Arindam Ganguly, OP
Contemporary dance exponent Ronita Mookerji’s obsession for style transports her to places. Based in Bangalore, Ronita’s pursuit of a career in contemporary dance takes her across the continents into the midst of dance connoisseurs. She has travelled to Australia, Germany and South Korea.
On her way back, she landed in Bhubaneswar recently to perform a special dance genre whoas part of the third edition of Odisha Biennale. Ronita has groomed her features in Bharatanatyam and preferred contemporary to classical dance. She was working with Attakalari Dance Academy in Bangalore where she had been teaching contemporary dance to students of various age groups.Now, a free-lancer, Ronita discusses with Orissa POST her work, ideas and poetics.
Q- How does Orissa reciprocate Ronita?
A- This is my second performance. I had come here in 2012. I created Whowith my partner Prashant More to showcase the conflict of sexes (male versus female) within a box contrasted with “out of box” to justify the identity crisis. Often, we do not know who or what we are. Whoas a theme narrates basic human conflict and the issues that involve the traditional journey of life (inside a box). The performance by artistes from Japan and other countries was appreciated. I was a bit skeptic about the performance. I knew people of Orissa love classical Odissi. To my surprise, they were in praise
Q- What took you to Bangalore from Kolkata?
A- Kolkata appreciates classical art. But people do not accept contemporary dance so much. The Attakalari Dance Academy is renowned for its contemporary style which attracted me.
Q- Why did you choose this dance form?
A- Bollyowood steps… There are other dance forms in the world. In contemporary dance, I can act and express various emotions. For a true performer, reaction is immaterial.
Q- You are trained in classical as well as modern. What is more comfortable?
A- Well, both forms have their own challenges. I have been learning classicals like Bharatanatyam since I was five. Odissi is more about mudrasand discipline. Abhinaya is its foremost aspect while contemporary dance insists on physical modulation.
Q- What taxes you teaching or performing?
A- “Teaching gives me the satisfaction that I give and share my experience. It’s one way of preserving your legacy. Performance gives me the scope of showcasing my ability before audience. When I performed in the UK or Australia, they lauded my contemporary dance. In India, it is different!
