Girija, On Stage Again

Passion brings out a commitment, persistence and joy that's pretty much unmatched ....and it's what came out in that one word, when after the dance I asked Girija how it had felt, and she said 'Exhilarating'. 

Especially for those who've recognized and acknowledged it, and even more, found the clarity and courage to pursue it in the later years of life....surely goes an extra bow. The story as it originated is in 'A let's dance moment'

On behalf of her group, she said, 'we're all learning for the joy of it, we're not here to showcase our skills, but to share our joy and passion'. These ladies did a small skit before the dance, each narrating the issues they overcome to do those two days a week dance classes....kids to finish homework, skipping parties, facing dissenting voices...even turning a blind eye to knee pain. That's them in the dressing room, fourth from left is Girija.  

Lavani, a folk dance from Maharashtra, and that's girija in the foreground, right

Another pic of the lavani

Some other dances from the evening. Upfront is Karthik, also the man behind the scene. He runs dance schools in four locations at Bangalore, and has over a hundred enthusiastic learners, and their adulation for him was evident from not just their words but also the whistles and applause from them.

This was an invocation dance choreographed to 'he gananaaya...'

How blue can it get...this was a graceful dance to the song 'O re piyaa' from Rajneethi

A full energy number to the song 'bang bang'

Another number by Girija and team, 'ye hosla from Dor'

This was a beautiful silhouette before a dance

This was a kind of dance ballet representing a dancers journey from the moment of knowing ..... ....the difficulties and obstacles.... the confusions........and finally the joy and glory of discovery. Very powerful choreographed.

Girija telling Karthik that their group was here to stay, and how, now that he'd shown them a taste of dance ( and liberation) they just wanted more....you can see his faking exasperation there :)

Girija was keen on doing a Helen number, she even had the song selected.....hope to see that next year pal !!