Usha Raghavan is a distinguished Bharatnatyam performer residing in the UK. Having embarked on her performance journey at the age of 6, she has traversed the globe with her artistic endeavours.
Currently, she leads Kalasagara UK, an initiative founded to champion and preserve the authentic essence of Bharatnatyam. Usha's vision extends beyond personal achievements, aiming to promote the rich tapestry of Indian culture and values. Her mission involves imparting this cultural legacy in its traditional purity to the upcoming generations, ensuring the continuity and appreciation of this classical art form.
In an interview with Asian Voice, she talks about her journey as a performer, a wife, a mother and a teacher proving effectively that women can in fact balance it all.
A shining example of how passion can propel someone to great heights
Usha Raghavan‘s early experiences had a profound impact on shaping her understanding of Bharatnatyam and led her to truly appreciate the depth of this artistic expression. She found genuine enjoyment in her first performance, and that marked the beginning of a dancing journey where she performed for esteemed organisations and significant festivals, home and abroad.
The first opportunity to showcase her talent in the West came in 1982 when Usha received an invitation to visit Paris to perform and teach Bharatnatyam. Initially invited for one to three months, the demand for classes and performances surged in Paris and what began as three classes per week expanded to daily sessions, including private and group classes, workshops, and more.
Describing her experience, she said, “I travelled extensively, from Lille to Grenoble, Nice, Marseille, and beyond, with a growing number of students showing interest in dance and music. My contract, which was initially set for three months, was extended to six months and eventually eight months.
“At 24, I received invitations for various performances, and without dwelling on potential challenges or cultural differences, I embraced the opportunity. The journey included performing for UNESCO in Paris, the International Yoga Conference in Switzerland and appearances for the French Prime Minister among many others.”
Usha has also worked with a theatre group in Milan, Italy and made stops in East Berlin. Always wanting to move forward, she let her passion propel her to great heights.
Finding that work-life balance
Usha considers herself fortunate to have found a life partner in Raghavan, who not only accepted but supported her passion for dancing after marriage and has travelled extensively, showcasing her art, with her husband by her side. “Through these experiences, he gained insight into the nature of my work, solidifying our understanding and support for each other”, she said.
When her daughter Srinidhi came into her life, Usha had to struggle to find a balance among her roles and was determined to prioritise both her child and dance, ensuring that she could still spend quality time with her daughter. According to her, “As I continued to travel for performances, I made it a point to bring my daughter along. Srinidhi, as a child, grew up watching me as a dancer, standing behind me and mimicking my movements while practising.
“As her interest in Bharatnatyam blossomed, I enrolled her in my dance class alongside other students, with the condition that once she entered the dance space, she would be a student—no special treatment as my daughter. She willingly embraced this, adopting the discipline of a student. During rehearsals, she refrained from calling me "Mom" and acknowledged me as her teacher. This discipline instilled in her from a young age has played a pivotal role in shaping her character.”
Passing on the legacy to the next generation
When Usha settled in London, she felt it was the right time to establish a school that aimed to teach, propagate, and promote dance in a traditional manner. Observing the enthusiasm of people learning something Indian, she “realised the importance of passing on the legacy I had learned from great masters in the traditional way.”
Establishing Kalasagara UK provided a platform for Usha to teach with passion and create a familial atmosphere. About the teaching style at Kalasagara, she said, “I fondly refer to us as a dance family, a departure from the more formal teacher-student relationships often seen in India. I encourage my students to approach their learning with deep respect, akin to the reverence I hold for my own gurus. While upholding this respect, I understand their curiosity about the cultural roots and evolution of the art form.”
To provide a firsthand experience of the Indian cultural heritage, Usha has previously organised cultural heritage tours for her students from London and Europe, These tours involve visits to the inner towns of South India, where they witness the practice of this art form in its original context.
Describing these tours, she said, “I serve as a mentor for my students, guiding them not only as a teacher but also as someone who imparts valuable insights. I make sure my students live the life of a dancer, immersing themselves in the cultural nuances. With the 15-day immersion course, I challenge them to create a small choreography based on their experiences and document their journey in a diary.
“Even now, I continue to organise cultural heritage tours, combining workshops in significant locations with diverse projects, providing students with a holistic and immersive learning experience.”
