(Image Source: Temple of Fine Arts)
To transcend is “to surpass; to go beyond the range or limits”. We all have our own journeys of transcending from one realization to the next. To some of us, transcendence is likened to progress. Reaching a goal at work, learning something new about parenting, doing better at a particular craft, or realizing a new perspective. Regardless of its experience, transcendence lets us move beyond what we know about ourselves and the significance of our experiences.
‘TranscenDance’ a dance film by Lakshmi Krishnan, a respected and nurturing dance guru of the Temple of Fine Arts, Singapore, portrays the multiple layers of transcendence that artists experience in their learning journey. Through this film, presented as part of the Dance India Residency program of Apsaras Arts, Lakshmi Krishnan took her viewers through the personal trajectories of five dancers, as they navigated their own relationships with dance.
As a dancer myself, learning the Indian classical dance form of Bharatanatyam that the film explored, there were many reflections that resonated with me. However, it also provided the opportunity for a broader audience to empathize with some of the many layers in a dancer’s journey, and even reflect on what transcendence could mean in their own personal lives.
Nurturing a relationship with dance
The film describes the evolution of the five dancers’ journeys, from their initiation to the classical form at a young age, to their growth and realization of dance’s purpose, alongside the ‘distractions’ or parallel responsibilities we carry in our lives. One scene portrayed these parallel lives with the use of a consistent rhythm (or jathi, as the Bharatanatyam term would suggest). Each dancer would morph from a uniform movement to their own personal distractions, from a mother thinking about her child, or a dancer spiralling into her own insecurities, it was a clever juxtaposition of uniform beats but uniformed thoughts. I can’t say that hasn’t happened to me, in dance or in other aspects of my life. When you need to be present in that moment, but your mind wanders to your multi-faceted life and the other responsibilities you carry, be that from work or family or otherwise. The scene reminded me that one of dance’s most significant lessons is to learn to be present. It is only when we are steady in a moment, that we understand its value and see progress in ourselves.
The concept of ‘Sadhana’
The concept of practice is important for any craft. It paves the path for us to not only hone our skill but understand the significance and intricacies of the craft much better. A working professional can feel this in the skills they build, a sportsperson can feel this in their training. In the classical dance vocabulary, we call this ‘Sadhana’ or as the film expresses, “the conscious practice of dance”. Breaking down each step, dissecting every emotion, understanding the significance of communicating through movement. It’s not always about getting somewhere, but genuinely digging deeper and getting better in the present. The film highlighted that this ‘sadhana’ or conscious practice, needs to be coupled with ‘shraddha’ or the dedication or devotion in our approach to our craft. It is only when practice and unconditional devotion come together, that we feel and appreciate the purpose of the craft within us.
The transendence within
The true significance of transcendence through dance in the realization of dance’s purpose within us. There is purpose and responsibility of the art form for the world and society, but what does it actually mean to the artist exploring it? The film portrays this through the dancer’s realization of “the manifestation of light within”. There is an inner peace that an artist experiences when performing and practicing their art form. An inexplicable sense of bloom that makes us connect with something deeper within ourselves. This comes when a dancer has transcended beyond their inner tribulations, and has understood the significance of the dance form; its purpose within themselves and the world-at-large. It is in this realization that to me, true transcendence is manifested.
In a world that is so results-oriented; ‘Transcendance’ brings a wonderful reminder of what staying in the moment, building a deeper connection to ourself and enjoying the journey with dedication and compassion. It is in learning this, that everyone can experience their own transcendence of growth and purpose. ‘TransenDance’ the film can be viewed here, and will be available until April 11th 2021. Please do give it a watch.
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