Sharing her culture through dance

Graceful steps: Dancer G. Ashmita striking a pose while performing a Peacock Dance during pre-Deepavali celebrations at Gurney Plaza, George Town. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: Mathematics and science and the performing arts may seem worlds apart, but not for student G. Ashmita.

When the 20-year-old chemical engineering student is not delving deeply into calculations and formulas, she is a classical Indian dancer.

From the entrancing rhythms of the Bharatanatyam to Odissi and everything in between, she enjoys every moment of rehearsals and public performances with the Temple of Fine Arts (TFA) Penang troupe.

They regularly do shows at shopping malls, open houses and events in the lead-up to festive celebrations like Deepavali, and this year was no different.

“Dancing has been my passion since a young age. I joined the TFA when I was seven and found it a good outlet to channel my feelings and emotions.

“Being in front of crowds can feel intimidating at first, but over time, it has made me a more confident person,” Ashmita said of her journey.

Beyond the personal growth, she also likes how dancing allows her to share her culture with people of other backgrounds and help perpetuate Malaysia’s unique “Muhibbah” spirit.

“Juggling your interests with university studies is always tough. But if you love something, you’ll find a way to make it work,” she added after a solo performance on Nov 5.

It was a Peacock Dance, otherwise known as Mayilattam. Dressed in a blue and green costume, she swirled, twirled and unfurled a ‘tail’ made of genuine peacock feathers.

TFA dance instructor M. Seethalakshmi said this particular number is thought to have originated in Tamil Nadu where it was performed in honour of the Hindu deity Lord Murugan.

“Peacocks are known to dance in the rain. Some believe this is because the moisture makes its feathers more visually striking.

“The dance’s movements mimic those performed by the bird,” said Seethalakshmi, who has taught at the TFA for the past 15 years.She was also an avid dancer from a young age and now enjoys transferring all she knows to the younger generation. Seeing them lap up applause at performances brings satisfaction.

“Anybody can learn classical Indian dance. Age is no barrier. The steps may seem complicated but it’s actually not that hard as long as one has the interest.

“We use a fixed syllabus at TFA and the full course takes about six years,” said Seethalakshmi, adding that Ashmita was one of her latest graduates.The TFA, founded in 1981 by Swami Shantanand Sarawathi, is a non-profit organisation that teaches and promotes an appreciation of Indian arts and culture.

Its Penang branch is located at Babington Avenue and there are others in Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Johor, as well as overseas in Singapore, India and Australia.