A Delhiite, a renowned dancer known for her perfection and an alumni of Kalakshetra, Leela Samson was here in Chennai, to perform at the Festival of Music & Dance organized by Alapana Trust at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan recently. Her presentation of a group-choreography was well received by the audience in Chennai. Her group is called 'Spanda'. She spoke about her choreographic work to Kutcheribuzz at the foyer of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan:
Can you tell us something about your choreographic work in recent times?
I've been working on a lot of abstract themes, like the latest on 'Space', which is based on a concept where a storyline is not really necessary. There is no hierarchy in the roles and no differences between the dancers. I've also been working with lighting and music as part of the choreography - of blending the lighting with music and dance. Today, I also find that there is a lot of busyness in the music, which needs to be looked at. Sometimes slowing down the music or silence also make a difference. We need to bring out the soul of the music without destroying it.
How do you work out your themes?
Just from an idea that I think of. I tend to be a little philosophical, which sometimes seems too abstract or negative for the audience. Something that moves me becomes a theme.
About the people you work with?
I like to work with young people. Today, there are many of them who want to work with anybody who leads them.
What is 'Spanda'?
Spanda is a Sanskrit term meaning inner vibration or pulse. The group was launched in 1996 and ever since, we've been working on a lot of concepts.
Can you name some?
Oh, there's so many of them!
Although a Bharatanatyam dancer, you seem to be working with a lot of North Indian music and musicians. Why?
I live there, so the access is easy. It's solely that. I like to use both N. Indian and S. Indian. It depends on what a piece demands.
Can you tell us something about your Kalakshetra experience?
That's a long story!
About your inspiration from the institution and branching out?
Yes, I do take the inspiration. You take the inspiration from your mother but you don't cook like her! I'm not a kid anymore. I've moved a particular journey and now I'm my own person.
Any new projects?
I'm constantly working on a lot of small things in a small way The dancer had to rush to the stage at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, as she was co-ordinating the lighting for the dance ensemble of Rama Vaidyanathan (Bharatanatyam), Malti Shyam (Kathak) and Kavita Dwibedi (Odissi) that was just about to commence.
- By Aruna.S
A Delhiite, a renowned dancer known for her perfection and an alumni of Kalakshetra, Leela Samson was here in Chennai, to perform at the Festival of Music & Dance organized by Alapana Trust at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan recently. Her presentation of a group-choreography was well received by the audience in Chennai. Her group is called 'Spanda'. She spoke about her choreographic work to Kutcheribuzz at the foyer of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan: