KORAMANGALA:LshVa, a performing arts space cum art gallery was inaugurated this week and promises to be a vibrant destination for the creatively inclined. Rukmini Vijayakumar is the founder of the space and also a proficient dancer and actress.
Excerpts from an interview:
What LshVa is all about
LshVa, is literally and figuratively ‘a space for artists’. I had always dreamt of building a space that offered support, and created opportunities through different avenues to artists. LshVa caters to communities, professional dancers, performers and young children, the artists of tomorrow through various programs. The programs span education, professional training, research, and activities that make art accessible to the community through fun activities.
The dance of life
I chose dancing when I realized I couldn’t live without it. I can’t choose a single person as an influence. My teachers and my parents who encouraged me.
The challenges of being a dancer
The difficult part of being a dancer is the struggle to stick to your artistic convictions amidst all contradictions, and the best part of dancing is, well, dancing!
What dancing conveys
I am not sure if there is one common keynote that I convey in my performances. The theme and content of each is different. But perhaps ‘the love for dance’ comes through in all my performances.
The classical dance scene
I think the classical dance scene is flourishing and at the same time is being challenged by contemporary forms.
Both are good. It is good to question the past, revisit roots, reinforce and allow change at the same time.
I however feel that urban youth need more exposure to classical dance forms. When I say classical, I mean concert dance forms in general. This includes everything other than popular culture.
Family support
My family is the source of my triumph. My parents and my brother were there for many years, and now it is my husband. They are all my pillars of strength. They are present at every occasion to help, critique and make me better with each step.
Acting in films
I love acting. Acting in films allows subtlety of expression. The smallest nuance of your expression is visible. I learn new things from each new director.
Unfortunately, I don’t get as much time as I would like to act in films. Dance takes up all my time. Perhaps sometime soon I can make some time, and the right opportunities will present themselves as well.
Current projects
There are so many!
I’m working on re-staging my production Prabhavati in a new format. I’m also working on a new collaboration with Ambi Subramaniam.
Then there is another project, I’m staging in Coimbatore. A solo project that I have been scripting for six months should be ready by September and the end of September should see the beginning of a new musical.
Other than all these choreography projects, there are lots of performances and not to mention all the organisational work at LshVa.
LshVa will offer workshops in dance, music and rhythm and theatre very soon. Many new classes will start in June.
We are also preparing for a festival towards the end of the year. The calendar is full. And so joyously filled with art that I’m excited to meet all that lies ahead.
LshVa
Address: Third Floor, 633, 4th cross, 100 ft road, Koramangala.
Directions: Pass Koramangala’s BDA Complex on your left hand side and look for Mr. Bean Home Cafe. Take a left turn here and the second building on your right is LshVa.