Dancing their way through adversities

Tough times sometimes bring out the best in some. On Wednesday, a few dancers on the stage near Carter Road Promenade showed that graceful art can also come out of adversity.
There was Odissi exponent Shubhada Varadkar, telling of her battle with ovarian cancer through pure classical dance. ‘Mayurpankh’, a book detailing her struggle was also the name of the dance production that she performed with six students as part of the Times Celebrate Bandra festival.“I was performing in the UK when I was detected with cancer in 2006,” said Varadkar. She returned to undergo surgery, chemotherapy and counselling.
Varadkar is eager to spread the cancer prevention awareness, especially in her own neighbourhood. “I am doing the show despite a short time slot as I want the message to reach as many people as possible. Early detection is very important,” said Varadkar, whose imaginative choreography brought out the despair that the news of the diagnosis brought about. With some costume changes, finally the dancer regained hope despite drastic changes in physical appearance.
Earlier, the evening had started with a bunch of disabled youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds showing that Bollywood songs like ‘Rang De Basanti’ could be used to depict a powrerful dance of strength and perseverance. They were part of NGO Adapt, as part of the carnival’s efforts to showcase the area’s welfare efforts. “The festival is for all people and that is why we have a platform for NGOs,” said Niloufer Rohira of Bandra With A Heart.
Adding to the eclectic mix was a production showcasing the various stages of kathak by dancer Vijayshree Chaudhary’s students. A Japanese disciple opened this sufi-inspired piece.