Today we’d like to introduce you to Pavitra Kumar.
Hi Pavitra, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My first love was a boy I had never seen, who always stood on stage right. Was it a little weird? Obviously. Was the breakup hard? Every single time. Yet, after hundreds of rehearsals, it became the relationship I am the most thankful for. It had taken me months of begging to convince my dance teacher that I was mature enough to learn my first abhinayam piece (Indian classical dance solo centered solely around expressions). Reluctantly, she agreed to teach me the infamous “Marulu Minchera”, where I would play a woman who had been deserted by the love of her life. While my character had no name, no physical description, she had a story deeper than I was digging. Living through her full perspective, heartbreak began to make more sense. There is something special about getting to experience the beauty within heartbreak this way. Falling in and out of love, experiencing loss, I learned empathy unconventionally. I bring this empathy, these lives I have embodied on and off the stage, it is the driving force behind my passion for dance. It is this understanding that such a traditional art form has so much depth and life lessons to provide which has kept me dancing for over 16 years. Over the pandemic, I wanted to continue encouraging other young artists to work on their craft, not for outside validation, but for internal growth. My inspiration for my dance account was created on this principle of finding that reason to keep practicing this art form when there were no in-person performances. Dancing through a world void of connection, I found those same moments with imaginary characters and sweaty practice sessions. Even in university, I had met so many young dancers who finally learning to dance for themselves and not the audience and to play a small part in that journey is such a beautiful thing to witness.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
What journey is complete without some bumps along the way! Honestly, my journey as a dancer is constantly changing, but I have come to value those uncomfortable moments. Advocating for myself and learning to face constant rejection has been a hurdle as an artist, but an opportunity for me to be a listener. Specifically, growing one’s presence in the arts can feel hopeless, but I have found comfort in reminding myself that even if no one was watching, dance would still bring me joy. While there are so many moments where it feels like I am running in circles, I can always put on my favorite varnam or thillana and just dance those fears away and documenting these moments of uncertainty have been a wonderful way for me to show other college dancers that they aren’t alone in this journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
It can be easy to let go of our passions once we enter the business of college. I think one of the things I am most proud of has been my insistence of developing both my academic and artistic career. Balancing my studies and dance rehearsals will always be a challenge but is something I pride myself on. Not only have both elements of my life matter equally to me, but I have found parallels in their work ethic and life lessons. Knowing that I am not defined by solely my degree or grades has taught me a work-life balance from a young age and coming to UT has only emphasized by ability to value curriculum over performance. Similarly, I have learned to applaud my small wins such as even a 30 min practice in between midterms. I have used my passions to show other college artists interested in continuing their practice that it is possible and that we can do it all. It will take constant dedication and sure the night will be long, but the intrinsic reward you receive will always be worth it. I came to this realization quite recently, when I was invited to perform 2 shows for The Dallas Arboretum’s premiere Diwali Pop-Up. Curating, choreographing, and writing a 30-minute showcase dedicated to this festival of lights was a dream come true as an artist. Even amongst my sophomore year, I would find open lecture halls, hallways, and create whenever I could. Seeing these pieces come to life the day of made all those late nights, cancelled plans, sweaty practices worth it. Even after the show, to see so many Dallas residents, from young dancers to complete strangers to the art form, watch my performance felt so rewarding and the moment could not have felt more magical.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
If there is any passion you have, no matter how unconventional, no matter how different it may be from “your career”, run with it. Keep at it as long as it brings you joy. Your interests don’t always have to feel like they fit into a box, or all complement each other. Always follow what you love and enjoy that journey. No matter where it takes you, it will always be worthwhile to do what you love. I believe this practice of following your heart gets lost with us by age, and I am determined to keep my inner child alive by dancing, so find what makes your inner child dance and keep at it!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pavitradance.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pavsdance/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pavsdance
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbKfoZeANuoM6wH5XIrfi0Q
Image Credits
Kumar Ramalingam
