Dance, an art form that transcends language and cultural barriers, continues to evolve as performers around the world seek innovative ways to express emotion and narrate stories through movement. On International Dance Day, the dance community reflects on a fusion that recently sparked controversy—a viral video of a performance marrying the Indian dance of Lavani with the modern hip hop move known as twerking. The performer received sharp criticism from judge Kirron Kher, who described the blend as ‘vulgar,’ igniting a heated debate across social media about the appropriateness and authenticity of dance fusion.
This incident leads to a broader question: how should dancers navigate the fusion of dance styles in a way that respects their distinct heritages while fostering creative innovation? In celebration of International Dance Day, mid-day.com engaged with choreographers and dancers from Mumbai to uncover the complexities of creating successful fusion dances.
“Dance forms are deeply ingrained in culture,” notes Melvin Louis, esteemed dancer and choreographer. He emphasizes the significance of recognizing the historical context and cultural foundation of each dance form prior to engaging in fusion. “A misrepresentation can offend those who view these forms as part of their cultural identity.” Louis advocates for the natural merger of art and culture but warns against ignorance of a dance style’s roots, which can lead to a potential cultural faux pas.
Echoing this sentiment, Soumita Das, an enthusiast of fusion dance and professional in the field, highlights the historical precedent for such amalgamations. “Dance fusion is not a novelty,” Das remarks, tracing its existence back to ancient times, with intermixing even within various Indian classical dance forms. She points to Bollywood as an embodiment of fusion, where multiple styles have harmoniously coexisted and thrived. “As long as the integrity and essence of the individual styles are preserved, there’s no harm in creating blended dance forms.”
Alka Lajmi, a creative fusion artist, insists on a clear intent or theme underlying a fusion. “Dance is an avenue for creativity, and a meaningful fusion should arise from a particular vision, not simply combining moves arbitrarily.” It is when the music and movements of the respective styles interlink and enhance each other that a truly elegant fusion is born, according to Lajmi.
With a surge in fusion’s popularity, how does one craft a performance that enchants rather than estranges? Melvin Louis outlines several tips for aspiring fusion artists:
1. A successful fusion should seem effortless and natural in execution, akin to an elegant piece of fashion that catches the eye. A fusion lacking subtlety risks being dismissed as a stunt rather than art.
2. Consider the balance – what is the precise blend ratio? Just as in cooking, the right proportions make the dish delectable.
3. A minimalistic approach can yield impressive results; sometimes, less is more.
Alka Lajmi offers her advice, suggesting that knowledge of both dance forms’ foundational techniques is vital. A fusion should spotlight the standout features of each style while achieving a seamless mesh. Lajmi encourages extensive viewing of the dance styles being fused to gain proper perspective before attempting to combine them.
As dance forms continue to cross-pollinate, artists must navigate the intricate territory of fusion with respect and mindfulness. By championing cultural understanding and employing thoughtful artistic judgment, dancers can ensure their fusions not only dazzle audiences but also honor the rich traditions from which they draw inspiration. On International Dance Day and every day, the dance community celebrates the boundless potential of this expressive art form to unite and innovate.
