'I, Dance'

A woman of many talents—social activism, classical dancing and theatre directing—Sheema Kermani held an informative and interactive session at the Olo Junction, the headquarters of Olomopolo Media. Renowned for her steadfast contributions to the promotion and preservation of culture and the arts, in her talk Kermani focused on the essential forms of dance, including both folk and classical styles. She also talked about how dance and theatre intersect as forms of expression.

The session took place in a well-conditioned and cozy room. Lanterns cast a warm amber glow, creating a soothing ambience in the otherwise cool space. Cushions on the floor provided the main seating.

Couches were positioned at the ends. Kermani, dressed in an elegant cotton sari , illuminated by the soft light of an arching floor lamp, sat on a sofa. Kermani began her talk with a traditional greeting, the namaste or namaskar , a common gesture by dancers when taking the stage.

The history behind this form of ‘hello’ is quite meaningful: in ancient times, dancers performed directly on the soil. The centuries-old practice of this greeting serves to seek forgiveness from Mother Earth for stomping upon her during the dance. Having trained in various dance forms such as Bharatanatyam , Kathak and Odissi , dance holds a profound place in Kermani’s life.

To underscore the immense significance of self-expression through dance, Kermani read a poem by Suheir Hammad titled What I Will. Her invigorating deli.