<p>The first one called Chaaya dealt with the topic of child sexual abuse while the second piece Uruvam focused on the issue of transgender sexuality.<br /><br />Hemabharathy is a senior repertory member of Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts who has trained in Kuchupudi from the age of 12 under dancer Vyjayanthi Kashi. <br />Her repertoire also includes training in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kalarippayattu, Yoga, ballet and Pilates.<br /><br />Chaaya was inspired by Bitter Chocolate, a non-fiction work on child sexual abuse written by Mumbai journalist Pinky Virani. <br />Going on to research the trauma and behavioural patterns of the adult survivors of child sexual abuse, Hemabharathy draws on these experiences to create a powerful 20-minute solo piece. <br /><br />Gestures and expressions of disturbed behaviour patterns like thumb-sucking and angry splayed limbs recreate the body language of these tragic survivors. <br />Against a backdrop of an electro-acoustic musical score, Chaaya vividly recreates the trauma of a woman struggling to erase the guilt and shame of past sexual abuse. <br />With a blend of floor work and intense abdominal and pelvic movements, the dance style of Chaaya was very grounded and visibly different from the lofty and sylph-like techniques of classical ballet. <br /><br />Her second piece Uruvam (which means form), was a contemporary dance inspired by the mythological character of Ambe in the Mahabharata. Another socially-inspired subject, Uruvam deals with the blurring lines between gender and sexuality. <br /><br />Hemabharathy weaves into the choreography a mix of mythological stories, personal experiences and inputs from psychologists and experts. <br />“I want to address the issues faced by the transgender community through the platform of dance,” she explains. <br /><br />Uruvam, was developed and produced under the auspices of the Robert Bosch Art Grant. <br />Uruvam was an interesting concept involving the use of unique sound design and lighting. Strong elements of her grounding in Indian classical styles were evident through <br />fluid movements and gestures. The piece was designed with the objective of making you feel and think of the issue she was projecting — touching <br />and relevant in today’s context. <br />DHNS</p>
<p>The first one called Chaaya dealt with the topic of child sexual abuse while the second piece Uruvam focused on the issue of transgender sexuality.<br /><br />Hemabharathy is a senior repertory member of Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts who has trained in Kuchupudi from the age of 12 under dancer Vyjayanthi Kashi. <br />Her repertoire also includes training in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kalarippayattu, Yoga, ballet and Pilates.<br /><br />Chaaya was inspired by Bitter Chocolate, a non-fiction work on child sexual abuse written by Mumbai journalist Pinky Virani. <br />Going on to research the trauma and behavioural patterns of the adult survivors of child sexual abuse, Hemabharathy draws on these experiences to create a powerful 20-minute solo piece. <br /><br />Gestures and expressions of disturbed behaviour patterns like thumb-sucking and angry splayed limbs recreate the body language of these tragic survivors. <br />Against a backdrop of an electro-acoustic musical score, Chaaya vividly recreates the trauma of a woman struggling to erase the guilt and shame of past sexual abuse. <br />With a blend of floor work and intense abdominal and pelvic movements, the dance style of Chaaya was very grounded and visibly different from the lofty and sylph-like techniques of classical ballet. <br /><br />Her second piece Uruvam (which means form), was a contemporary dance inspired by the mythological character of Ambe in the Mahabharata. Another socially-inspired subject, Uruvam deals with the blurring lines between gender and sexuality. <br /><br />Hemabharathy weaves into the choreography a mix of mythological stories, personal experiences and inputs from psychologists and experts. <br />“I want to address the issues faced by the transgender community through the platform of dance,” she explains. <br /><br />Uruvam, was developed and produced under the auspices of the Robert Bosch Art Grant. <br />Uruvam was an interesting concept involving the use of unique sound design and lighting. Strong elements of her grounding in Indian classical styles were evident through <br />fluid movements and gestures. The piece was designed with the objective of making you feel and think of the issue she was projecting — touching <br />and relevant in today’s context. <br />DHNS</p>
