AMONG the GenY Odissi dancers in America, Shibani Patnaik has reached an enviable position. Born and brought up in San Diego, she is the second daughter of US-based Oriya scientist Purna Patnaik and Gopa Patnaik who have established the Centre for World Music and Allied Arts. Laboni, Shibani and Shalini – popularly known as Patnaik Sisters across America - hit headlines in 1999 for their collaboration with pop star Madonna in choreography in Odissi style.
Recipient of the Next Generation Artiste award from California Arts Council, Asian American Performing Arts Award from Stanford University, Kalashree Award from the Orissa Society of Americans and the Devdasi National Award for young Indian classical dancers in India, the dancer in her mid-20’s has been performing as a soloist in various major festivals in India and abroad – Konark dance and music festival, Ravi Shankar festival in New Delhi, Stirring Odissi international festival in Malayasia and International Odissi festival in Bhubaneswar. Currently in India to perform in three major festivals – Dhauli national dance festival in Bhubaneswar, Uday Shankar national dance festival in Kolkata and Guwahati national dance festival, Shyamhari Chakra spoke to the dancer to find out more about her passion.
A career in Indian classical dances is considered a risky affair here. What made you choose it?
My parents have instilled in us a deep love for Odissi. Being an Oriya and in love with Odissi was, therefore, a natural choice. As I grew up, I felt it my responsibility to do something for promotion of Odissi dance and Oriya culture in the US and the world at large. I love Odissi so much that pursuing it was never an option, it was my aim.
Where did you get your training from?
My parents took all the trouble of bringing us to Guru Gangadhar Pradhan’s Orissa Dance Academy in Bhubaneswar to learn Odissi in its authentic and traditional form. When Guruji’s disciple and noted dancer Nandita Behera moved to Los Angeles, we came under her tutelage. However, since Los Angeles was quite far from San Diego where we live, my parents decided to bring dance teachers from the Orissa Dance Academy to train us. The system continues though I come to Orissa frequently to learn under Aruna Mohanty.
What are the challenges that an Odissi dancer encounters in the West?
For those dancers who are not aware of Oriya or Indian culture, there are cultural and linguistic barriers. Being a part of the culture and knowing the language are really essential for any Indian classical dancer. Knowledge of classical music, Sanskrit, myths and epics – all these are quite important. And for an aspiring Odissi dancer, one has to experience the Jagannath culture that has been the base of Odissi. One has to be familiar with Orissa’s history, legends and myths.
How did you balance dance with academics?
I studied computer science at Stanford University - one of the top universities in America. My studies were quite difficult and demanding and I excelled in it. I managed to keep up my dance by practicing four times a week for two hours. Practicing, performing and teaching dance helped me learn patience, discipline and provided me the energy, both physical and mental, besides spiritual experience.
Do family background, connections with influential people and media publicity matter in shaping career of a dancer these days?
For any artiste, the audience matters most. And the audience never considers who you are as an individual. They always look for your art. The only thing that can make one an established dancer is one’s talent and commitment. Connections could help one to get opportunities but in the end one has to prove one’s worth.