Pratibha Kini - Classical Art Forms Comprise of Many Technicalities and Rules Which Cannot Be Learnt by an Individual Without Proper Guidance (Dancer, India)

Instagram - @pratibha_kini

YouTube Channel

1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

I'm Pratibha Kini, a passionate Bharatanatyam dancer, performer and teacher from Bengaluru. I have been practicing the art form for over two decades under the guidance of my mother and Guru Vidushi Prabha Kini. 

Dance has been an integral part of my life so-much-so that I didn't consider it as just an extracurricular activity. Academics and Bharatanayam went hand in hand since childhood and continues to be a parallel profession for me, while I work as an IT professional at Nutanix. 

Having completed my Pre-Vidwath exam and Rangapravesham, I'm currently pursuing Masters (MA) degree in Bharatanatyam from the Kalai Kaviri College of Fine Arts, Trichy. Being a Crossfitter, a half-marathoner, a yogi and a mountaineer, I have dedicated my YouTube Channel to educate the dance community about fitness and techniques of Bharatanatyam.

2. When did you first decide you wanted to pursue dancing and how did you start?

A child learns best through imitation. The initial years of my learning was by imitating what my mother did. I used to watch her take dance classes, observe her students dance and it eventually became part of my life. 

I started dancing at an early age of 4/5 (or may be before that - not something I remember). And how lucky was I, for, dance chose me and I found myself enjoying the journey thoroughly. There was no looking back.

3. Who is your favourite dancer and why?

There is an endless list of dancers who inspire me. And I adore each one for their specific set of qualities. Though I can't pick one name, Bragha akka, C V Chandrashekhar sir, Mavin Khoo Anna are among my favourites, for, they make me realise that art is greater than the artist.


4. Can you throw some light on opportunities one gets as a dancer?

It completely depends on the niche of the dancer. One could teach, perform, write scripts for dance productions, organise shows, take care of lighting & sound and so on...

I strongly believe that "A wise man makes more opportunities than he finds!". Off-late I have come to realise that the opportunity you create for yourself by building your brand and trust with your audience has much more potential than anything else. Once you create your niche, opportunities are bound to find you. 

A performer could always share his/her art on social media. It is indeed one of the most economical and powerful mediums for budding artists. Having said that, there are multiple dance festivals happening throughout the year. Young talented dancers could always reach out to the organisers for an opportunity.


5. Is format training required or can one train themselves purely on the basis of talent?

Classical art forms comprise of many technicalities and rules which cannot be learnt by an individual without proper guidance. To understand the nuances of the form, it is necessary for a student to undergo formal training to study, practice and surrender to the art form with utmost dedication and perseverance under a Guru. The question of pursuing it through sheer talent is a myth in itself.


6. What piece of advice would you like to give to future and aspiring artists?

In today's fast paced world people expect results very soon. Unfortunately, it is not how it works with classical dance forms. You need to imbibe the dance form, put in the hard work consistently and patiently work towards your goal without getting into the rat race. 

It is not important how soon you get onto the stage, but how well you communicate your ideas once you do. So just enjoy the journey and the rest will fall in place.


7. Which is your favourite book and why?

A very difficult question indeed. But, I would go with the masterpiece by Khaled Hosseini, "A Thousand splendid suns". Be it a book or a performance or a film, if it makes you forget who you are and be one with the character, nothing like it. This novel is among those heart wrenching stories which moved me to tears. 

I experienced the emotional burden of the characters as if they were mine, made me feel empty and full all at the same time! It left me counting my blessings and taught me to appreciate life! Not for a moment it occurred to me that the novel is a work of fiction. An absolute emotional roller coaster ride - Something I strive to give to my audience when I dance!

- Interviewed by - Soumya Bhayana