Hitha Sasidharan
Dancer
Hitha Sasidharan is a dedicated dance artist specialising in Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam, classical dance forms from India. After moving to the UK in November 2022, she actively pursued opportunities in the South Asian dance community.
Under Balbir Singh's mentorship, Hitha embraced the fusion of Indian classical and contemporary dance. Collaborating with diverse artists, Hitha learned the importance of improvisation and audience engagement, enhancing her storytelling skills. Despite initial language and cultural challenges, her dedication and peer support helped her thrive. Hitha continues to push the boundaries of traditional Indian dance, connecting with audiences through her versatile performances.
BSDC x Hitha Sasidharan
April 2023 to March 2024
Cricket Green
Performance
The Melting Pot
Performance (Tea Leaves)
A Shakespeare Impromptu
Performance
Performance
The Melting Pot
Performance (Tea Leaves)
A Shakespeare Impromptu
Performance
“
I came to the UK for the first time in November 2022. Until then, I had been working my
favourite job in my own hometown in India and participating in dance programs that I loved
dearly. When I moved to the UK, my first concern was whether I would be able to pursue dance
in this country because I didn't know anyone here, especially within the dance community.
However, with my firm decision to continue as a performing artist, I started searching for
information on all institutions related to South Asian dance in the country. I sent emails to all
of them, describing my desire and experience, and waited for replies. However, due to the
distance from my place of residence and other factors, many replied that it was not possible.
Nevertheless, I persisted and eventually got an opportunity to perform a classical dance
program at a dance company in West Yorkshire. After that, I continued to seek
opportunities. That's when I noticed an audition call for a South Asian dancer on One Dance
UK's website.
It was a call-out from Balbir Singh Dance Company, looking for dancers for a project
called Cricket Green. After searching their website and understanding the information, I sent
them an email expressing my interest, called for an audition, and participated in the audition
held at Kalasangham. During a conversation with Mohiniyattam dancer Ms. Rashmi Sudhir
from the UK, I mentioned that I had been selected for the project Cricket Green and that the practice
methods would be new to me. She then told me that working under someone like Balbir Singh would
be a valuable experience. Within months of coming to the UK, the experience with someone
like him would be an asset for me in the future. From the moment I was selected for the project,
I began to see dance from a different angle than I had previously seen, known, or experienced before.
Those days were very good. Although I have interacted and participated in programs with artists from many disciplines in Indian Classical Dance, it was completely different to be involved in the process of developing a project with contemporary dancers, using properties, and improvising. It was not only a new experience to work with a group of artists such as Kali Chandrasegaram, Devika Rao, Madhura Godbole, Yamit, Kade, Tricia, Rebecca, Ella Tighe, and talented accompanists Aniruddha Mukherjee and Jesse Bannister, but it also allowed me to establish rapport with many people.
In the meantime, Balbir Singh also gave me the opportunity to participate in the production of Forever Flower alongside Tamara McLorg, an experienced dancer. Performed at Transgressions Festival, this item was based on menopause. Rehearsal sessions for this project, which combined Indian Classical Dance, music, and contemporary dance, were also good experiences for me.
Working with Balbir Singh was a revelation for me. He would only brief the portions to be covered each day. Never once did I hear him utter the word 'bad' after an improvisation session. Even if the improvisation fell short or didn't meet expectations, he always found something positive to highlight. This approach was a wonder to me and taught me the power of constructive feedback and encouragement. Balbir Singh's ability to see the potential in every piece, no matter how rough, inspired me to push beyond my limits and strive for excellence.
In addition to Balbir Singh's mentorship, Devika Rao's timely advice and suggestions played a crucial role in every project. Her insights and support provided me with the guidance I needed to refine my craft and deliver my best performances.
Participating in projects like Cricket Green, Forever Flower, Roots & Routes, Tea Leaves, Dewey and the Shakespeare Impromptu brought out the artist in me in various ways. Each project served as a learning opportunity, helping me understand audience tastes and refine my presentation skills. They taught me the importance of adaptation and collaboration, ultimately shaping me into a more versatile and confident performer.
Participating in the programs mentioned above allowed me to connect and interact with other artists, including visual artist Louise Grassby and dancer Bobak Champion. These collaborations enriched my experience, providing opportunities for creative exchange and mutual inspiration.
Although Indian Classical Dance and contemporary dance are fundamentally different, combining them can yield remarkable results. It was after participating in Cricket Green with contemporary dancers that I realised the potential of this fusion. Similarly, through the Tea Leaves performance, I began exploring contemporary subjects, expanding beyond traditional themes in Indian dance.
Here are my personal observations and experiences from my time with BSDC:
The selection of subjects, like Cricket Green, which explored climate change through cricket, demonstrating the company's innovative approach.
Space for Artistic Improvisation
Whether a traditional or western dancer, there was room for improvisation. I think it helps to recognise unique perspectives of each artist.
Incorporating the Best Ideas
Despite any initial setbacks, the focus remained on highlighting the positive aspects of improvisation, incorporating even the smallest details into the project.
Project Development Based on Audience Preferences
Understanding audience preferences was central to project development, ensuring that performances resonated effectively.
Diverse Casting
By incorporating different artists for each program, even those on the same subject, new interpretations were brought to light, enriching the overall experience.
Excellent Support
The team of background artists and instrumentalists provided exceptional support, contributing to the successful execution of each program.
Creative Use of Props
Incorporating relevant props enhanced the overall storytelling, making performances more engaging and understandable for the audience.
Although I specialise in Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam, my artistic journey has
undergone significant changes due to these experiences. I began exploring unconventional
ideas, such as using traditional dance to depict everyday actions like offering a cup of tea in
the Tea Leaves performance. While this may seem humorous to some, it allowed me to expand beyond traditional sentiments and hand gestures.
Language became a challenge for me upon arriving in the UK, causing considerable stress.
Understanding regional slang and speaking English proved difficult, particularly in social
situations. I worried that my struggles might inconvenience those close to me. Similarly, public speaking was a skill I lacked confidence in. While not an issue in my native language, I felt anxious about interacting with audiences in English. However, the universal language of dance and the empathy of those I worked with helped alleviate my concerns. They understood my mistakes and provided encouragement, giving me the courage to overcome these challenges.
undergone significant changes due to these experiences. I began exploring unconventional
ideas, such as using traditional dance to depict everyday actions like offering a cup of tea in
the Tea Leaves performance. While this may seem humorous to some, it allowed me to expand beyond traditional sentiments and hand gestures.
Language became a challenge for me upon arriving in the UK, causing considerable stress.
Understanding regional slang and speaking English proved difficult, particularly in social
situations. I worried that my struggles might inconvenience those close to me. Similarly, public speaking was a skill I lacked confidence in. While not an issue in my native language, I felt anxious about interacting with audiences in English. However, the universal language of dance and the empathy of those I worked with helped alleviate my concerns. They understood my mistakes and provided encouragement, giving me the courage to overcome these challenges.
Moving to the UK was hard, but I kept going. Even after some setbacks, I never stopped
trying. Finally, I got to perform with Balbir Singh Dance Company. Working with them, I
learned new techniques and collaborated with different artists, stepping out of my comfort
zone. Despite language and cultural differences, I persisted, using dance as a universal language
to connect with others. My resilience and determination helped me overcome obstacles and
thrive in new surroundings, showcasing my passion for dance.
Through my experiences, I
gained resilience by navigating unfamiliar environments, embracing new opportunities, and
continuously evolving as an artist.
I'm still a newcomer in the UK and also in the dance community in this country. I realise that even though I've improved as an artist, I need to be more confident in group settings to interact. So, I will keep trying to achieve that. I'm grateful to Balbir Singh Dance Company for making me a part of such prestigious shows.
I'm still a newcomer in the UK and also in the dance community in this country. I realise that even though I've improved as an artist, I need to be more confident in group settings to interact. So, I will keep trying to achieve that. I'm grateful to Balbir Singh Dance Company for making me a part of such prestigious shows.
”
Balbir Singh
Elia Tomé
Gavin Joynt
Malcolm Johnson