Mona Sampath Dance Company in action
There were months of excitement and anticipation but only 4 rehearsals, owing to other events. So those 4 rehearsals were intense, grueling and LONG. We would not fit in the studio where we usually rehearse; we could not fit our entire team of 50, properly spaced, ANYWHERE. So we booked a basketball court in Newark. The court was partitioned, and some folks were still playing, who watched curiously as our endless party streamed in. We stretched, positioned, practiced. Then the BEST part. We had to resort to using their PA system and suddenly "Ringa Ringa" started blaring in the basketball court. Half-embarrassed, half-zealous, we danced!
make up, curls & more...
The 4 days melted away in soreness and joy, fatigue and excitement, as we danced, danced, danced. Finally yesterday was IT. We showed up at the Arena, frozen due to the constant downpour. An army of 50, ranging from ages 8 to 30, with golden tikas peering from hoodies, long plaits pinned to sweatpants, the usual glitter and glamour, trying to camouflage (quite unsuccessfully!) with the viewers. We were led to our seats where we sat for all of 5 minutes. Then we were taken "backstage" to the locker rooms.We had already spent a few hours getting ready before we even got there. But there are always loose strands to gel back, stray fabric to be pinned, the usual touch up and Amrita's INSPECTION. She will detect a gold pin where a silver would be more appropriate, a gray hair tie, which will be promptly changed to black, and other details which most people cannot even see with the naked eye.
warming up those legs
Then finding a place to warm up,which can be challenging with 50 people. People going over different parts of the routine in all possible spots, including the restroom. Dancers practicing the lifts, the flips, the crucial timing for partnering. Dancers dodging flying limbs, flipping bodies, turning circles. And somehow we were READY. We stood in a circle, holding hands, CONNECTING one last time, before being led out into the court. We stood in two single files, pressed against the door, watching the stadium and taking in the shear numbers. It was ELECTRIFYING, it was NERVE-WRACKING, the wait, those last few minutes. Deep breathing, running in place to keep ourselves warm, random hugs and arm presses and then the music began. Everything went away. Only the dance remained. There was a WHIRLPOOL of energy as we danced, jumped, ran, turned, while 15,000 people watched. As Brian brought me dofrom the last lift, I felt our energy echo in the stadium, as the audience cheered. It was EXHILERATING!
waiting to exhale...
I don't think any of us have performed in a stadium, in front of 15,000 people before. It was an incredible opportunity to share our vision and passion with so many people. It was also great to showcase and represent our culture at the NBA. Bollywood is becoming mainstream, and since Bollywood in the Bay Area is almost synonymous with Mona Sampath, as part of her team, we were all extremely proud. People actually said that it was the best half-time performance they have ever seen. As we went back to watch the last quarter of the game, we felt part of something intangible. It is like the roar of the crowd, the excitement of the game, the hysteria of the fans. Something which cannot be explained, can only be EXPERIENCED.
Jai Ho!
For a video clip of the performance click here
For more pictures click here
Wow Ishika, now this is called "TRUE PASSION". That truely shows in your teaching too, you are a great dancer & a great teacher,Saumya is really lucky to have you, thanks.
ReplyDeleteMukta Arora