Arts and Theater

Ballet Beckons – Shivani Mistry

Canta Dadlaney talks to Miss Twinkle-Toes, as Shivani Mistry likes to call herself, to understand her interest in this graceful dance form which many admire but few pursue.

Shivani translates to follower of Lord Shiva; it is perhaps this that impacted Shivani Mistry to pursue the dance form of ballet at the tender age of 5 years. A degree in biotechnology and a career in ballet could baffle anyone. She’s been featured in the ISTD International Dance magazines for being one of the youngest to accomplish a lot in the field of Modern Theatre, Ballet and Latin American. She has also been featured in the anniversary edition of Vogue’s Blurred Lines as a physical and mental health activist and influencer. We learn more about her fascination with ballet, and what inspires her to dream.

How It All Began

How does the dream for ballet begin? Says Shivani, “I was only 5 years old when my parents noticed me walking constantly on my demi pointes. My Dad learnt of Tushna Dallas and The School of Classical Ballet and Western Dance for young kids through one of his clients. My parents contacted Tushna and secured a place for auditions. Since the fees were too steep, my parents decided against it. Tushna however, was determined to train me. She believed I was a prodigy and offered a scholarship. That’s how I started my incredible, long, dedicated journey in this dance form. At first, I pursued ballet as my only extra-curricular activity. I enjoyed it immensely. With time I found myself becoming adept at it. The challenges were many, but I never stopped.”

My parents have been pillars of support.

To be endowed with a scholarship at the age of 5 is no mean task. No wonder then, that Shivani started teaching at the age of 16 when most teens are at crossroads about career paths. An innate passion made this precocious teenager start saving as much as she could from her nominal earnings from the age of 18. Every time the savings accumulated, she would enhance her skills with a 3–6-month training schedule, overseas. Gifted yet humble, this amazing danseuse makes no bones about her family’s inadequacy to fund this expensive dance form.

Dance science is an aspect where you research, understand and discover things required or related to movement.

“My parents have been pillars of support; why else would they have taken a 5-year-old for auditions. Ballet training entails many expenses and beyond a point there was not much they could do,” says Shivani, who never fails to express her gratitude to her parent’s initial support which she says shaped her future.

Core Learnings

Dance Science, as she calls it is an inherent part of her teaching. “Science is around us. Our bodies and minds function on the fundamentals of science. Dance science is an aspect where you research, understand and discover things required or related to movement. You must understand the anatomy, the mechanics as well as the physics behind a movement. There are so many other factors like the usage of breath, movement across the floor, injury prevention, and even safe teaching. I love to incorporate everything that science has taught me in dance and dance has taught me in science,” notes Shivani.

A Vibrant Career

Not one to be content only with teaching, this poised young lady has performed at numerous stage-shows, corporate events, and has enjoyed performing on stage in Israel and Australia. It has been a decade of teaching for Shivani. Teaching at the same school which gave her a break at 5 is something she plans to do always. In addition to that, she has taught at Shiamak Davar’s institution (Joy program and OYPs) and the Goa Dance Residency. From choreography to modelling and teaching, Shivani has achieved a lot at 27 years. Her visit to Israel in 2019 saw her train with the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company for 6 months.

Ask her what ballet has taught her in her journey of life so far and this is what she has to say: “Ballet for me has been a learning about everything that life holds for us. My incredible teacher, Tushna Dallas, taught me patience, humility, kindness, optimism, gratitude, and the art of respecting all. I have truly applied these in my life and continue to better myself every single day. I did not allow my challenges to dissuade me even once. I never looked back.”

NATOYA is Shivani’s entrepreneurial online venture which she founded during the pandemic phase. “I had never come across any stores which sell ballet-wear and accessories. I decided on this online store to encourage as many dancers as possible across the country to access this merchandise at reasonable prices.”

Ballet for me has been a learning about everything that life holds for us.

Going Forward

Change is the only constant goes the adage. Shivani’s choreographies are always inspired by change. Her efforts at creating an awareness of the many things that require change inspired her to produce works like Plastic Pollution, Survivors, Social Man ~~Kind~~, Apocalypse, and Riyaaz, among others. Shivani believes that in a country with a rich, diverse culture, the concept of dance as a career has many prospects in India. “I truly wish to uplift the entire artist community because I believe that India and Indian artists have a lot to offer; the world has only witnessed the tip of the iceberg.” An inspiring ballet dancer, Shivani is ready to take on new challenges and embrace as many as possible, in her passion-filled community.

December 2, 2021

Shivani Mistry

Reviving the art of storytelling: Chitrakathi

The once popular Chitrakathi, storytelling through paintings, is brought back to life by the Gangawane family in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg. Ketki Gadre interviews the last family practicing this art form to delve into their motivations and the supporters who have aided them on this journey. After a long day of trekking the Western Ghats around Bhogwe Beach in Sindhudurg, my luxury resort, Coco Shambhala, suggested an unusual activity – an art class. They agreed to it and invited Chetan Gangavane, a third-generation Chitrakathi artist working to revive this art form. Chitrakathi Art While setting up the art activity, Mr Chetan briefs me about the 11 art forms his community (Thakar) has been involved with for generations. His family currently practices three art forms unique to Maharashtra: String puppetry, Chitrakathi, and Shadow puppetry. “Chitrakathi involves storytelling through art on a 12×15” or 12×18” canvas, which can take 1-3 days to complete, depending on the painting’s intricacy. Traditionally, these paintings depicted scenes from mythological epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, accompanied by live singers playing instruments. Therefore, Chitrakathi artists needed not only painting skills but also the ability to sing and play instruments,” explains Mr. Chetan. The Thakar community, an Adivasi tribe living in the forests, gained recognition for their art from the erstwhile warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He brought them out of forests and closer to towns and provided them opportunities to perform art shows during festivals. In return, the community assisted the king by spreading messages of social enlightenment through their art. The artists earned their livelihood for many years through food or monetary donations. However, over time, attitudes shifted, and people stopped donating food and began treating them with disrespect. The Gangavane family is the last Thakar community to practice this centuries-old art form. The rest gave up with

Arts and Theater

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Arts and Theater

5 Prolific Women Contemporary Indian Artists to Watch for in 2024

In 2023, women artists from India achieved new heights and were lauded worldwide. With Amrita Sher-Gil’s work ‘The Story Teller’ becoming the most expensive Indian artwork ever sold, Google honouring Zarina Hashmi for her life’s work, and Nalini Malani winning the 2023 Kyoto Prize, Indian women artists in both modern and contemporary art are gaining momentum. This year, contemporary Indian women artists continued to wield their creativity as a powerful force, shaping the art scene and contributing to the evolution of societal narratives. With 2024 upon us, the recognition and interest Indian women artists receive will only continue to rise. Sneha Gautam, Senior Vice President at AstaGuru Auction House, lists some eminent women artists whom art enthusiasts and collectors should watch for in this year. Nalini Malani: Among the trailblazers in the contemporary art scene who are making an impact on a global scale is painter and multimedia artist Nalini Malani, recognised for her innovative use of technology and distinctive visual language. Born in Karachi in 1946, she studied at Sir J.J. School of Arts and became one of India’s video art pioneers. Malani’s work often explores themes of feminism, war, and the human condition, challenging viewers to engage with complex issues in new and thought-provoking ways. Her dedication to seeing the artist as an activist and her exploration of womanhood through various media has indelibly impacted India’s contemporary art. Bharti Kher: Influential contemporary Indian artist Bharti Kher was born in London to Indian immigrant parents in 1969. She captivates with her avant-garde creations that transcend traditional boundaries and is best known for works constructed with many bindis. Renowned for her thought-provoking sculptures and installations, Kher often explores themes of identity, mythology, and the female form. With a unique artistic vocabulary, she challenges conventional notions, using unconventional materials to craft

Arts and Theater

Art on Your Fingertips

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