'Dance for me is a language of its own'

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.

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
and the places she wants to explore here.

How did you develop an interest in dancing?
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.

Nevertheless, I majored in dance in college.

How did you become a part of ‘Second Nature’?
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.

Being a performer, how do you define dance?
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.

What do you think about events like ‘Attakkalari Biennial 2017’?
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.

How is the city treating you?
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.

Are you looking forward to explore the city?
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.

I really like nature so the lake will be a great experience. Perhaps, I may also visit the National Gallery of Modern Art.

Describe ‘Second Nature’ in three words...
Rhythm, drama and physical.

How was your experience at the  ‘Attakkalari Biennial 2017’
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.