As the 2008 music and dance season starts in North America (USA and Canada) I have a personal peeve regarding the visiting classical dance troupes coming from India. I suspect that a large percent of lay-audiences in North America share this complaint.
In recent years India-Based Dance Troupes- with a few notable exceptions - leave much
to be desired. To state briefly, every troupe is anchored by a main dancer who is past his / her prime and is physically unable to move rapidly on the stage. Because of this the programs they offer are slow and boring.
These India-based troupes are mostly anchored by a senior artist who exceptional in her Abhinaya (hand gestures) and Nrityha (expressional or narrative dance) - but is lacking in Nrutta which is pure dance. "Pure dance" - the rapid-fire stepping and dynamic footwork is what differentiates a dance from a "Katha Kalakshepam" - a musical, often a tear-jerker.
There is intense competition among highly talented troupes to win trips to America. Out of these only those with the most economic power and political clout get the contracts. However, it takes decades to build the required combination of talent, money and influence. By that time the Anchor Dancer, who by now is also the owner of her own dance school and its artistic director, has almost completely lost the physical strength to prance and leap forcefully as Nrutta - true dancing requires.
Invariably, there are fabulously athletic dancers touring with each of the teams, but they are junior members under the control of the Anchor. When the curtain opens, like most normal humans would do, the Anchor hogs the stage, not giving scarcely a chance to the stronger dancers.
So what should the buyers - Classical Program Organizers in North America do?
First they must inform the "export agents" in India that the audiences here are tired of watching over-the-hill dancers from India. That sends home a message for the 2009 summer season.
Second, they should soon place advance contracts for 2009 season dance programs from dance companies right here in North America. There are dozens of outstanding dance schools in every US / Candian metro area. Many have been here for over 30 years. Their audience appeal and talent matches the imports. In addition, this would further enhance the talent pool in North America - which is a great goal in itself.
Third, Classical Program Organizations and Dance Schools in North America should set up a North American Dance Agency. The NADA should investigate, inform, and screen India based troupes that plan to tour North America. They should verify that the visiting dancers are physically able to do comprehensive classical dances that including brisk Jathis and Nritta. It will be in the interest of the Dance companies in India to cooperate, because verification from NADA would ensure favorable terms and bigger audiences.
