An Interview with the Classical Dancer Tanya Saxena
Tell us about your childhood. How it helped you to become a dancer?
Tanya Saxena
I grew up in a liberal atmosphere. All sorts of things interested me and I used to celebrate all the festivals. I have experienced art and culture of various other countries too. So I was exposed not just to Indian classical art, but also Rene Zon’s art and architecture, gothic art and architecture. I was also encouraged to read and learn a lot. That helped me and pushed me in having an open mind to things around me. These little things played a huge part in letting me decide what I want to do in life and to pursue what I like the most.
What interested you to choose dance as a career that too classical?
Honestly, I started with western dance forms like jazz and salsa. I also started learning Indian dance in school and that moment I realized that I have a body which is Indian, which would suit more to Classical dance more than any other dance form. With western dance moves, I was forcing my body to learn the moves, but with the Indian dance moves, I was embracing my body. Aesthetically though, as an Indian, I feel that there is so much of richness in Bharatnatyam. Indian aesthetic appeals to me more because of all the jewellery we have to wear, the richness of silks and temples culture.
People nowadays are more interested in learning western dance form or something that is more preferred in Bollywood. What is your take on that? Also, do you think that people are parting ways or losing interest in rich ancient dance forms like Bharatnatyam?
I am not convinced that people nowadays are opting for western dance over Indian dance. Earlier, people were only pushed into learning one kind of dance, but now as the options are infinite; people can choose other dance forms also. But the Indian dance form is not dying as there are so many people from overseas also come here to learn the Indian dance form.
You seem to be good in academics too. So was it difficult to choose dance over academics or any other professional life?
It was difficult, but the decision was not that difficult. I had already decided in my heart and mind that I will pursue something which will give me joy and happiness. It is difficult that you have to let a lot of your ambitions go; you have to understand the fact that you may not earn that much of money and you will have to struggle. But in regard to choosing between two careers, I was clear from the start that I will only pursue the thing that I am passionate about, I’ll be a classical dancer.
Tanya Saxena
Are there any other forms of dance you want to learn?
I would love to learn other forms of dance too, but it would just be for fun. I am very clear about the fact that I am a ‘Bharatnatyam’ dancer and I don’t want to professionally push myself to other forms of dance.
When was the first time you performed on stage? How was the experience?
My first performance was at my ‘Guruji’s’ place, Ganesh Natalya. I performed on their annual day function. I was really nervous, but the thrill of being on stage was something commendable. That thrill still stays with me. There is always a jittery kind of feeling every time I step onto the stage. I still got nervous before my stage performance, but now I learnt to deal with it.
For regular updates on Celebrities , visit our social media pages by clicking the options below:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest
ClassicClassical Dancer al Dancer
Recommended for you
