Rhythm and Movement of Connection

by Ellen Kirkness ’12

From out of the melting pot of American culture comes a generation of adolescents who redefine the meaning of having a double-life. All of the ingredients join together at school to create a blended mixture which incorporates family tradition with American pop culture. Yet, at home these same students embrace a traditional culture, rich with customs and values from a foreign country. The two cultures contrast so deeply, in some cases, that embracing both seems near impossible. In order to maintain ties with one’s traditional culture, which are often lost in an effort to blend in with peers, many students embrace cultural dancing as a form of after-school activity. These individuals work rigorously to hold onto their ethnic cultures through rhythm and movement.

Although she has lived in the United States for her entire life, junior Rewa Kumar maintains her cultural ties to both India and Singapore. She participates in a form of dance called Kuchipudi, a classical form of dance which originates from Andhrapradesh in Southern India. Although Kumar began to explore Kuchipudi just two short years ago, she sees great potential in herself and intends to dedicate herself to the art.

“My favorite part of it is probably that, unlike most types of dance, Indian dance tells a story. The dancer must work on every minute facial expression to really portray each character of the story. Miming is a huge part of it and every dancer that wants to become a professional must study the art of miming. The magical thing about the dance is that if the dancer is an expert, one can see the amazing transformation from the dancer herself to another person,” said Kumar.

While it is common to begin Indian dance at a much younger age and pursue achievement through adolescence, Kumar did not dance throughout her childhood other than briefly trying Bharatanatyam, a dance similar to Kuchipudi, at age six but neglecting to practice further than a few months of classes. However, during her freshman year, an Indian dance performance sparked a new interest. This longing to return to dance, combined with a supportive push from her parents, ended in her taking weekly classes. She now finds herself in the place of the light-footed dancers who, just two years ago, were her own inspiration.

“My dance teacher is an expert and has been dancing for nearly 45 years so when I see her dance, I see the marveling transformation of her being my teacher to a young, beautiful maiden or to a strong, handsome man through her facial expressions and dance,” said Kumar.

Unlike Kumar, who just recently discovered her passion for cultural dance, sophomore Emma Kennedy has dedicated herself to Irish dance for more than 11 years. Kennedy participates in both group and solo performances in competitions all over the country. While many Irish dancers specialize in either hard-shoe or soft shoe dance, Kennedy has mastered the techniques of both. Prior to the beginning of her instruction, Kennedy watched enviously as her aunt taught dance to four of her cousins at the Donnelly School of Irish Dance in Virginia. Although weekly classes in Virginia would be very difficult to manage, Kennedy begged relentlessly and persistently. At age six, her mother agreed and arranged for her to take weekly classes. Yet, for the sake of gas and time, Kennedy’s instruction took place much closer to home at the Prendergast School of Irish Dance in Derwood.

“My favorite part of Irish dance is knowing that some of the dances I do today were also danced thousands of years ago when Irish dance was first created,” said Kennedy.

With origins in Ireland, Germany, Scotland and Wales, Kennedy’s connection to one distinct, traditional culture is an accomplishment. Combine this web of cultures with an American identity and you have an adolescent surrounded by cultural range. Kennedy’s flawless performance in the International Show on April 1 reflected the Irish portion of her identity through graceful and disciplined dance.

“Even though I live in the U.S., Irish dance opens up a part of Irish culture that I would not be connected to otherwise. The U.S. has been called the ‘Great American Melting Pot’, and the fact that I can celebrate my Irish heritage while living in the U.S. is really fun,” said Kennedy.