Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Pavitra Kumar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Pavitra, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
Learning Bharatanatyam is a constant craft of pushing oneself physically and emotionally. Connecting with decades long stories, and religious motifs, one has to challenge the body to stay present. This has been a craft I have and will continue to grow alongside, finding commonalities between my experiences to the characters I play. Furthermore, intention is at the root of this craft. Every eye movement, hip rotation, pause, holds hours of practice. In these intentions I have found a sense of control and connection between my body and mind I never thought of reaching. There have been so many moments where movements have felt impossible. But looking back, I see all the joy dance has given me, and I know that will always be my way of challenging my own perception of my limits.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I have been learning Indian Classical Dance for over 15 years now, performing locally in the DFW area as well across the US and India. As a college student, I share my experiences as a dancer and student, balancing both my academic and artistic dreams, on my Instagram page (@pavsdance). I hope to encourage other young artists to continue their passion in the arts beyond their graduation performance (arangetram). To me, dance has become a way for me to relieve stress and understand self discipline. I practice when no one is watching, I push myself to prove to myself I am the only person in my way. My mind and body has grown stronger these past 2 years at The University of Texas at Austin due to dance and I hope other young dancers see my page as inspiration to do the same!
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
With accolades, grades, and honors as motivation, I had always seen my journey as constantly reaching a new goal, using the result as my motivation. However, as a dancer, I have to constantly unlearn this tendency. In the creative arts, there is no “end goal”. The art itself is a constant journey of improvement, of making yourself uncomfortable. And just when you think you have understood it all, it all falls apart, and you build yourself back up. Creative arts means enjoying this process more than any end performance. Putting in the work is what inspires me when I enter the studio, and this shift in mindset has given me endless joy in my practices!
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I wish I had known the power of collaboration. There is so much creativity when two artists get in a room together and let their thoughts flow! I have been lucky enough to be a part of an Indian Classical Competitive team, in which we tell contemporary stories through Bharatanatyam. I have been able to meet such talented artists through this dance circuit, and push my creative concepts every single practice. Beyond the team, simply meeting other college artists through Instagram has made this journey all the more fulfilling. Whenever I feel stuck, I used to rely only on myself. I have learned now how wonderful it is to reach out to others who have always met my questions with such enthusiasm and positive energy! We are all each others’ cheerleaders and I could not be more greatful for this support system.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pavitradance.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pavsdance/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pavsdance/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavitra~kumar/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbKfoZeANuoM6wH5XIrfi0Q