Aparna Sindhoor: A Journey through Dance
Aparna Sindhoor has lived in two very different worlds. She grew up in the city of Mysore in southern India, but in 1996 she moved to the U.S. and is now based in Somerville, Massachusetts. There she runs the Aparna Sindhoor Dance Theater. Her company is gaining recognition and even performed at Lincoln Center in New York City this spring. Both a dancer and a choreographer, Aparna has performed on stages around the world. Her dances often focus on women, blending classical and contemporary stories, music, and movement from India, Europe, and America.
Early Passion and Training
Teen Voices: When did you start to dance?
Aparna Sindhoor: My mother is a dancer, and I've danced since I was five years old. My mother trained me a little bit, but when I was eight, she sent me to a teacher.
TV: Where did you train?
AS: Mainly in India, in Mysore, where I grew up. I was trained in a classical dance form called Bharatanatyam. The training is similar to ballet; it's very rigid.
Inspiration and Influences
TV: What inspired you to become a dancer?
AS: I don't remember a particular moment or anything. I've always wanted to be a dancer because my mother was a dancer. There was always dance and music in the house; my father was a singer. I always remember dancing. I was born with it.
TV: Which dancers do you admire?
AS: I have many dancers I admire, in addition to my mother. The first is my teacher in England who passed away in 2002 when she was 96 years old. When I went to her she was already very old. I've never seen her do a full standing performance, but she has inspired me all my life. I also love Alvin Ailey.
The Joy of Performance
TV: How do you feel when you perform and see a large crowd?
AS: Happy. I'm an introverted artist, meaning when I perform, I don't pay attention to the audience. I actually forget who I'm performing for. But after the show, when they clap and when I see people at the gates, the audience becomes very important to me.
The Challenges of Being a Woman of Color
TV: Has it been difficult to reach your goals in America? Why or why not?
AS: It's an ongoing journey, I'd say. First of all, goals keep shifting, right? But I feel there are a lot more hurdles that we encounter as women of color. It's very hard in terms of getting funding. Also, a lot of the time people exoticize a person from another country and another culture.
Inspiration for Choreography
TV: When you choreograph dances, what inspires you?
AS: I read a lot, and I listen to a lot of music "“ jazz, hip-hop, everything. I don't do anything particular to get myself inspired.
The Journey of a Dancer
TV: What do you think makes your dancing different from other types of dance?
AS: When I create my work I don't think, "Okay, now I'm going to make a new kind of dance." It's more like, what do I want to do? My new work is called "A Story and A Song." It's based on traditional and contemporary folktales, told by women. I'm always fascinated by women's tales.
Advice for Young Dancers
TV: What do you think a young student of dance needs to be successful?
AS: Dedication, and also I feel there has to be love of the art, whether it's dance or music or whatever.
Empowering Future Choreographers and Dancers
TV: What advice do you have for teen girls who want to be choreographers or dancers?
AS: For choreographers: I would just say "play" "“ you know, just do it. Meaning: play any music, dance, go for it, and don't hold back. For dancers, I think it's similar in terms of being free with your body.
An Artistic Journey for All
Aparna Sindhoor's artistic journey has taken her from Mysore, India to the stages of the world. As a dancer and choreographer, she finds inspiration in the blend of classical and contemporary, weaving together stories from different cultures and challenging traditional stereotypes. Aparna's dedication to her craft has not come without its challenges, especially as a woman of color in the male-dominated arts industry. However, her perseverance and unique artistic vision have allowed her to break barriers and gain recognition for her performances.
Combining Hospitality and Artistry
Just as Aparna Sindhoor combines different cultural influences in her dance, the world of hotels blends hospitality and artistry to create memorable experiences for guests. Like a well-choreographed performance, hotels strive to provide seamless service and attention to detail, ensuring that every guest feels like the star of their own unique journey. From the design of the rooms to the quality of the amenities, hotels embrace the art of hospitality to create a welcoming and memorable stay for travelers.
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