Buy Tickets - Sunday Oct 28 @ MIT Kresge

It is not often that one gets a chance to talk about Bharatanatyam with a dancer whose dance has consistently received critical acclaim for not decades.  “At its most intense level, it is a joyous prayer with my very being” is the way that Padma Bhushan Alarmel Valli describes what dance means to her.

As we begin the conversation she coughs a little. As I express concern she says “I have been very sick.  I was so worried yesterday that I may have to cut short my program since I was running very high fever. Once on stage though I do not know what happens to me.  My orchestra was so surprised to see me perform with such intensity despite my illness.  I think it truly shows the power of mind over matter and how dance simply takes over my entire being,” says Valli.

This opening remark set the tone for the entire interview where her passion for dance and intense perfection was constantly reflected in her comments.  “I practice several hours every single day.  Such practice allows me to go deeper into a piece and it always amazes me as to how many new dimensions I find in very familiar pieces”.

Her dance is often described as poetry in motion. She speaks very reverentially about her Gurus and takes great pride in the Pandanallur Bani.  “I am truly blessed to have trained under maestros Pandanallur Chokkalingam Pillai and his son Subbaraya Pillai. Their dedication to the art was unparalleled. They lived so simply. Money was not at all their focus. I was fortunate to receive training in the Pandanallur Bani which is a very rich Bani and I am grateful to my Gurus for having worked hard to train me in this Bani.  For example the Kuluku Nadai is such a beautiful aspect of the  Pandanallur Bani. Master once took me to the house of a dancer named Mythili and made me follow her around in Kuluku Nadai up and down the verandah several times before I mastered the technique,” says Valli.

“ I was supremely fortunate to study music forms like Padams and Javalis under T. Muktha. She truly allowed me to understand what it is to ‘See Music’. Music, poetry and dance are inseparably intertwined. Dancers need to understand this to make a good presentation.”

What are the ingredients that contribute to the making of a good dancer? “ One must have an inner spark. You need to find a good Guru to shape that talent. It is important to have training in a rich Bani. Finally the most important aspect is hard work. Constant practice and lot of it is absolutely key to success. When I was young I owe it to my mother who woke me up at 4:30 am and made sure I practiced. That hard work really paid off”.

In addition to music, Valli places a lot of emphasis on  poetry. “I read as much poetry and literature that I can lay my hands on.  This is a mind opening experience that is critical for dance”.

Valli does not appreciate sensationalism or gimmicks in performances. “In the modern era, people seem to place a lot of emphasis on geometry and physicality. While that is certainly one aspect of dance, a good dancer should go beyond that.  Truth is very important and dance that is performed to shock the audience, please a grantee or a to garner temporary popularity will not stick,” says Valli.

What has been the greatest impact of dance in her life? “For me the most wonderful aspect of dance is how it has helped me evolve as a person.  I think I must have done some good in my previous life to have this art bestowed on me.  Dance is a prayer that continuously elevates me.”

Any message for the Boston audience? "I am very excited to perform at MIT. Boston is a very intellectual city and I eagerly look forward to performing for audiences in Boston. I have a wonderful repertoire planned for the concert and look forward to presenting it. I sincerely thank MITHAS for the opportunity."

Buy Tickets - Sunday Oct 28 @ MIT Kresge

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