Every rhythm has a story. Every movement carries a meaning. Every dancer is a storyteller. Today as we celebrate International Dance Day, we pay tribute to one of the most profound forms of expression, ‘dance’. Created in 1982, by the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute (ITI), 29th April is a day that celebrates dance of all cultures around the world.
In Malaysia, a land with rich multicultural heritage, dance exists at the heart of tradition and innovation, especially in the Indian community. From classical Bharatanatyam to fusion choreography, dancers all around Malaysia continue to evolve, inspire and express their identity through rhythm and movement.
The Journey of Indian Dance Forms: Rooted in Tradition, Growing Through Time
Indian dance is one of the world’s most ancient, diverse and deeply spiritual art forms. Back over the years, classical dance such as Bharatatyam, Odissi, Kathak and Kuchipudi were not only created as an entertainment, they were an offering to the divine, filled with expressions of devotion, and storytelling.
Over centuries, there were many other dance forms that were created and modernized. In today’s world, Indian classical dance continues to keep the history alive, while new genres like Indian contemporary, and fusion choreography have risen, blending traditional techniques with global influences such as hip-hop.
In Malaysia, the Indian dance scene has beautifully seen this evolution, with artists mastering these styles. They honor the past while shaping the future, ensuring that the soul of Indian dance beats is stronger by time.
To honor this day, we Varnam Malaysia have featured a few talented dancers, whose dedication to the art form reminds us why dance is more than performance, it is a language of the soul.
Dance is Life: Vimalesh Ganesh’s Rhythm of Freedom
For Vimalesh Ganesh, dance is not just a skill, it’s a calling. A passionate hip-hop and contemporary choreographer, and the 2024 Aattam Champion, Vimalesh describes dance as the “heartbeat I follow when words aren’t enough”.
Blending hip-hop’s dynamic with the rich emotional depth of Indian folk and contemporary styles, he uses every movement to tell stories of love, pain, and strength. One of the most beautiful way, he described his love for dance,
“Through dance, I release what I hold inside, and in that release, I find freedom”
Dance isn’t just about the steps, it’s about the connection. Vimalesh is a dance instructor and choreographer, inspiring a new generation to move with purpose.
When asked how his dance styles express emotions, he explains that each style has its own unique language. For instance, contemporary dance combines various elements to convey raw, emotional narratives, often through grounded, expressive movements. Hip-hop on the other hand, expresses attitude and energy through rhythmic, powerful movements and dynamic grooves. Indian Folk Dance has intense facial expressions and a high level of energy to throw through movements. It also often shares cultural stories and emotions through symbolic gestures.
Fusion and Freedom: Chalani Ganeson’s Evolution
Founder of Dance with Chals (DWC) and co-founder of Podu Step’eh, Chalani Ganeson merges classical Indian rhythms with experimental storytelling. Her primary style is Indian fusion, rooted mostly in South Asian movement.
“Indian dance forms, especially Classical/Semi-Classical and Dapangkuthu/Folk have always shaped how I move.”
To Chalani, dance is a sanctuary. “It’s healing. It’s cultural. It’s deeply personal”. Her choreography isn’t just movement, it’s experience. Rooted in emotion and memory, her pieces unfold like stories, resonating with the audience through rhythms and visual artistry.
“I normally attempt to curate choreography that aligns with the emotion of the music, something that reclaims its intensity and gives it meaning. Backed with visuals, mood, and seamless edits, it becomes something bigger than just steps; it becomes a whole experience.”
She then shares that over the years, that love for dance led her to co-found Podu Step’eh, a movement space and a dance community. A space that has become an avenue for dancers and movers from all walks of life to explore their own stories through movement.
“Dance gave me back to myself, again and again. And now, through every movement I share, I just hope to remind others that their stories, no matter big or small, are worth moving through too”
Rooted in Grace and Tradition: Padmashamini’s Classical Journey
With 15 years of experience in Bharatanatyam, Oddisi and Modern Dance, Padmashamini represents the sacred discipline of Indian classical arts. Trained under esteemed Guru’s and celebrated for her expressive range. For Padma, dance is not something she does or something she is. It holds her struggles, joys, dreams, and silences.
“It’s a sacred journey where I lose myself and find myself all at once. In every beat and breath, dance reminds me of who I truly am”.
When asked how Bharatanatyam expresses stories or expresses emotions, Padma shared that when she dances, she becomes a character, an emotion and the story. The dance style lets her shape feelings into movements as it’s like weaving invisible threads between my heart and the audience’s.
“Through expressions, gestures, and rhythm, I try to make every story breathe, so that anyone watching can feel it as deeply as I do.”
“It’s the way her heart speaks when words fall short”, she says. Whether performing or teaching beginners, she brings life to every beat. Through her work through Vehaara Arts, Angika Fine Arts, and her classes, Padma continues to nurture cultural pride in all generations, ensuring that Indian classical dance remains not only alive but thriving.
Why International Dance Day Matters
International Dance Day is not just about performance, it’s about recognizing dance as a universal art form, one that carries history, and emotions. In a world often divided, dance unites people. It is also a reminder to support platforms, spaces and communities that encourage movement. Most importantly, it reminds us that no matter who we are or what we come from, everyone has a rhythm worth expressing.
Today, we celebrate not only Vimalesh, Chalani and Padma but every dancer—in every form and style. Happy International Dance Day!
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