Ankita's challenge - Page 2

Originally posted by: cute2stay

Yes it's true that classical training needs more practice and experience. However, what disappointed me about Salman and Yaana's act today was the waste of a great opportunity. And this disappointment is more from Salman's side as a choreographer since Yaana tried to do her best.

I feel that in classical dance, more than the steps and expressions etc., the spirit of the dance FORM should be kept intact. Classical dances are very spiritual and they have theory/history to them. It's a whole package, not just the steps/expressions. The steps/expressions are only the outside packaging so to speak, the soul of the dances is in their spirit. I wish Salman had put more thought into that. Maybe done more theoretical research into the classical forms he was attempting. You have to be true to the style you are trying out, especially if it's a classical dance form and even more if you're portraying a religious concept!

Moreover, I felt that the songs weren't chosen well. It didn't seem like any thought was put into the song choice. The songs didn't go with the story/concept at all! Both the songs chosen in this act are like really popular choices for classical dancing. But the songs don't go with the story Salman and Yaana were trying to tell AT ALL! 😕 A better song choice would've enhanced the act by alot! Clearly, there was no thought put into the song choice! I feel like a better song choice would've been 'Pal pal hai bhari' from Swades maybe? That song actually tells the tale of Ramayan within it so it would've been easy to use and would've captured the emotions of the story Salman and Yaana were trying to portray. Even a piece of just music or something would've worked.

Also, Mohiniattam is a dance form that is meant to enchant. Now why would Seeta want to 'enchant' Raavan? The context of the dance form wasn't used properly in this case! That's what bugs me the most! I feel like Salman really should've done more research into this dance form! He could've had Yaana doing Bharatnatyam as well...you can show aggression and frustration...that longing of love for Rama and Seeta's faithfulness towards him much better through Bharatnatyam or another classical style.

All in all, it's good that Yaana tried to do this and she did her best. But what bugs me is that it seemed like absolutely no thought was done to prepare this act! Salman and Yaana had such a great opportunity here!! They had an opportunity to try classical dancing...an opportunity to show a great concept and story through their dancing. Even if Yaana's expressions/postures etc. weren't perfect, the performance would've been much better if the song choice was better and more thought was put into the act. Like Remo said, the execution of what Salman and Yaana were trying to portray in terms of the context...the STORY didn't come out properly. Really a waste of an excellent opportunity I feel.