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She is a Barathanatiya exponent; the winner of the Indian Classical Dance for 4 consecutive years, balancing her work and passion in dance with her determination to return after a tragedy, inspiring almost everyone who knows her.
M. Shanta Anne, a draughtsperson at Blast Furnace department has served in Megasteel Sdn Bhd in Banting for the past 6 years. Aged 35 years old, she is married to Agilan and blessed with 3 sons.
Relating her passion in Indian classical dancing, Shanta from Penang started learning to dance when she was 3 years old and her family moved to Klang. Only when she turned 9, did she attend the Bharata Natyam class; the most ancient dance form out of seven. Through the dance lessons, she learnt about Hindu culture as Indian dance has its roots steeped in Indian mysticism, legends and rituals, depicting achievements of heroes and gods.
Her passion has not only made her appreciate more of Indian culture but has put her on centrestage when she claimed 1st place in Malaysia’s Barathanatiya Competition for four consecutive years from 1990. Being involved in classical dancing since childhood, Shanta dreamt of performing the Arrangetram, the highest performance of Barata Natyam, which is also a graduation performance in front of God, her teachers, family and friends. This is what many dancers strive and dream to achieve.
In 2001, she started practicing for the Arrangetram as this will not only mark her graduation from dance school, but also the beginning of her dance career. 2 weeks before her performance however, she was involved in a car – pedestrian accident which injured her leg and forced her to rest for a long time, as the Arrangetram demands focus, physical endurance, strength and determination for the 3-hour performance.
Shanta was once again put to the test when her mother passed away in 2009 followed by her father two months later. Being the youngest of 3 siblings, Shanta was so depressed over her loss. It took the strong family ties to put her back on her feet and continue with dancing which she dedicated to both her late parents.
A week before the Arrangetram, Shanta had to sacrifice her leisure time and even time with her family as she had to practice and synchronise with the musicians, local and from India at the guru’s house right after office hours until midnight to build up her physical stamina, fluency and perfection. After countless hours of practicing, hard work, and dedication, she successfully performed her Arrangetram on 12 April 2010.
Shanta is continuing with the Bharata Natyam and encourages others to pursue their dreams despite whatever obstacles they may face. |
Sharing Info:
There are seven classical dance forms from India: Bharata Natyam (the most ancient), Kathak (which contains the origins of Spanish flamenco), Manipuri (influenced by local folk dances), Odissi (sinuous and sensual that had inspired the temple builders), Kathakali (potent and masculine: a dance where even the female character if impersonated by a man), Mohini Attam (feminine and close to the mysticism of Mother Earth, the female role of the Kathakali) and Kuchipudhi (where dancers sometimes perform their dances on top of metal plates balancing a jug full of water on their heads). |
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