SOLO SHOWCASE

Zara chose her two dances because they both reflect strength and power of love in very contrasting dance styles. Her solo begins with “Pyar Kiya to Darna Kya”, which translates to “Why Should I Be Afraid in Love?” In this piece the dancer displays a defiant attitude to societal norms that frown upon love between people belonging to different classes. Instead of hiding her feelings, she openly questions why her love must be policed.

In her demand to be able to love who she wants she is prepared to die rather than live in fear and uses the declaration of love as an act of rebellion. The dancer displays these emotions through bold movement of the arms and intricate foot work inspired by the “Lucknow gharana.”

Then the solo turns into the song “Rangi Sari Gulabi Chunariya.”This translates to “My Lover Colored my Veil Pink.” In this traditional thumri performance piece, the dancer depicts the innocence and excitement of young love. A young girl in love is preoccupied with the thoughts of meeting her lover. She pretends to be shy and coy, blushing under her lover’s gaze. Other times she pretends to be annoyed at him so that he can indulge her and make up. Subtle facial expression and hand gestures portray the fluttering motions of a young heart.

Both songs attest to the complex and often contradicting emotions that love can evoke. It is also a reflection of how women throughout time have used dance to express