DANCE ME TO THE END OF TIME: Moving dance performance explores our connection to the Earth and each other

Dance performance explores connection with Earth and humanity amidst sixth mass extinction

Imagine dancing during the sixth mass extinction, the end times, and the end of time. How can dance connect us with the Earth and each other? These are the questions that inspired the Sarvavidya Dance Ensemble (SDE) to create a new dance performance called Bhūmi, which means Earth in Sanskrit.

In early October, I witnessed a group of women from SDE rehearsing Bhūmi in a primary school classroom in Lenasia, a predominantly Indian community south of Johannesburg. Outside, spring clouds filled the sky as children played volleyball, creating a lively backdrop to the women's focused rehearsal. Inside the classroom, six practitioners of the ancient Indian dance form Bharatanatyam gathered to create a groundbreaking new dance performance.

The dancers, ranging from bankers to social justice activists, began learning Bharatanatyam as children and have dedicated many years to perfecting their craft. Watching these women transform the dance's initially raw form into a cohesive performance was a marvel to behold. Their laughter, learning, and movement created a choreography emerging from the chrysalis of imagination, showcasing the power of dance to bring humans together in creation.

On the final day of October, I returned to Lenasia to see how the performance had progressed. The senior dancers were joined by a chorus of younger dancers, creating a dynamic interplay of motion and emotion. The dance now featured intense movements and intricate choreography, with each dancer concentrating on every aspect of their performance.

Bhūmi uses Bharatanatyam, a dance form derived from Bha (emotion), Ra (melody), Ta (rhythm), and Natyam (dance), to critique the modern myth of prosperity theology. The production, which premiered in 2023, has evolved into an entirely new work, much of it scripted by activist Kavisha Pillay. Kavisha believes that SDE's purpose is to ensure that classical forms remain living traditions that contemporary artists and audiences can use to explore the world around them.

Bhūmi tackles contemporary South African and global concerns such as climate change, inequality, technological power, conflict, and our relationship with the Earth. The production features two guest artists, Kathak dancer Manesh Maharaj and veteran actor Jonathan Taylor, who play pivotal roles in the performance.

The multi-sensory experience of Bhūmi, combining dance, music, poetry, and visual elements, evokes a roller-coaster of emotions. It invites the audience to ponder our connection to the Earth and each other, creating a stark contrast to the often sterile communication prevalent in our digital age. Don't miss this unique performance at the Lesedi Theatre in Johannesburg on November 13 and 14. Tickets are available for purchase.