Bangalore Article

Eager, enthusiastic and bursting with passion, Sharmini Tharmaratnam is an icon of her era with the world at her feet. Known for her fusion style of music and dance, Sharmini's beautiful blends of Indian Bharat Natyam and Spanish Flamenco are an integral part of her body and soul. In this very candid interview, the Sri Lankan-Dutch dancing delight tells us all about her inspirations and icons, her first performance, her favourite project and her ardent attitude toward her art.

When did you first become interested in dance? How did you discover your talent?

I was five-years-old when I attended classical ballet classes in Holland. I went to see dance shows and was also inspired by my cousins who are trained in Bharatanatyam. I loved dancing so much that ever since then I treated life as a dance and listened to music imagining dances.

Who or what inspires you?

I like the Butoh Dance Group (a Japanese Contemporary Dance form) a lot. The shows they do are visually stimulating with very impressive lighting and costumes.

Who is your icon?

Without a doubt, my guru is my icon. Pandit Rajendra Gangani. It is amazing how he teaches himself and choreographs classical dances of the Jaipur Gharana.

Do your dance routines and musical compositions have any specific stories or themes?

I love mathematics in music. I like to study the infinite microtones between the rhythmic mantras. I believe that melody and rhythm can express even non-verbal thoughts and feelings.

What was your very first dance performance like?

I was Peter from Peter and the Wolf when I was five. The idea of imagining nature on stage is quite Indian.

What has been your favourite project and why?

In Spain I did a series of dances on water. Experimenting with actual liquid on stage was very interesting.

What kind of challenges or obstacles do you face in your line of work?

To synchronize a live musician’s song with a dance routine is very difficult. It is hard to explain my intention accurately to a musician so he can play accordingly. It’s a challenge to attempt Kathak in Spain, without an Indian musician present, or Flamenco in India, without a native musician present.

What is your daily dance routine like?

I wake up to Yoga, then I do Kathak and finish with Flamenco. Often, I try contemporary moves and work out sequences by myself.

How do you differentiate yourself from other artists?

Most of my dances evolve from a Kathak background but my ability to fuse these compositions with Flamenco steps makes my style unique. I am often told that my elegance on stage and my passion for my art is breathtaking. I try not to compare myself with other dancers as I believe that everyone has their own style.

What is the nicest compliment that you have received?

Sometimes, I feel guilty about not becoming a doctor, something that would have been ‘logical’ in my family. I chose to be “just” a dancer instead. But, once, when I performed for an audience of doctors, I was told that I was the best medicine they had ever known.

What are your dreams for the future?

I want to get into theatre [and] stage performances in India. I want to establish an institute where unusual dance forms can be showcased and students from all over the world can learn fusion dance techniques.