I tried to co-relate ballet dance with yoga: Avantika Kochar

How did you fall in love with dance?

I have always been engaged in typical body movement. Since, I was growing up, I was curious about the functionality and the aesthetics of the body. At the same time, I was a biology student, so I was really interested in exploring various angles of the body and that's how it generated the curiosity in me to explore various postures of dance.

Why did you study a number of forms rather than concentrating on one form of art?

My idea was never to focus on any particular medium. I was basically exploring a different medium, and was lucky enough to get the opportunity to do so. But I chose to move more towards dance. I consider myself not only a dancer or dance teacher or choreographer. I'm also a dance practitioner, preacher, who is evolving every day.

How did you get the idea of making a hybrid of dance and yoga?

I think that's because of my research. While doing my masters, I realised how Ashtanga yoga could be a supplementary form of training for a professional ballet dancer. Thus I tried to find out a way to co-relate ballet dancing with Ashtanga yoga. I wanted to relate western dance form with our tradition of dance. I think I'm more mature to deal with various forms of art.

What are the differences between India and other countries when it comes to teaching dance?

When it comes to ballet, our country is still very new to it. We've a rich cultural background of Kathak and Bharatnatyam, but our country is still experimenting with ballet dancing.

How does teaching dance differ from being a dancer yourself?

Teaching needs a lot of patience. It requires a lot of research and most importantly I feel that teaching requires personal experience also. Every professional ballet dance teacher will teach with their own personal experience and that is what gives students a good knowledge about the dance form. I try to see the value in the students — whether the student is looking to become a professional ballet dancer or she is focussed more on research.

What are your interests outside dance?

Apart from being a dancer, I'm also a painter and a visual artist. I have exhibited several works in canvas and photography at different venues in countries like India, Singapore, US, and UK.