Rathna Kumar laments pay-to-perform culture in classical dance, advocates for institutional support
Rathna Kumar, a renowned Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi exponent, marks 75 years in dance by criticizing the growing 'pay-to-perform' culture in classical arts. She calls for stronger institutional funding, government grants, and more opportunities for emerging artists. Reflecting on her career, she notes that Kuchipudi has lost grace and fluidity, prioritizing speed and athleticism over elegance. Teaching was not her original plan, but after moving to Houston in 1975, she founded the Anjali Center for Performing Arts and has taught at Rice University since 2002. She emphasizes the guru-sishya tradition and teaches dance as a liberal arts discipline, attracting many non-Indian students. Kumar believes dance is a lifelong learning process and expresses hope for continuity across generations.
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