This young and talented Indo-Kiwi dancer’s love for classical dance saw her starting her professional training at the tender age of eight. Her passion and commitment were not lost on her guru who believes that she is destined to scale greater heights.This week, the Indian Weekender brings you the story of Sumedha Hariswamy.
Tell us something about yourself and the dance form you practice.
Something people may not know about me is that in addition to New Zealand, another place I feel at home is Hong Kong. I was born in Hong Kong and moved here when I was seven. I have learnt Bharatanatyam since before our move and it is an absolute passion of mine. I currently study Psychology and Sociology at the University of Auckland.
Bharatanatyam is an ancient Indian classical dance form that originated in Tamil Nadu. In the old times, it was performed by temple dancers as an offering to the Lord. Today, it is an art form that is popular around the world and what makes it so special is the divinity and tradition which it continues to uphold. Bharatanatyam to me is my form of meditation that brings me immense peace and joy.
How and when did your dance journey start?
My love for dance began in Hong Kong. I was extremely lucky to have met Smt. Renuka Ketheesan, my guru, early on in our move to New Zealand. Ever since then, my passion for Bharatanatyam has been strong. What has really ignited this fire, is my journey through my Arangetram. When Rama Akka, as I fondly refer to my Guru as, suggested the idea of doing my Arangetram, I contemplated on whether I was capable of executing such a respectable art the way it ought to be presented.
However, Rama Akka had this steadfast confidence in me that I would be unable to decipher myself; naturally this made me curious. Since then, this journey’s objective to me was not only to complete my Arangetram with precision but was also an introspective assessment to further explore my capabilities and potential. I soon started practices, which only increased by hours and days, and forever it will be one of the most memorable periods of my life.
What inspired you to learn Indian classical dance and not something contemporary?
I have grown up watching Soumya, my sister, perform who completed her Arangetram at the age of 14 in Hong Kong. Witnessing her performances delivered with such grace and vibrancy has definitely impacted the style of dance to which I am drawn. With that being said, although I will always identify with Bharatanatyam, in the future I would love to expand my horizons and explore other styles.
Who is your idol?
In respect to dance, my idol is my Guru. The grace in which she carries herself, the confidence that she instills in her students and her devotion to the art, are a few of the many things I admire about her. As Aditi Mangaldas says, "Creativity cannot be held within the confines of history. It needs to be honestly and harmoniously allowed to reinvent.” Rama Akka spreads beyond the traditional arrangement of movements with her ingenious choreography which only challenges the art as we know and love while maintaining its integrity.
How do you maintain a balance between your studies and dance?
In complete honesty, it initially did frighten me and I wondered if I would be able to focus on either properly. With time, however, it became second nature to me and now that I have completed my Arangetram, I don’t know what to with all this free time!
How has your family supported you in pursuing your dream and passion?
My family has always been the rock that has supported me in every way. Their constant love, guidance and confidence are the reasons I was able to perform without a notion of fear. I am ever grateful to have this loving, supportive, wonderfully crazy family.
Looking forward, what is your aim/where do you see yourself in coming few years?
In regards to dance, I want continue learning for as long as possible because I truly love being a student! Sometime in the near future, I do wish to go India to gain more experience and understand Bharatanatyam from a different perspective.