Question 1: Can you give us an introduction about Nrityakriti?
Answer: Hello, we are Nrityakriti, the Indian Dance society of Maitreyi College, University of Delhi. We are a team of amazing individuals who with their charm and great personalities make our team cohesive. The team is headed by President Prerna leading our path along with Vice President Harshita, Treasurer Prachi, and Classical Secretary Thulsi, each one bringing their individuality to the society. Alongside, our dedicated members, who with their skills and hard work make Nrityakriti as one of the best dance societies across Delhi University.
Question 2: We congratulate you for performing at Kartavya Path on 26th January, 2024 for the 75th Republic Day parade. We would like you to tell us how you got this great opportunity.
Answer: It was an unexpected story. Last year, during the fest season we grabbed the title of the best dance society in the DU circuit when we bagged twelve first places, four second places, and three third places. This year we were hoping to keep our streak ahead and add more feathers to our cap. We heard about the Vande Bharat competition, thanks to our classical secretary, and decided to give it a shot, alongside preparing for the upcoming fest season. Despite most of our team being unwell, we decided to go for it. In September, we filmed a three-minute video in one take and submitted it. In December, when the Sangeet Natak Academy wanted us to report, we were sceptical about joining as we had exams going on. But later, we found out that we were selected for the final round and would be performing at Kartavya Path on Republic Day eve. Our performance of Karagattam impressed everyone, and that's how we landed this incredible opportunity.
Question 3: How did the teachers and fellow teammates react to this news?
Answer: The information about this was initially known only to the core team. When we eventually shared the news, everyone was excited. Our college provided immense support, especially our teacher convener, Saroj mam, who enthusiastically told all the teachers about this. The principal extended her congratulations to us. Later, when we informed Students' Union President Siva, her reaction was so wholesome. She ensured that the news of our performance is circulated in every college group. The overwhelming support and positive reactions we received made it a deeply emotional and happy moment for the entire team and brightened our day.
Question 4: Kindly shed some light on the whole procedure of practice.
Answer: There were representatives from every state. We were 1500 people in total. For the initial twenty days we rehearsed nonstop throughout the entire day. Later, we had to report at 3 AM in the chilly winter, dressed in our costumes. With approximately 40 choreographers leading different teams, we were given a piece of music to perform. The bond among the 1500 girls was remarkable, creating an amazing atmosphere. Staying together in a hotel, we formed strong bonds with other participants. The day we left after the performance, everyone cried. The experience of making friends and creating lasting memories with them was truly extraordinary. These are the moments that will stay with us for a lifetime.
Question 5: What was your motivation behind choosing this art form for your yearly production?
Answer: We changed the theme of our previous yearly show from Haryanvi dance to the traditional dance Karagattam. Supriya Ravikumar, is not only an instructor in Karagattam but also an accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer. We were able to learn this dancing style under her guidance, and we were able to regain our position as the leading dance society.
Karagattam is traditionally performed for the goddess Mariamman, the rain deity of Tamil Nadu. Villagers would dance to please the goddess when facing a lack of rain. One memorable instance was when we did it for the first time and it started to rain. Our choreographer was very happy, and it gave us confidence that we were headed in the right direction, it was a memorable experience for the entire team.
Question 6: How did you overcome the pressure of performing along with the cold weather?
Answer: In the selection process, only second and third-year members participated as the first year students were yet to learn the dance. Our team is hard working and dedicated; there was no need for us to push them to practise. They willingly took their responsibilities, from waking up early to reporting on time and engaging in practice sessions. We take immense pride in our team for their proactive approach. These individuals form an exceptional team, and it's their efforts that have truly made this tenure a fantastic experience.
Question 7: During the performance, what were the things going in your mind, how were you guys feeling?
Answer: To be very honest, we were sincerely hoping to be captured on camera. On the day of our performance, the weight of representing our country in front of dignitaries like the PM, President, Chief Guest Emmanuel Macron, and other important guests overwhelmed us. We were very nervous, and our choreographer kept telling us to keep in mind that "we are India." We wanted to perform exceptionally and we did that. When we got captured on camera, we were so excited that we watched that video repeatedly. A major motivation for individuals from different states was the desire to meet their families again after this long time. We were happy that we will see our family again but at the same time we were sad that we are leaving this amazing family we made during this experience.
Question 8: What were the memorable moments for you from the practice?
Answer: An unforgettable experience for us was being able to witness the practices for five days from the viewpoint of where the president sits. The theme centred around "Naari Shakti," and it was the main focus. Our group had the privilege of performing directly in front of the president and the cabinet. Our choreographers informed us that President Droupadi Murmu was genuinely pleased to see our rendition of the tribal folk dance. These were the key moments that left a lasting impression on us.
Question 9: What are the other milestones that Nrityakriti have achieved in the last session?
Answer: In the previous fest season, we secured an impressive victory with twelve first positions, four second ranks, and three third ranks, establishing ourselves as the top dance society in Delhi University. Our performances extended beyond DU; we showcased our talents at JNU for a conference and at Dilli Haat for the Village Square India event. Looking ahead to the upcoming fest season, our goal is to surpass our previous achievements and achieve even more success.
Apart from this our most remarkable achievement is the bond that we share with our team, alumni and the teachers. They are a constant support for us and always there to help us out. Even during the parade they captured a lot of photos that were not there on the camera and they wished us so many good wishes for our upcoming endeavours.
Question 10: As we can see, you are leaving such an amazing legacy. What are the suggestions you would like to give to the upcoming team of Nrityakriti?
Answer: Our former president, Prashati Tripathi, advised us not to feel pressured and to embrace the flow of things. She encouraged us to devote ourselves wholeheartedly to both academics and dance. This is the same guidance we'd like to pass on to our upcoming team—strive to achieve excellence both in your studies and in the art of dance.
HIGHLIGHTS-
●Nrityakriti - the Indian Dance Society of Maitreyi College took up Karagattam as a part of their annual production last year which brought immense name and fame to the society and college.
●Karagattam is an ancient folk dance of Tamil Nadu performed in praise of the rain goddess Mariamman. The performers balance a pot (karagam) on their heads beautifully balancing it through the performance.
●They bagged 12 first positions, 4 second positions, 3 third positions in the previous fest season.
●Moreover, Nrityakriti secured 1st position in Folk dance competition organised by Culture Council- University of Delhi held at Miranda House and 2nd position in Folk Dance competition organised by Culture Council- University of Delhi held at Mata Sundari College.
●The team got the opportunity to perform in the Republic Day parade at Kartavya path.
●They have performed at the DU Library Conference held in North Campus, at Jawaharlal University for a conference.
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