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Choreographer's Injury Triumph: A Dance of Resilience
17 Mar
Summary
- Shakti Mohan overcame a severe childhood injury potentially hindering her ability to walk.
- She stresses dancers' responsibility for their own physical and mental well-being.
- Her series "Dance Across the World" revives fading traditional dance forms.
Choreographer Shakti Mohan's career was nearly derailed by a severe childhood leg and spine injury, which doctors feared would prevent her from walking. Her mother's unwavering support, however, enabled her recovery and subsequent pursuit of dance.
As a prominent figure in Indian contemporary dance, Mohan advocates for dancers to prioritize their physical and mental health, stating it's an individual responsibility. She believes discipline in nutrition, rest, and recovery is crucial.
Despite dance being a challenging profession in India, Mohan is actively working to create more opportunities, noting improvements over the past 15 years with the rise of reality shows and dance films.
Mohan is currently promoting "Dance Across the World," a passion project dedicated to showcasing and reviving traditional folk dances globally. The series aims to counter the trend of younger generations favoring Western styles, highlighting the purity and richness of ancient traditions.
Season One of "Dance Across the World" explored dances in Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Tanzania, the US, and the UAE. Season Two has featured Georgia, Australia, Bhutan, and Russia, with the Russia episode being a particularly memorable challenge due to extreme winter conditions.
Her early training in Bharatanatyam and Rajasthani folk dances instilled a deep respect for traditional forms. Mohan now aims to shift perceptions and demonstrate the beauty and power of these often-undervalued dance styles.
