Page 30 - CineBuster Vol-3 Issue-04

I NTERVIEW

In spite of the western culture onslaught, it

is encouraging to note that lot of children and

youngsters are learning Indian classical dances.

In an exclusive interview with accomplished

Bharata natyam exponent and principal of

Nalanda Nrityakala Mahavidyalaya, Dr Uma Rele,

VIJAY SHANKER throws light on the significance

of dance education, Uma Rele’s encounter with
legendary Mohiniattam danceuse and dance

educationist Dr Kanak Rele and much more.

O n the significance of dance education in India

“Lot of children and youngsters are learning Indian classical dances and music,
which is quite encouraging and a favourable trend. Some feel that classical dance
is dying which is a mis-conception and a wrong notion. On the other hand, a large
section of children are attracted to western culture and lifestyle, while forgetting
and ignoring Indian culture and its values, which is disturbing and sad. While
children learn classical dance, many of them do not understand the significance
of Indian classical dances, which is the fine replica of Indian culture,history and
tradition. Nalanda Dance Research Centre was founded by Dr Kanak Rele and
Nalanda Nrityakala Mahavidyalaya is affiliated to Mumbai University, students
learn dance at the hobby level and also for degrees in dance upto the doctrate
level, wherein they have a fine study of the theory
that includes texts like Bharata’s Natya Sastra and
Nadikesvarao’s Abhinaya Darpana and other texts
which are very important as all the dances are based
on these texts. Besides practical performances, dance
education is a must today, as dancers it is important to
understand the relevance and how pertinent it is, which
will definitely make them better performers”.

On her encounter with the legendary Dr Kanak Rele
“My journey in Nalanda started from 1984 when I
took admission in PUC(pre-university course) after
completing my BA in Economics and Political Science.
My parents wanted me to complete my degree and
then experiment with unusual course of dance. the
last paper of my TYBA got over and on the same day
I climbed the steps of Nalanda and met the the then
founder-principal Dr Kanak Rele, I was immediately

CINE BUSTER n MARCH 15 n 2020