On our third episode of ‘organizations’ month, your co-host YeaJean interviews dancer, choreographer, educator, and scholar, Kaustavi Sarkar. In this episode, we go behind the screen and talk about Kaus’ doctoral dissertation Mahari Out: Deconstructing Odissi, the characteristics of Odissi, Kaustavi Movement Center, management skills, tips for artistic directors, social media and dance. Special thanks to Ann Dils for connecting us for this interview.
This week on DANCE BEHIND THE SCREEN PODCAST…
[0:28] YeaJean introduces Kaus Sarkar
QUESTIONS WITH KAUS SARKAR
[2:13] YeaJean asks: “From your doctoral dissertation Mahari Out: Deconstructing Odissi, you mentioned, “Odissi is an eastern Indian classical dance form that marginalizes the Mahari at the same time that it draws upon the mystic aura of Mahari ritual dancing in the Hindu temples of Odisha. It has appropriated Mahari dancing and has never acknowledged the artistic and creative contributions of the tradition that lasted for over a millennium.” Could you share more about the history and characteristics of Odissi dance? Why do you think it has less acknowledgement compared to other traditional Indian dance forms?”
[15:12] YeaJean asks: “Can you explain more about the message?”
[19:07] YeaJean asks: “Can you demonstrate a little bit?”
[23:17] YeaJean asks: “You also recreate the historically marginalized Mahari dancing tradition by deconstructing the contemporary performance of Odissi. What are the ways to embody dance through praxis perspectives? Any practical tips?”
[27:45] YeaJean asks: “Throughout your research, what was your innovative methodological maneuver in terms of Creative Articulations Process (CAP) and reorienting one dance form into your own movement voices?”
[31:52] YeaJean asks: “Do you remember any feedback from your students?”
[32:48] YeaJean asks: “Can you share the mission and vision of the Kaustavi Movement Center?”
[36:50] YeaJean asks: “What kind of advice do you want to share with our audience who want to create their own organization/dance company/dance studio?”
[40:14] YeaJean asks: “What advice can you give me who are exploring social media as an archive, creative process, or inspiration?”
[44:08] YeaJean asks: “How do you say NO to the BOX?”
[42:27] YeaJean asks:
1- If you had to recommend a resource to our audience what would it be?
Book, Queer Phenomenology by Sara Ahmed, https://www.amazon.com/Queer-Phenomenology-Orientations-Objects-Others/dp/0822339145
2- What was the first dance you saw?
“A bollywood actress…Madhuri Dixit”
3- Do you think social media has a positive influence on the dance world (yes or no)?
“Complicated”
4- What is your favorite social media platform?
“Facebook”
#KaustaviSarkar Recommended Resources
Company- Sweating Saris by Dr. Priya Srinivasan, https://www.amazon.com/Sweating-Saris-Indian-Dance-Transnational/dp/1439904308
Book, Queer Phenomenology by Sara Ahmed, https://www.amazon.com/Queer-Phenomenology-Orientations-Objects-Others/dp/0822339145
Connect with #KaustaviSarkar
Facebook- /KaustaviSarkar
Instagram- #odissirocks
Twitter- #odissirocks
LinkedIn- Kaustavi Sarkar
Comments