Performance at the 9th Frances Tustin International Conference

Sep 25, 2024 | Bharatnatyam, Performances

Connecting Bharatanatyam with psychoanalysis: A journey of balance and emotion.

On September 22, 2024, I had the honor of performing at the 9th Frances Tustin International Conference at the President Hotel in Mumbai. With doctors attending from India, Israel, France, the UK, and Italy, the conference explored the theme “Following Early Ruptures: Psychoanalytic Perspectives.” This unique audience presented an opportunity to connect the ancient art of Bharatanatyam with the psychoanalytic exploration of human emotions and experiences.

Planning & Conceptualization

When preparing for this performance, I wanted to align the expressive depth of Bharatanatyam with the conference’s focus on early psychological ruptures. Bharatanatyam, rooted in the Natyashastra, is not just a dance form but a study of human emotions and their connection to movement and rhythm. The ancient text describes how dance can elevate both the performer and the audience, offering a pathway to psychological and emotional balance.

I began my performance with an invocation to Ardhanareeshwara, the composite deity symbolizing the fusion of male and female energies. This piece was chosen not just for its aesthetic appeal but for its symbolic relevance to the conference’s theme of balance and integration. I then transitioned into a short Nritta segment, emphasizing the geometry and precision of Bharatanatyam, a reflection of the disciplined interplay between the mind and body.

The second piece, Kalinga Narthanam, was carefully selected to delve deeper into the emotional and narrative aspects of Bharatanatyam. The story of young Krishna battling and triumphing over the serpent Kalinga offered a universal metaphor for overcoming adversity and restoring harmony. Through rhythmic layers and expressive storytelling, I aimed to depict not only Krishna’s playful energy but also the resilience and joy that emerges from conflict resolution—a theme I felt resonated deeply with the psychoanalytic perspectives explored at the conference.

Performance & Reception

Performing in front of such an intellectually engaged audience was both challenging and exhilarating. I could sense the room’s energy shift as I moved through the invocation, pure dance, and narrative segments. It was heartwarming to see how the audience connected with the performance, appreciating the emotional and symbolic layers woven into each piece.

After the performance, I received wonderful feedback, with many expressing how the dance had added a special dimension to the evening. They found the storytelling and rhythm of Bharatanatyam not just visually captivating but deeply moving. A few mentioned how my love for the art was evident in every movement, and how the performance brought joy and inspiration to the event.

Reflecting on the Experience

This performance reinforced for me the universal power of art to bridge diverse fields like culture and psychoanalysis. It was an evening where ancient tradition met contemporary inquiry, and I was grateful to contribute to such a meaningful dialogue through my passion for dance. Moments like these remind me why I dance—not just to perform, but to connect, communicate, and inspire.

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