Resmi Girish is a leading exponent of Mohiniyattam and an alumnus of Kerala Kalamandalam who is well known for her tremendous efforts to promote and preserve the style of Indian classical dance as a living tradition. She has performed in Gokulam festival with actor Vineeth at Thrissur indoor stadium on November 2003 and at national and international festivals. Resmi Girish talks to Sreeni K.R about her love with the enchanting art form, her vision and plans of Mohiniyattam. What exactly is Mohiniyattam? Mohiniyattam is a classical dance form of kerala considered to be approximately 700-800 years old. Literally interpreted, Mohiniyattam is the female classical  solo dance noted for its wide swinging steps, reminding one of the palm fronds moving  gently and gracefully in a breeze. In Mohiniyattam one can express emotions more deeply when compared to Bharathanatyam and Kuchupudi. When did you start taking Mohiniyattam seriously?     Accidentally I watched Bharthi Sivajis performance,and that performance deeply impressed me and touched my soul .It was then I started   learning Mohiniyattam seriously. Born in an ordinary family, what  difficulties did you face in learning Mohiniyattam? My parents understood me well and my interest for dance. So they arranged private classes under Kalamandalam Prasheeja.  After seventh standard I joined   Kalamanadalam. After 10th standard my parents couldnt afford the expenses incurred because of   my sisters studies and my Aragettam. I did not want to give up my dreams and ambition. Thats why I decided to earn some money for my higher education .It was then I started private teaching and stage programs. Narrate the experiences during your Kalamandalam days? The learning in Kalamandalam was a great experience. Those days gave me an exposure to learn under great artistes and teachers .The classes were in "Gurukulam" style and required hard work .The classes started at 4am and would continue till 5pm.The classes were under the strict supervision of teachers who always kept up discipline. It was a platform where I got a chance to learn and share experiences with great gurus and teachers. Who were your gurus and what was your experience learning under different gurus? Kalamandalam Prasheeja was my first guru. when I was four and half years old I started learning under her and continued till I turned 13 . Her teaching was my foundation. Then I studied under Kalamandalam Hemavathi, Rajalakshmi and Leelamma. From them I learned more about feelings, emotions, ex-pressions and performing style. Alltogether it brought great satisfaction and confidence in me. What was your experience during the performance  in Gokulam festival with actor Vineeth? No doubt Vineeth is a great dancer following his own style of dance which is different from others . He is also a very friendly and down to earth person. He always shared his experiences with junior artistes like us. The performance  in Gokulam festival was a great experience.  You have presented many programmes outside India. Which were they? I got many chances to perform outside India. They are: 3rd Festival Dell India, Milano, Italy; 25 AI 28 di Marzo 2004; Ras Al Kahimah Indian Association at U.A.E 2005-2006; World Heritage Association Taiwan Lecture; Incredible India at Min-Sheng Concert Hall,Taipei with ICCR Artistes, May 2007; South village Art Center, Taipei 2007 June; Midsummer Festival, Taipei County Young-Ho City, 2007 August; Incredible India Maharaja Cuisine at the Howard Plaza Hotel, Taipei 2007 October,and International Travel Fair at Hyatt Trade Centre, Taipei, 2007 December. What is your experience on foreign soil? How is the audience at the receiving end? Alltogether it was a great experience. Audiences are really loving people and great supporters of Indian art. They see the art form with discipline and patience. They are accepting me not only as a Mohiniyattam dancer, but also calling me an Indian dancer. How do you communicate with the foreign audience ? What is the language used? Personally I believe that every art form has got a universal mode of communication.But generally the language used is English. Share your teaching experiences? When I am teaching, I am giving  my students what is in my heart. Teaching  is really difficult when compared to performing. Not only do I show them body movements , but I also give them explanations as to what they are going to do and how each movement is related to the story . My students are talented and are showing keen interest .I am the first person to teach Indian dance to Chinese kids and they started performing within 20 days! As a teacher, are you happy with the interest level of the students?How about the popularity of Mohiniyattam? Ofcourse I am satisfied with the interest level of my students. Lots of young and talented students are coming into the field and choosing it as their career. Now Mohiniyattam is gaining good popularity and everybody knows it as a great art form. Its regaining its by-gone glory. Source: Kerala.com