Before and after 5 minutes on stage…
Now, I have finally got over (…I think!) the dance fever that was dictating my mind for the last couple of days. You can imagine all the madness that was on, as it’s a week after the Winter Funk 2006 and I’m still writing about it.
It all started a month back. Early on we were not sure about the number of songs that we were suppose to perform on. As SPB (Special Potential Batch…..that’s the proud me speaking) for a change, this time we were performing on Bollywood numbers, which we thought would be easy or easier. But we were so wrong as we were expected to stand out in spite of an easy dance routine. We performed on a medley, which was a tribute to Helen and Shammi Kapoor and a recent favourite ‘Rock-n-roll soniye.’
Like every class, by the end of the batch we noticed a difference in our dance level (…hopefully there was some improvement). Few days before the show, our days or rather our minds were packed with rehearsals and sticking sequins on our costumes. The show was on December 4 and 5. Those two days were filled with excitement and anxiety. Both days, the first show started 4.30 pm and the technical rehearsals started at 10 in the morning. So from 10 in the morning to 10 at night we were in the auditorium.
When the technicals were on, few things were lingering in my mind. It was an interesting experience. As usual, the rehearsal started with an audio-visual clip regarding the latest activities at Shiamak Davar Institute of Performing Arts. While waiting for your chance to be on stage for the technical rehearsal, the excitement level or the newness decreased according to the seniority of the batch. From every student’s reaction you would easily be able to guess whether he or she belonged to beginners’ batch, intermediate or the SPB. If you observed the beginners’ batch they would be buzzing, constantly fidgeting with their costumes, rehearsing their steps thousand times. Whereas the advanced batches would much more relaxed, aaramse eating, chitchatting and basically saving their energy to perform on stage. Underlying the calmness, there might be slight conceit that came with seniority…I guess. Another noticeable difference that distinguished these batches from one another was the level of panic that every batch experienced when they knew, the most infamous instructor Marzi was suppose to take the technical rehearsal. Just because the experienced batches were aware how badly Marzi will fire you if you don’t perform well. Whereas, the new batches were excited to see this famous senior dancer, who they have seen in most Shiamak acts.
The atmosphere before the performance (be it rehearsal or actual show) is much different than what it would be after the performance. Before the performance, everyone is praying and wishing each other good luck. And after the performance, if you are not satisfied then the excitement fizzes out, fatigue and at times anger triggers in. Often, the bitchy side of people shows face, especially when your partner forgets the steps or when the person in front of you messes up the position and so you were not seen to your friends. But, it is true that only a few fall into this category whereas, there are few who give their best shot on stage, once off the stage they forget all about it and get back to fun back stage.
The part I enjoy the most is the actual performance. Before, I step on stage thousand things are on my mind. Will I remember the steps, will I stand out, will I excel my own expectations, what if my cheap costume (if you are SDIPA you dare not let your costume and prop budget go beyond Rs. 500) comes off and the anxious moments backstage end with desperate prayers – God help me, god help me…But, once I’m on stage and the lights go on and the sight of a packed auditorium gives you all the energy you need for the next few minutes. It makes you forget everything and once the music starts, the steps start coming naturally to you. Believe you me this is the best feeling in the world. These few minutes give you the best high ever!!
Like every time I enjoyed the show up to the fullest. This year, there was one more thing that got me all thrilled was when we literally rocked Mc Donald’s in Kothrud. After the show, we the SPB decided to go to Mc Donald’s for dinner. Around 50 of us flocked the joint and I’m sure the guys at Mc Donald’s are going to remember us for a long time. The guys there happened to play the title track of Dhoom-2, which has been choreographed by Shiamak Davar. We all knew the steps so who could stop us. Few on the tables, few on chairs and few on the floor…we were all over the place. It looked like a Hindi film song shot at a snack joint, where everyone present is going crazy to music in choreographed manner! (If any director was present there, he would have definitely used it for his film). That definitely was one hell of an experience!
Now, I have finally got over (…I think!) the dance fever that was dictating my mind for the last couple of days. You can imagine all the madness that was on, as it’s a week after the Winter Funk 2006 and I’m still writing about it.
It all started a month back. Early on we were not sure about the number of songs that we were suppose to perform on. As SPB (Special Potential Batch…..that’s the proud me speaking) for a change, this time we were performing on Bollywood numbers, which we thought would be easy or easier. But we were so wrong as we were expected to stand out in spite of an easy dance routine. We performed on a medley, which was a tribute to Helen and Shammi Kapoor and a recent favourite ‘Rock-n-roll soniye.’
Like every class, by the end of the batch we noticed a difference in our dance level (…hopefully there was some improvement). Few days before the show, our days or rather our minds were packed with rehearsals and sticking sequins on our costumes. The show was on December 4 and 5. Those two days were filled with excitement and anxiety. Both days, the first show started 4.30 pm and the technical rehearsals started at 10 in the morning. So from 10 in the morning to 10 at night we were in the auditorium.
When the technicals were on, few things were lingering in my mind. It was an interesting experience. As usual, the rehearsal started with an audio-visual clip regarding the latest activities at Shiamak Davar Institute of Performing Arts. While waiting for your chance to be on stage for the technical rehearsal, the excitement level or the newness decreased according to the seniority of the batch. From every student’s reaction you would easily be able to guess whether he or she belonged to beginners’ batch, intermediate or the SPB. If you observed the beginners’ batch they would be buzzing, constantly fidgeting with their costumes, rehearsing their steps thousand times. Whereas the advanced batches would much more relaxed, aaramse eating, chitchatting and basically saving their energy to perform on stage. Underlying the calmness, there might be slight conceit that came with seniority…I guess. Another noticeable difference that distinguished these batches from one another was the level of panic that every batch experienced when they knew, the most infamous instructor Marzi was suppose to take the technical rehearsal. Just because the experienced batches were aware how badly Marzi will fire you if you don’t perform well. Whereas, the new batches were excited to see this famous senior dancer, who they have seen in most Shiamak acts.
The atmosphere before the performance (be it rehearsal or actual show) is much different than what it would be after the performance. Before the performance, everyone is praying and wishing each other good luck. And after the performance, if you are not satisfied then the excitement fizzes out, fatigue and at times anger triggers in. Often, the bitchy side of people shows face, especially when your partner forgets the steps or when the person in front of you messes up the position and so you were not seen to your friends. But, it is true that only a few fall into this category whereas, there are few who give their best shot on stage, once off the stage they forget all about it and get back to fun back stage.
The part I enjoy the most is the actual performance. Before, I step on stage thousand things are on my mind. Will I remember the steps, will I stand out, will I excel my own expectations, what if my cheap costume (if you are SDIPA you dare not let your costume and prop budget go beyond Rs. 500) comes off and the anxious moments backstage end with desperate prayers – God help me, god help me…But, once I’m on stage and the lights go on and the sight of a packed auditorium gives you all the energy you need for the next few minutes. It makes you forget everything and once the music starts, the steps start coming naturally to you. Believe you me this is the best feeling in the world. These few minutes give you the best high ever!!
Like every time I enjoyed the show up to the fullest. This year, there was one more thing that got me all thrilled was when we literally rocked Mc Donald’s in Kothrud. After the show, we the SPB decided to go to Mc Donald’s for dinner. Around 50 of us flocked the joint and I’m sure the guys at Mc Donald’s are going to remember us for a long time. The guys there happened to play the title track of Dhoom-2, which has been choreographed by Shiamak Davar. We all knew the steps so who could stop us. Few on the tables, few on chairs and few on the floor…we were all over the place. It looked like a Hindi film song shot at a snack joint, where everyone present is going crazy to music in choreographed manner! (If any director was present there, he would have definitely used it for his film). That definitely was one hell of an experience!
posted by Rujuta at
4:28 AM
3 Comments:
Hi,
Nice to read the feelings of a member of special potential group.
It was an eye opener for me that you people relax on the day of the show. I have observed it but wondering how is it possible.
I actually attended all the four shows this time. I am very crazy about these shows. I peformed twice. 2005 Winter funk and then a presentation at Bishop cotton. Our group's songs were 'Disco Deewane' and then 'One Love'.
What I connect to your writing is the memorising of the steps all the time. I always fear I will miss. If I reherse 10 times, Iam sure , only twice I can be perfect not to miss a step.
Over a period of time I found I am not a natural dancer. So I am not in to it now. But I get highly motivated to work hard in my normal life seeing you people dance. I feel it involves hardwork and I feel motivated to work on my goals.
What surprises me was the potental dancers which includes special potential group and also star performers in beginners batch, junior batch and the kids batch. They do so well that I feel alien to this art. Somehow I feel it is a born talent.
All your numbers Yeah beautiful, breadthless, tere bin ( it is a haunting melody) and the Dhoom2 are great. Long medley of Rock and roll soniye was very good too (neat idea).
You mentioned about dhoom2. I love to be in that macdonald scene. A similar scene: I have seen choreonite in IITM and it happens.
What I didnot like in dhoom2 item, i couldnot avoid seeing only the front row person as his steps were seen well in the formation. I feel he is best too. But many people in your group would have matched that.
Another thing is the comment by VJ at the end of an item like " OKaaay". Due to multinational env , nowadays people in india also understand OK means substandard. I think Shiamak beleives that this show is to fill the aspiration of people who never had a chance to dance. So the attempt by people has to be appreciated. So may be it is better to say things like
1. "Give them a clap for the great attempt" or something like that.
It gives a msg (that not perfect), appreciation for attempt as well as the clap from audience. But proably VJ means "good attempt" by saying ok.
Thanks for the show.
Welcome back Ruju...
wanting to be a student of SDIPA has been a dream that remains unfulfilled since i injured my knee two years ago in a freak accident...having been an indian classical dancer for 15 years , it has been a blow... but im working hard at making my dream come true...and i will...soon, god willing...
reading your blog motivates me all the more... i have interacted with shiamak a few times and always felt enriched...that he can churn out such amazing talent, students and motivate them so briliantly...is simply amazing.
I salute all you guys and shiamak for having come this far... may god bless you and take you even further....
how i wish i could have been at mcdonalds that night.... i can actually feel the joy and high you all must have experienced... its only discipline and a passion for dancing that can enable you to experience such moments....do write more about such experiences...
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