Rukmini Vijayakumar Instagram – I wrote a book, “Finding Shiva” about the performative experience, and what it has helped me realise about life. Subsequently, I made this film, commissioned by @tatacliq based on the book. I don’t have any proper dance clips from last night, so I’m sharing this. Last night, I danced Mata Kalika, a bhajan, fully improvised. I’m familiar with the music, because I’ve choreographed the piece on ensemble, but I don’t think that it made a difference. It might have been easier for me if it was never choreographed. A few things that become very important in an improvised performance. – being present and completely available to the moment. No anticipating or planning. – saying “yes” to everything that the musical artists offer at that very moment, without hoping for specific outcomes or trying to guide their decisions. This is very important because it allows each performer to listen, instead of trying to be heard – skill, practise and command over their respective performance languages is of prime importance in an improvisational performance. The more you know about your area of expertise the more options you have in a millisecond. This was really beautiful last night with @raghuramvocals @shyam_rhythmgam Mahesha swamy and @khanjiraboy . – lastly it becomes very important for me to immerse in the character and believe in what I’m dancing. There can be no judgement and no conscious crafting to suit a viewer. The skill of covering the stage, finding an emotional trajectory, building a story, creating pause, resolution, etc must all be second nature so that nothing is at the forefront of one’s thoughts. I must either be completely rehearsed to a point of exactness or have an open improvisation for a fulfilling performance. It’s strange – but I can never have anything inbetween. It’s also important to have artists with me who converse and listen to one another through their art – for it to work. Then it becomes about the art and not about an individual. So thankful for @raghuramvocals @shyam_rhythmgam Mahesh anna @khanjiraboy Film credits @vivianambrose @saishravanam @tatacliq #bharatanatyam #findingshiva #shivaratri #shiva #innerjourney #improvisation