Performance Night in Orissa

Sandeep dedicated the whole day to getting Freya prepared for the evenings performance, where she had got a prime spot on the events list. We made sure she had a huge lunch, and the hot potato chips were great and saved the day. (The dhosas are fabulous here, but Freya has had enough of them for now). After lunch she also had a big rest, by watching Bridget Jones’ Diary on the movie channel. Guy was off seeking internet connections in various cafes and did not quite finish sending important artwork, before he had to head back to prepare for the evenings performance. The kids from Jain International school were so sweet and accepted that all attention should go to Freya, and entertained themselves all day. They even went to the nearby temple to pray for a good performance for Freya! They are little gems and complete dynamos – so independent.

At 5.30pm we headed for the auditorium. In the dungeons under the stage we met with the make-up artist, who Sandeep had booked for her. He started by making Freya’s face almost bright orange, but he completely knew what he was doing, and what worked under the stage lights! In the end she had the best Kuchipudhi make-up ever. In this dance tradition the dancer usually draws curly locks on the side of the face to give character to their role. The make-up artist suggested instead to use Freya own hair, and curled it up on the sides and gently stuck it to her cheek- it looked so fabulous. As I was putting the finishing touches to her costume a news crew arrived, and they wanted some photos of her, as well as bio-details. Soon we were ready to go. Freya was worried as this was the first time she had done 4 dance items in a row. Guy was on the side of the stage armed with the iPod, which amazingly hooked up beautifully with the PA system. Caspar was standing by with the video camera, as I introduced Freya and Sandeep described the dance pieces.

In the first item Freya looked slightly aloof, but got into the swing. The second piece was wonderful – Freya had got over the nerves, and was starting to enjoy herself. She smiled and was constantly coaxed to do so by Sandeep, who was playing the Nattuvangam on the side (the bells which keeps the rhythm for the performer). She was really impressing the audience when a slight disaster struck – her pleated skirt in the from of the costume was coming undone…the costume had been too long for her and so we had hooked it up slightly so she would not tread on the hem when dancing. I had not brought nearly enough safety pins, and a sweet boy lent me a big pin from his costume to fix Freya up with when she came out before the next item. As she proceeded to dance on the brass plate she got a huge applause. As Sandeep has now explained to me, the reason the audience does not clap is that they don’t like the performance. So when Freya got a roaring applause at the end, it was clear, as Sandeep had predicted, that it was a great success.

After the performance Freya was honored with a big plaque, and what was most moving of all, the leader of the Bangladesh troupe presented the Bangladesh flag to Freya on the stage. A very special gesture. Even Guy and I got presented with certificates, which was an acknowledgement of our encouragement for Freya’s interest in Indian art. An American/Indian dancer had performed Odissi dance very well before Freya came on, and was perhaps a little put out that Freya had sort of stolen her “novelty” factor, but she said some very complimentary things to Freya.

After all this, the media “scrum” awaited. There were many pictures taken, and then interviews with 2 television channels. Everyone was very interested to know why an Aussie girl was so interested in traditional Indian dance, while most young Indians are taking to western style modern dance. Freya said a few short and sweet things I think (I was busy answering questions as well), while Sandeep was telling the interviewer how he had taught so many “foreigners” who had great interest in Indian art and culture. We were very relieved and happy when we finally got away from the photographers, and I from an overly keen young fashion student, who was trying to get me to come and talk at his fashion college. (Sandeep had let slip that I was a fashion designer, forgetting to mention that I had now gone into “retirement’). It was a colourful scene. We headed back to the hotel – had a collective dinner served on the floor of the girls room, before we all slept like logs.