“When Art Chooses You: A Dancer’s Journey Beyond Performance”

Of the many avatars I have in this lifetime, this is perhaps the oldest. Before I was a lover, a wife, a mother, or a corporate lead, I was, am, and shall always be a dancer. I dance for no specific purpose, except that it chose me. We all think we choose an art form, but we don’t. It chooses us. It decides to stay with us through life’s many vagaries—through losses, death, and transformations. All it asks is a space to let it thrive.

I still dance regularly at my class with @praveenkumardance. At hitting 49 🙂 I am his oldest pupil! I still correct myself, do my homework for classes. Many people ask why I do all of this if I’m not performing. My simple answer is: I do it because it chose to stay with me. It reminds me, every time, that most roles we play in life are temporary, and that healthy detachment once the role is played is a good thing.

I am only grateful for these moments on stage and for the journey I have had—and will continue to have. When art becomes a lifestyle, it permeates everything you do. I credit my fitness, aesthetics, and zest for life to this art.

I hope you all find the one thing you love. It doesn’t matter what form it takes, as long as you respect that it chose you and you give it the attention it deserves. Trust me it will allow you a space where you can heal and thrive.

May you all be blessed by the goddess!