The Artiste and the Wishing Tree

  Uncle: Congrats dear child on your arangetram! Dancer: Thank you Uncle. Keep yourself free next weekend too Uncle. Uncle: Oh! wonderful, programmes already lined up? Dancer: No No Uncle. It's my student's Arangetram! Parent: I'd like my child to learn dance. Dance teacher: Sure. Arangetram package or performance package? Parent: Huh?? Dance teacher: Arangetram package is 1 lack: 10 months coaching+ Arangetram+ certificate (on letterhead) that can be used for college admissions. Performance package is 50K: 6 months coaching- I will skip some difficult steps+ 3 performances -Only side roles OK!+ certificate (not on letterhead) Dance class friend: All set for programme? Dancer: Almost ya. Dance class friend: Why almost? I thought you had practiced thoroughly. Dancer: Dancing is fine. I am yet to set up some people for clapping after I finish the trikala jathi! Friendly Neighborhood maami: Hi Suji, your daughter is learning dance is it? Suji: Yes Maami. Thattu ...

CONTRA is a series of articles that attempts to look at aspects of the performing arts that seem to be on opposing ends of the spectrum but in fact are related to each other more closely than we assume. Since we attempt to look at mostly intangible aspects of the performing arts in this series, with emphasis on dance, the subjective nature of such articles throws open a lot of questions for deliberation. We hope that these questions will ignite thought and discussion with our readers. We welcome your opinions, experiences and notes to share. The act of creating a piece can happen in silos or through collaboration. It can happen in solitude or in the buzzing milieu of crowds. It can happen within four bare walls or amidst the blinding colours of a flowery valley. It can happen with complete logistical support or with bare minimum essentials in place. It can happen during times of war or peace. This is not a debate or a pick-and-chose between these methods or circumstances of creation. T...