Manipuri dancer Darshana Jhaveri's take on evolution of classical dance

Darshana Jhaveri

Over half a century ago, when Darshana Jhaveri was only seven, she fell in love with Manipuri dance. The affair continues till date. This weekend, the doyenne will talk about her journey and the evolution of the dance form over the last century, at the upcoming edition of Junoon's Mumbai Local.

Jhaveri is known for not just bringing this traditional dance form from the confines of Manipur's temples to the theatre, but also for carrying out extensive research.

She recalls her initiation to dance. "The 1940s was the age of revivalism in India, of greats like Rabindranath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi. Suddenly, girls from aristocratic families took an interest in dance and drama."

Cultural gatherings would take place at her Marine Drive home, and one of the visitors happened to be legendary Manipuri dancer, guru Bipin Singh. Her older sisters, Naina and Ranjana, signed up to be his disciples and, a few years later, Suvarna and Darshana followed suit.

Several trips to Manipur ensued to research the dance. "Until then, the traditions were passed on orally from guru to shishya. We referred to the Vaishnavite shastras, from which it derives inspiration, and toured Manipur in search of songs, music and rhythm patterns of the styles we wanted to specialise in - raasleela and sangkirtan," she remembers.

In 1958, the sisters became the first non-Manipuris to perform at the Govindji Temple in Manipur, which was a feat for four girls from a Gujarati family in Mumbai. At the weekend session, Jhaveri will share these anecdotes, and the impact the devotional dance form had on her life. Today, Jhaveri is one of the founders, and the director of Manipuri Nartanalaya in Mumbai, Kolkata and Manipur. She is also actively involved in teaching, creative production, performances and research, at the city's Manipuri Nrityakendra.

She doesn't see the need to water down a rich dance form. "The concept of fusion in classical dance irks me. Be it bharatanatyam or Manipuri, these are highly developed forms, and there are many ways to be creative while staying within the limits of tradition."

On: July 9, 5 pm
At: Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Byculla East
Log on to: bookmyshow.com