<p>The recent ‘Attakkalari Biennial 2017’ saw some thrilling and mesmerising performances. The perfect coordination, in sync performances and rhythmic movements of various dance groups kept the audience awestruck. <br /><br /></p>.<p>One of these dance teams was ‘Second Nature’, a Korean dance company, of which Gillian Rhodes is a member. Despite her busy schedule and hectic sessions, Gillian took time off to speak to Surupasree Sarmmah about her experience at the event, her visit to the city<br />and the places she wants to explore here. <br /><br />How did you develop an interest in dancing?<br />I started learning ballet when I was five years old. However, I stopped when I was around 11 years old and instead took up musical theatre and circus and many other different things. <br /><br />Nevertheless, I majored in dance in college. <br /><br />How did you become a part of ‘Second Nature’? <br />I auditioned for them and started as a cast dancer for about three shows, before they moved me as a member. My forte is contemporary. <br /><br />Being a performer, how do you define dance?<br />Dance for me is a language of its own. It is a therapy and I believe everybody has it in them. People move naturally to a beat.<br /><br />What do you think about events like ‘Attakkalari Biennial 2017’?<br />These kind of events are very important to give international artistes a space to perform as well as see what other countries are doing. It is a great platform to spend time among so many different people but with a common interest. <br /><br />How is the city treating you?<br />I lived in Cambodia for three years and Bengaluru reminds me a lot of that place, just that this city is a little more developed. It feels very comfortable to me as I have lived in the same kind of environment before. The first couple of days here were quite over-whelming but than I started feeling comfortable. Moreover, the weather is delightful. <br /><br />Are you looking forward to explore the city?<br />I know somebody here, so it is probably going to be easier for me to get around. I heard commercial street is a definite must-visit place and so is the Ulsoor lake which is quite nearby.<br /><br /> I really like nature so the lake will be a great experience. Perhaps, I may also visit the National Gallery of Modern Art. <br /><br />Describe ‘Second Nature’ in three words...<br />Rhythm, drama and physical. <br /><br />How was your experience at the ‘Attakkalari Biennial 2017’<br />It was great, it was really huge and had a lot of people attending the event. It was exciting to be a part of it. <br /></p>
<p>The recent ‘Attakkalari Biennial 2017’ saw some thrilling and mesmerising performances. The perfect coordination, in sync performances and rhythmic movements of various dance groups kept the audience awestruck. <br /><br /></p>.<p>One of these dance teams was ‘Second Nature’, a Korean dance company, of which Gillian Rhodes is a member. Despite her busy schedule and hectic sessions, Gillian took time off to speak to Surupasree Sarmmah about her experience at the event, her visit to the city<br />and the places she wants to explore here. <br /><br />How did you develop an interest in dancing?<br />I started learning ballet when I was five years old. However, I stopped when I was around 11 years old and instead took up musical theatre and circus and many other different things. <br /><br />Nevertheless, I majored in dance in college. <br /><br />How did you become a part of ‘Second Nature’? <br />I auditioned for them and started as a cast dancer for about three shows, before they moved me as a member. My forte is contemporary. <br /><br />Being a performer, how do you define dance?<br />Dance for me is a language of its own. It is a therapy and I believe everybody has it in them. People move naturally to a beat.<br /><br />What do you think about events like ‘Attakkalari Biennial 2017’?<br />These kind of events are very important to give international artistes a space to perform as well as see what other countries are doing. It is a great platform to spend time among so many different people but with a common interest. <br /><br />How is the city treating you?<br />I lived in Cambodia for three years and Bengaluru reminds me a lot of that place, just that this city is a little more developed. It feels very comfortable to me as I have lived in the same kind of environment before. The first couple of days here were quite over-whelming but than I started feeling comfortable. Moreover, the weather is delightful. <br /><br />Are you looking forward to explore the city?<br />I know somebody here, so it is probably going to be easier for me to get around. I heard commercial street is a definite must-visit place and so is the Ulsoor lake which is quite nearby.<br /><br /> I really like nature so the lake will be a great experience. Perhaps, I may also visit the National Gallery of Modern Art. <br /><br />Describe ‘Second Nature’ in three words...<br />Rhythm, drama and physical. <br /><br />How was your experience at the ‘Attakkalari Biennial 2017’<br />It was great, it was really huge and had a lot of people attending the event. It was exciting to be a part of it. <br /></p>