ANITA SAYS.....
Round
Like a circle in a spiral
Like a wheel within a wheel
Never ending or beginning
Like an ever spinning wheel
Like a tunnel that you follow
To a tunnel of its own
Down a hollow to a cavern
Where the sun has never shone
Like a door that keep revolving
In a half forgotten dream
Pictures hanging in a hallway
Like fragments of a song
And the world is like an apple
Whirling silently in space
Like the circles that you find
In the windmills of your mind
- Theme song from the film THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR
The freewheeling lyrics of this 1968 Oscar winning song has been stuck
in my head for the past few days. Contrasting images, opposing words, a
conundrum that seems endless without a clear denouement.
Despite my smiling face at the top of this editorial, there is NOTHING to smile about.
It has been a bewildering month and a devastating month. This
COVID-19/CORONA pandemic that has upturned our lives, dashed our plans
and slashed our existence is going to change the way we live and see the
world forever. Who knew that a virus from one country, one city could
infect and affect so many lives across the planet!
At this time, it seems inappropriate to talk about DANCE. I recognise
the thousands and thousands of artistes whose livelihoods have been
threatened, whose annual plans have been trashed and who are now
scrambling to find alternatives. Amidst the catastrophe of half finished
projects, international collaborations and more, I also recognise the
many inventive ways via technology that several dance artistes are
seeking to continue the practice and teaching of their art. It seems
like Armageddon - the doomsday scenario that many ancient seers have
spoken about. Amidst the current ruin of canceled shows, tours and what
seemed like sure-fire itineraries down the drain, performers are
scrambling to simply SURVIVE in the midst of what seems to be a year of
ruin.
If only we can hit the RESET button for the year 2020. But it is upon
us. The biggest pandemic and the most significant crisis to hit the arts
sector. Unemployment and loss of income is the most immediate fall out
of this pandemic. But the consequences are far greater. It feels like an
acid that is eating away- past the surface of our skin to the very
bones and marrow of our creative fires.
So, how can I write about DANCE? What more can I say about the dark mood and depressing landscape that stretches before us.
It is ironic that this month, NARTHAKI.COM enters its 21st year online.
We had many plans to mark the ADULTHOOD of my baby - infant - toddler -
adolescent - teenager - fully grown adult.
Our small team of Lalitha Venkat, Sumathi and Raksha Patel join me in
thanking you all for the confidence, trust and faith that you have
placed on our portal and hope we can continue to serve and illuminate
the global Indian dance community through our various articles and
information that are featured.
In the light of adding new phrases to our vocabulary -
SOCIAL DISTANCING, FLATTEN THE CURVE, VIRAL LOAD, CONTACT TRACING, SELF
ISOLATION, FALSE NEGATIVE, HOME QUARANTINE, #WFH (work from home), COVIDIOTS and UNPRODUCING (being used in the arts community).
With the extraordinary circumstances of the moment, we have chosen to
share the views of some of our faithful members and close friends across
the world. Dancers, choreographers, dance advocates - both performers
and supporters. 21 voices. To mark year #21 that NARTHAKI.COM is
beginning.
Read on...
