I must say that Stirring Odissi has opened my eyes, made me realise even more that there's more to dance than just dancing. Before Stirring Odissi, I had little knowledge about dancers from India and other countries who share the same dance form with us, but have different approaches to it. Currently, my Odissi vocabulary has expanded due to the festival. Most of us take dance for granted, thinking that dance is a way to limelight. For me, it's my way of releasing my toughts and feelings, just like when I paint. I communicate with my inner self through dance, or rather art as a whole. Odissi makes me think of my half indian culture. Keeps me grounded to my roots while i bloom in this modern age, not forgeting who I am.
Stirring Odissi has put Malaysia on the Odissi map. Our master, Ramli Ibrahim has certainly made a name for himself. Sutra Dance Theatre is filled with multi-racial students. I feel this is very important as we achieve globalization. This festival not only brought Indian audience to participate, there were many Chinese and Malay people too.
Hmm...I wonder what's coming up next...