Dancing to a Global Tune

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Although Devayani is shy about revealing how long she has been living in India, her dedication to Bharat Natyam speaks of a relationship that goes beyond years. In fact, hers is a story of a young girl from France who came to the land of ‘‘the most complete dance form in the world’’ never to go back.

Life has come full circle for Devayani in more ways than one. As a young teenager, she listed to a radio performance by Pandit Ravi Shankar which started the magic for her. Today, she is the performer and she hopes to spread that magic. And just as it was the effort of the legendary sitar maestro to promote Indian performing arts in the West that opened the window for her, she now herself promotes Indian culture in the international arena.

Is it easier to be a cultural ambassador because she is of French origin? ‘‘Not at all,’’ comes the prompt reply. ‘‘Being French doesn’t help. What helps is experience of Bharat Natyam and other forms of dance, both as spectator and performer,’’ she adds.

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‘‘I think Bharat Natyam can have international appeal but it depends on the dancer. It depends on how you perceive the needs of an international stage and an international audience,’’ states the statuesque dancer, assigning responsibility to individual dancers rather than ‘‘foreigners.’’ Her performances at various international arts festivals — like the one at Edinburgh — are part of her contribution, she says. She has also brought back useful feedback that has helped her gain a better understanding of international requirements. ‘‘I used to dance to taped music till critics said I needed live music. Now I take musicians along,’’ she says.

‘‘Organisers at my recent trip to Greece demanded that I bring a troupe the next time and I am thinking about it,’’ she says. ‘‘A troupe is such a grand affair and the stages are too big for solo performances anyway.’’

Devayani also tries to understand the audience by being a part of it. ‘‘I have watched some very good shows of internationally established dance forms. I listen to my needs as a spectator and always ask what it is that appeals to me and to the rest of the audience.’’

Yet, she is not always taken in by what the audience appreciates. ‘‘Sometimes audiences like anything as long as there is a big name involved,’’ she says.

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Names like Martha Graham spell hope for her, but she points out that even the legendary dancer didn’t build a world-famous dance troupe overnight.

She draws inspiration from the Opera star Pavarotti, with whom she shared the limelight at the Algarve International Music Festival in Portugal in 2000. ‘‘Look what this great man has achieved — he has made opera singing, a classical art form, an internationally respected one. If that can be done, why can’t Bharat Natyam be made to shine in the global art scenario,’’ she exclaims, hope shining through her big kohl-lined eyes.