sometimes, the uncanniest of
ventures click.

Solo vs. Group dance is indeed a big dilemma. Yes, solos are what Indian dance forms are actually meant for, but when we have so many talented dancers, it is
difficult and practically impossible for all of them to get solo opportunities. Group dances give these dancers a chance to display their talents. In the course of time,
they can emerge as soloists. But then again, there will be the next generation of dancers who need the support of group dances. And when everyone is coming out
with elaborate productions which all touch upon the idea of mass communication in a way, groups and troupes are a necessity.

One can't really blame Gurus for the way they shamelessly promote themselves at times. But, as you said, they need their CV's too, like in any other profession. But
when it comes to humility and modesty, well, I can vouch for the fact that the greatest Gurus look beyond all negativity, and are so very humble and approachable.
There are still so many Gurus who will teach for free, so difficult to believe, yet true.

Govt funding has been a very contentious issue. Whenever it comes to awards/ scholarships etc, there is/may be a degree of partiality. Like everything else,
corruption and red tapism is rampant here.

Dance always gets less patronage as compared to music. Right now we are having a series of concerts in Mumbai, two music + one dance prog every day, and after
the music progs, the place is literally empty. In some concerts, there are more people on stage than offstage. Around 25 to 30 people watching famous dancers like
Guru Durga Charan Ranbir, that too for free. That is the patronage dance gets. How to rectify this, is something that dancers have to take as a challenge.