Eagan Girl to Make Stage Debut as Classical Indian Dancer

In early August, Vibha Mavanji will line her eyes with kohl and take to the stage, acting out the part of over 10 characters from Hindu mythology. The prodigious task is just one aspect of the 11-year-old Eagan girl's official debut as a classical Indian dancer. 

Mavanji has studied the form, known as Bharatanatyam, since she was four years old. Bharatanatyam is an ancient type of dance that centers around rhythmic, rigorously controlled body movement and highly stylized storytelling. It originated in the temples of Tamil Nadu almost 3,000 years ago.

"That's one of the signature aspects of this dance form. If there are three characters in a story, you are all three. If there are 20, you are all 20," said her instructor Suchi Sairam. "The big challenge is clearly conveying the story and who you are at that moment so the audience can follow."

So it's no surprise that when asked what her biggest challenge has been Mavanji answers with a single word: Stamina. 

Her debut solo performance will run for two hours and include a suite of eight pieces. The technical elements of the dance—proper form, facial expressions and a codified set of hand gestures—are one side of the performance. Mavanji's preparations also involve study of poetic texts in Sanskrit, Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu, four languages hailing from the Indian subcontinent. By her estimate, the performance has required nine months of intensive training and practice, about two to five hours on a regular basis. 

"It's a long process and a big commitment," Sairam said.

Though Mavanji began her study of Bharatanatyam at an early age, even as a young child she impressed adults with her dedication to the form.

"You don't hear many eight or nine-year-old children talking about passion. She started training with me four years ago and it was one of the very first things I remember her saying—that she had a passion for dance," Sairam said. "That really struck me."

Most make their debut in high school, though there are some students who are able to take the stage before they turn 13. Over the past few years, Sairam noted a growing sophistication to Mavanji's technique and understanding of the art.

"In technical dance there is a clarity and brightness in what she does and excellent rhythm that goes along with it. Very rarely does she get tripped up on the rhythm," Sairam said. "In expressional dance she's quite uninhibited, which is unusual for a dancer at this age. Most are restrained, worried about what people are going to think and all that, but she's uninhibited and as a result what she conveys is very authentic."

Sairam said Mavanji's unerring devotion to her study was what sealed the deal.

"What's most important (when considering a debut) is attitude and commitment. This is no small undertaking," Sairam said.  

Mavanji debut will take place on Aug. 4, 2013, just before she enters seventh grade at Black Hawk Middle School. Before the school year starts, Mavanji will be making her first steps toward a professional dance career. She hopes to eventually become an instructor herself. 

"Students should come out of their debut loving dance more. It's intended to be a launching point," Sairam said. "It's a major milestone but by no means is it an end point."