Finding the right teacher
Young aspirants should learn the art in a methodical and disciplined manner
Sahitya, sangeeta kala viheenaha sakshat pashuhu, pucha vishanaha heenaha
t means that a human life without an initiation into literature, music or any art is akin to a cow without horns and tail. Hence every human being is entitled to learn the arts without which life loses its meaning. Having said this, one has to understand the di erence between casual association with art and deep engagement with it.
Classicism is about methodical and disciplinary approach. Unfortunately, these values are being manipulated for ease of learning and popularity. It is a disheartening trend. We need to put in place a safety regulation to ensure the genuineness of the trainee.
Since Bharatanatyam is my eld, I will talk about it. I have coined the term ‘art-quacks’ to
Irefer to those so-called teachers, who seem to be manipulating the system to their advantage. In the process, they are permanently damaging the perspective of the learners. Dance needs both physical and mental conditioning, which the ‘art-quacks’ denitely cannot bring about. Both veteran artistes and scholars can help solve this problem. Young enthusiasts rarely have a good understanding of what a mentor should be like. Their expectations are akin to what a tuition teacher or hobby class can provide. They should not get carried away with the promises of performance opportunities. Parents and children should realise that substandard learning cannot take them far. The same e ort that they put in while selecting the school for education should be made when selecting the dance school. A little bit of homework could help.
When a learner applies for Central or State scholarships and Doordarshan auditions and recordings, he or she will realise the signicance of being trained by a knowledgeable guru.
The concept of salangai pujai or arangetram are not what they were in the past. What is the value of a formal debut in today’s times when digital platforms o er an easy access. Yet, arangetrams are being conducted with immense fanfare. Huge expenses, including guru dakshina are incurred by parents. The great nattuvanars of yesteryear intensely trained a few talented and promising sishyas, whose patronage was their sole source of income.
The ‘art-quacks’ also indulge in creative plagiarism. They have no qualms about reproducing well-researched and aesthetically formulated compositions and choreographies. A reason why many well-known artistes do not want their work to be made visible on social media. We need a tighter copyright policy.
Mediocrity has no space in classicism, whether it is in teaching, performing or in promoting arts and artistes. It has to be understood that if authentic art has to thrive, we need to rid it of quacks.
When it comes to dance training, there cannot be any shortcuts. Learners should have an understanding of what a mentor should be like.