Shakti Mohan on Dance: Embracing the Journey and Nurturing Future Talent
Renowned dancer and choreographer Shakti Mohan has opened up about the realities of a career in dance, highlighting its physical demands and limited span, yet her perspective remains overwhelmingly positive. In a recent discussion, she emphasized her commitment to celebrating the art form and fostering the next generation through her initiatives.
Physical Demands and a Positive Outlook
Speaking about the pressures dancers face, where the body serves as the primary instrument, Shakti Mohan chooses to view the journey optimistically. "Dance is definitely physically demanding, but it’s a beautiful art form, and I love it. I celebrate it every single day," she said. She reframes challenges as opportunities, describing each day as a game with evolving rules. This mindset helps her navigate the inherent difficulties without seeing them as struggles.
Evolution of the Body Over Time
Reflecting on how the body changes with age, Shakti noted the contrast between youth and maturity. "In your 20s, you can throw your body anywhere and not feel a thing. Now, when you perform, you realise you have to take care of everything," she explained. This includes increased needs for stretching, icing, and physiotherapy. She likened it to maintaining a new purchase that requires more care over time, underscoring the ongoing maintenance involved in a dancer's life.
Prioritizing Passion Over Relevance
Despite industry conversations about staying relevant, Shakti Mohan places her focus elsewhere. "As for staying relevant in the profession, all I care about is continuing to do what I love," she stated. Her priority is giving back to the community through her dance academy, which she considers far more important than professional relevance. She believes that good work naturally garners recognition and love from people.
Inner Security and Personal Fulfillment
Addressing topics like relevance and insecurities, Shakti expressed a strong sense of self-assurance. "Relevance is something I don’t know how you gain or lose. As for insecurities, I feel secure within myself," she said. She attributes this security to internal validation rather than external awards or recognition, emphasizing her happiness with her creative endeavors.
Through her insights, Shakti Mohan inspires a holistic approach to dance, blending physical awareness with emotional resilience and a community-focused mindset.
