Believe in Yourself

In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.” – Michael Jackson.

And that is exactly what he did. Michael Jackson’s life is an inspiration to many. Each one of us goes through bad phases. But it is all about fighting the bad times and emerging as a winner.

As a teenager, I always looked up to MJ. He was, undoubtedly, one of the best musicians in the world. And when it came to dance, he was and remains a legend. The famous ‘moon walk dance’ was and continues to be a part of all dance functions in schools and family get togethers. He was definitely an idol to many upcoming dancers. Every kid would want to dance just like him, showcasing just the perfect movements.

Are you someone who sways in just about any place, with no audible music but a tune in the head…or, are you the kind who loves to dance, but only behind closed doors? Many of us fear being laughed at or to be known as the Pappu who can’t dance or the one with two left feet.

Dancing is for all. There is no age limit. You do not have to be a professional dancer. It is all about letting your soul take over you. Even the little movements bring immense pleasure. It is all about letting it out and having fun.

So, if you have always wanted to dance, follow MJ’s words; believe in yourself and nothing is impossible. Shed away all inhibitions, and show the world those moves!!!

-Sapna Krishnan, Social Media Head, Bespoken Words

When Dancing got a Whole New Meaning!

I, as a teenage kid, was boisterous, energetic, impulsive, and full of enthusiasm. I needed some constructive means to let out all that energy. “Why don’t you join dance classes, it helps!” Tapoo, my childhood pal suggested.

That day it made me think for a while until I gave a nod to the option. And today, when I look back I can proudly say I’m thankful to my friend for making me look through the wind shield. I took up Kuchipudi, the Orissa form of dancing at school and at a neighbourhood area, made new friends and lived some of the most precious moments of my life performing live at different venues.

When you dance freely not only your mind but also your body, heart and soul get merged giving you an instant high. Dancing involves a great amount of energy and is also a great form of workout that tones the entire body. India, since decades has preserved its classical form of dances that are a integral part of its rich culture and heritage. Zeal, dedication and practice are the basic and constant requirements that make one a good classical dancer.

India has 7 forms of classical dance; Bharatanayam, Kathak, Kathakali, Odissi, Mohinyattam, Manipuri and Kuchipudi. These dance forms were originally performed in the temples to entertain various gods and goddesses.

What is common to all is the ‘Abinaya’ or Expression. Gestures are a treasured aspect of Indian form of dancing. No other form of dancing in the world has ever laid importance on that aspect. The description of bodily expressivity is important in understanding how it has helped Indian classical dance survive through history and shaped it in the process.

A very important feature of Indian classical dances is the use of the ‘Mudra’ or hand gestures by the artists as sign language to narrate a story and to demonstrate certain concepts such as objects, weather, nature and emotion.Traditional Indian dance has not remained the same through the centuries. One can say ‘evolution’ is the key of its survival. In India, dance is expressed through poetry, sculpture, architecture, literature, music and theatre.

Thus, it won’t be wrong if I conclude by quoting a famous line from Natya Shastra that says “There is no other knowledge, no other learning, no other art, not even yoga or action that is not found in dance."

- Priyanka Wali, Bespoken Words Team

Dance your way to Fame...

All of us nurture a hidden dream. A passion to achieve that distant goal. Unfortunately most of us settle for mundane routines, and let the dream remain - just that - a dream!

Dancing is a passion for many, but how many of us actually have the freedom to consider building a career around it? With pressure from family, friends and society at large, a lot of these dancing dreams get nipped in the bud to make way for safer career options. Dancing is put aside as a mere hobby. But all that is changing. Thanks to the influx of dance reality shows over the past few years, that distant dream is fast taking shape and turning into an existent possibility.

Dance competitions and reality shows like ‘So You Think You Can Dance’, ‘Dance India Dance’, ‘Superstars of Dance’ and many more, have changed the fortune of many a young dancer. These dance based competitions allow talented dancers from all walks of life to come and exhibit their dancing prowess on these coveted platforms. These shows give contestants instant fame, recognition and a direct connection with the audiences.

Sometimes, individuals get a new lease of life thanks to these dancing shows. Dancers from modest backgrounds, without any formal training get selected on the basis of their talent and willingness to learn. Through the course of the show, they are exposed to various dance forms and styles which they grasp quickly. The experience contestants’ gain through these shows helps them turn into well rounded performers.

An entry into a dance based reality show at most times opens up a plethora of options for those, who wish to pursue dancing professionally. A lot of the dancers become professional choreographers, start working in films and T.V shows, perform in shows all over the world or get affiliated to dancing schools. If the contestants of dance competitions and reality shows are smart enough to cash in on the fame and success they receive through the shows, they can surely make successful careers out of it.

So, if you think you’ve got it and you dream big, bring out your dancing shoes and turn that dormant dream into a living reality!

-Ruchika Mathur, Bespoken Words Team

The Dance Poem

it is all about me,
the movements that set me free.
the song of my body,
surrendering to the tunes so god-ly.
the wave of emotion,
the naav raasas with the healing motions.
the coordination so smooth,
an alignment that inspires my youth.
a touch so inspiring,
like pure love rising.
a no-judgment expression,
relieving me of all the stress and tension.
a commitment to elegant trail,
a road that promises never to fail.
being in the moment so divine,
diving in the sea of no- time.
an indulgence untold,
watches my story that slowly unfolds.
revives an artist from within,
a struggle defeating the deadly sins.
the rhythm of my soul,
reminding me to be whole.
it’s all about me,
The creation that completes the ‘we’

- Bhavini Gandhi, Director, Bespoken Words

The Rising ‘Sitar’

Everyone has this fantasy while growing up - to be a rock star! I often spent hours in the bathroom pretending to take a shower, while I was being a rock star to the audience in my mirror. Signing autographs to the numerous ‘imaginary’ fans was almost always interrupted by my mother's raps on the door. "Have you finished your shower? What’s taking you so long?” she'd ask.

This memory comes up again as I read about Purbayan. Browsing through the internet recently, I came across an artist who is ranked amongst the top in the new artist brigade - Purbayan Chatterjee. At the tender age of 5 years, he gave his first performance at the India Festival in Basel. He was rightly recognized as ‘the most gifted torch bearer of the Senia-Maihar Gharana’, Baba Alauddin Khan’s school of music. He had an extraordinary ability to annotate every song that he heard at that age. For some reason, I still can't remember any of the songs that I learnt by heart. Purbayan had music in his blood as his father Shri Parthapratim Chatterjee himself was a well known sitar player in his own right. Shri Parthapratim Chatterjee was a disciple of Pt. Nikhil Bannerjee and Ustad Ali Akbar.

Along with the eminent polishing of his talent by his father, Purbayan remained an excellent student at school and in music. Purbayan spent his college years at the prestigious Presidency College, Kolkata. He decided to take up music as his career at the age of 14; that was when he had just received the most distinguished honor for being the best instrumentalist of the country - The President of India Award.

Reading about Purbayan amazed me no end. Everyone should learn to develop their talents. Purbayan has proved his talent and represented India in all major India Festivals organized by the Government of India and other organizations in Bangladesh, Nepal, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Seychelles, Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean, United States, Canada, UK, Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, France, Greece, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Croatia, Malta, Seychelles, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Dubai, Singapore, Belgium etc.

Purbayan's achievements ever since he was a child are truly remarkable. His life's journey would inspire any aspiring musician. It surely has inspired me or at least the rock star in me!

-Veena Shyam Krishna, Bespoken Words Team

Back with a BANG !!!

The LADAKH CONFULENCE is a product of a group of music enthusiasts who dared to dream lofty. At 11,500 feet, on the banks of the Indus, this festival offers music on a celestial platter. It merges and celebrates music, art, heritage, culture and nature in a place whose beauty can only be seen to be believed.

According to the event's website, ‘The Confluence is aimed at finding new solutions to old issues, and to help Ladakh develop a sustainable future while preserving its ancient culture and traditions. With the Ladakhi Government, the Confluence intends to implement systems to reduce emissions and noise pollution at the festival site’. The event is managed with the support of Jammu and Kashmir ministry. Inaugurated in 2009, the Ladakh Confluence is creating a flutter across the globe. With a remarkable line up of global musicians playing percussion, folk, fusion, acoustic and experimental styles, as well as workshops and cultural events. With activities by children along with a strong focus on environmental awareness and sustainability; this is the place to be at.

The eagerly awaited, second edition of India’s first music festival amidst the mountains, The Ladakh Confluence, has been announced to take place from July 15 - 18, 2010. The theme of the festival remains the same as last year - ‘Percussion’. A four day affair, this scenic festival promises to be bigger and better. Uniting musicians and artists from all over the world in this stunning mountain kingdom promises an incredible cultural experience. The event will showcase live music and performances by Manu Delago, Christoph Pepe Auer, Karsh Kale, Vikku Vinayakram, Rajasthan Roots, and Young Musicians of the World, Something Relevant, Jamie Catto and The Supersonics. The organisers will be adding more artists to this impressive line-up. Workshops, films and conversations with a focus on nature and local ecology are also scheduled during the event.

So, mark your dates, pack your bags, tune your musical ear and immerse in this exuberant affair.

-Priyanka Wali, Bespoken Words Team

The Kite Bites...

THIS KITE DID NOT FLY TOO HIGH....A scoop of vanilla sprinkled with almonds, nuts, chocolate flakes, hot whipped cream and served with a cherry on top – and you have Anurag Basu’s ‘Kites’.

The marvellous cinematography by Ayananka Bose to the chemistry between Hrithik Roshan and Barbara Mori beautifies this clichéd love story. Furthermore, it is sprinkled with the colour of three different languages - Hindi, English and Spanish. But unfortunately, what you get is a desperate attempt to make a slick, international movie that flutters onscreen in spite of its ‘it’ moments. If seen meticulously, one can find a strong impression of Basu’s fetish with wild chasing sequences; highlighting key moments in a deep-red hue and the lead pair reuniting after death in fields (Gangster) or in this case, under the sea!

At the onset, you have Hrithik explaining the reasoning behind Kites. In the end, you see the allegory. ‘J’ (Hrithik), a dance teacher who is free of all virtues marries immigrant women to help them procure green cards. He sweeps ‘Gina’ (Kangana Ranaut) off her feet and plays the love game to lay his hands on her fortune. Kangana belongs to a super rich family with dad, a casino owner (Kabir Bedi), mom and a snooty, vicious brother Tony (Nick Brown). Coincidentally, Natasha (Barbara Mori), an illegal, Mexican immigrant in Vegas plays the same love game with Tony. Its only when the Indian hustler J falls for the Mexican Natasha, the plot thickens. We are asked to believe that theirs is a true love story where we are not even shown the falling-in-love part (all we get is an unconvincing initial attraction and lovey-dovey glances.) Despite being unfamiliar with each other’s languages, they communicate through symbols establishing that love has no language. The movie asks us to revel in the amoral adventures of J and Natasha, but when it comes to their love, the film turns utterly moral. The film keeps shifting between the past and the present. Then, a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase between the protagonist and antagonist ensues.

‘Kites’ does have an international appeal but it is unsteady at places hinting at an untidy script. Rajesh Roshan’s music isn’t mesmerizing and lacks the magic of his ‘Kaho Na Pyaar Hai’ days. The track ‘kites in the sky’ sung by untrained Hrithik is an emotional number. The exotic, oomph of Mexican Barbara Mori isn’t phenomenal, though her broken English dialogues, flashy smile and bubbly charm do the trick. Kangana does a mere cameo and is wasted. Kabir Bedi does what he is best at; playing the rich sophisticated daddy. Nick Brown seems lukewarm and gets marred by a conventional characterization.

In spite of the exotic locales, superb stunts and heart wrenching climax, this cross culture romance is no ‘Ek Duje Ke Liye’ nor is it ‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’. You leave feeling something was missing. While the plot of the movie is delicious, the manufacturing certainly errs. Don’t expect this kite to fly too high ‘cause it certainly has a mediocre MANJHA (string) pulled by Anurag Basu.

-Priyanka Wali, Bespoken Words Team

Musical ‘Effects’

Allow me to paint a picture for you. You are down in the dumps. Your friends drag you to a happening party at a cool, new lounge in the city. You don’t really feel up to it. Surprisingly, once you are there, the rocking music uplifts your spirits a wee bit. Before you know it, you are head banging to the music with your friends.

Can’t quite relate to the situation? Err… How about this? You go to a spa to get yourself pampered. There is soft, soothing music playing in the background. You feel your tense muscles slowly relaxing, even before your massage session begins! Well, that’s the effect of music on your body, mind and soul! There are innumerable situations in which music affects us and our moods.

A change in mood however, is not the only dimension to the effects of music. It has a healing and therapeutic impact on the human mind as well. Music therapy is popular in the field of health care these days. It is practiced in order to heal people with varied health problems. Music with strong beats stimulates the brain to react faster and increases alertness. Similarly, music can induce a positive state of mind in people suffering from depression, stress or anxiety. Music therapy is also useful in reducing blood pressure and boosting levels of immunity. With so many benefits associated with it, it comes as no surprise that this form of therapy is gaining popularity each day.

The best thing about using music as a tool for healing is that one can do away with drugs and medication and replace it with music for treatment. That’s what you call the positive effects of music without the unpleasant side effects! Great, isn’t it?

-Ruchika Mathur, Bespoken Words Team

Did you know that Music…

‘After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.’– Aldous Huxley.

Rightly said. How many of you can relate to music in a similar manner? Many people relate songs to the situations in their life. Just when you are engrossed in work, suddenly the radio plays this song that you absolutely love. Gliding down memory lane, you turn towards the radio. Then you are back to work humming that song the entire day. Even the next morning.

Music is not defined for a particular generation. It is appealing to everyone...from kids to grannies and grandpas.

Let’s check out some interesting facts about music…

• In 220 B.C, Archimedes made the first pipe organ.
• Leon Scott was the first to discover recording of sound on to paper. This was known as a phonoautograph.
• The Boston World Peace saw the largest drum ever made. It was about 12 feet in diameter and 600 pounds in weight.
• Philips was the first company to introduce cassettes. These cassettes were initially used to record office dictations. Later on, in 1963, they were used for recording music.
• For 33 amazing years, between 1964-1996, Diana Ross appeared on a hit single, every year.
• Since 1963, Penny Lane's Strawberry Fields Forever was the only song that brought the Beatles to #2 on the UK charts, in 1967.
• Music was available on Compact Discs – CDs since 1983.
• Jon Bon Jovi was only 17 when he recorded his first song for the album ‘Star Wars Christmas’ album. The song was called R2-D2 - ‘We wish you a merry Christmas.’
• Franz Liszt, a Hungarian musician received a large number of requests for locks of his hair. He bought a dog and sent its fur to his fans.
• ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen is the only song to be at the #1 position on the UK charts for four different years.

Do you know of any interesting musical facts? Tell us.

-Sapna Krishnan, Social Media Head, Bespoken Words

Rhythm of Life

Ever stopped for a moment to listen to your heart beat… feel your breath…observe your hands move… watch your footsteps… simply be with your body that sways even as you walk? Take a moment and observe NOW!

… And you have just experienced your rhythm- the rhythm of life itself. Take another moment…look around – everything has a rhythm … starting with the first heart beat you felt in your mother’s womb – your very first communication. It affects everything around us…day and night, seasons, work and rest, sleep and wake cycles, the rise and fall of stock market???

The word rhythm is derived from a Greek word ‘rhein’ which means flow or stream. Rhythm - the very essence of all creative outlets – music, dance, writing, speech … even our fights and interactions have a rhythm… Don’t they? Rhythm gives us the steady pulse we seek all the time – the balance that stabilizes us. Composing, improvising and tuning with others are automatically taken care of once we find our pulse.

We emit vibrations all the time. We create our rhythm from moment to moment. Finding your rhythm heals… being out of rhythm dampens... Different rhythms create different moods.Think about this... You are working (work life is another rhythm), come home… your family is drumming on the table…there is drama... and then, there is a fight (again, a rhythm...) Watch your self here – your heart beat, breath, voice, body and thoughts. You will notice a rhythm …

Now, another scene…You come home and at the dinner table, everyone is drumming on the table... you join in…Again... watch your self... another rhythm?

So what rhythm do you choose?

-Bhavini Gandhi, Director, Bespoken Words