Salutations!

My maiden performance with the dance school I am currently affiliated with. Filling my heart with piety and devotion I said thanks to God, my gurus, and my trainers again and again. The dancing bells were blessed and tied on my feet by my teacher as with all initiation of Indian classical dancing. I was the only one in my group with that blessing. Just last year I was among the audience, yearning to be on that stage offering my love to God through something that I had passion for beyond words. This year, I was there, in full odissi attire dancing to appease Lord Ganesha, as Himself, to Him, for Him; my love offering. Months of training; to make sure my fellow dancers get their steps, stances, and mudras correctly; and months; anticipating if or not this night was ever going to materialise.

So it did, in all glory that I could have imagined and more. The 7 minutes on stage flew by like a swift breeze. And none of it I could recall except for the blissfulness of asking Lord Jagannath to bless me so that my offering of love to Him is done flawlessly. 7 minutes of pure divinity; 7 minutes of everything and nothingness itself; 7 minutes of sublime ecstasy.

After the performances ended, we gathered to hear reviews. I was indifferent because I felt that God had accepted wholeheartedly the offering. But then again listening to the reviews were encouraging, more so because I had (strangely enough) actually put on weight prior to the performance. Also, a quality I have imbibed learning odissi is humility. Respecting and accepting critic is a mark of a true performer and one that God Himself reveres.

My teacher: Hats off to the Mangalacharan group. You did very well. Everything was nicely done. 


My senior trainer: *with salutations* Thanks to Hdaran very much la. You really did a great job.


A random woman form the audience: Your performance was absolutely wonderful. Really amazing. I had chills sitting in the crowd watching you dance. It was like Lord Jagannath Himself was dancing on stage! (I replied humbly, with a face full of smiles; Thank you so much, your words are really encouraging. All praise to Lord Jagannath!!!)

My friends: Great! Awesome! You stood out! It was wonderful! I'm glad I didn't miss it!

This has nothing to do with narcissism. These words are probably the exact words a dancer would like to hear above all else. I have been blessed with this gift and it has been an honour to be able to present it at the feet of God, and to be able to share it with people whom are appreciative of this intricate art form.

All praise to Lord Jagannath!!!
Salutations to my guru.
Salutations to my trainers.
Salutations to my friends.
Aum, Shanthi Shanthi Shanthi...