In the town of Margao, Goa, classical dance finds a vibrant home at Poorna Dance Academy. Co-founded by the dynamic duo of Pooja Madkaikar and Aparna Tiloji, the academy is a haven for lovers of classical dance. Pooja and Aparna, who have two decades of experience as classical dancers, teachers, choreographers, and performers, have jointly embarked on a journey of learning the intricate art of Bharatnatyam.
In the form of Poorna Dance Academy, their joint venture goes beyond being a mere expression of passion; it proudly serves as their contribution and commitment to preserving, promoting, and celebrating the diverse traditions within Indian art forms.
The genesis of Poorna Dance Academy arose from a hiatus in Pooja and Aparna’s dance journey. As the life’s commitments momentarily disrupted their passion, it awakened a realization that dance was an integral part of their identity. United by this shared passion, they began to meet for practices, igniting the spark that would lead to the establishment of their academy. Their path unexpectedly shifted from personal growth to creating a shared cultural space with the success of their first workshop. The surprisingly positive response turned their private sessions into the formation of Poorna Dance Academy.
The academy’s first grand show, DARPAN in 2019, marked a significant milestone in their artistic journey. Held at the prestigious Ravindra Bhavan in Margao, the event was a fusion of traditional grace and contemporary creativity. Navigating through the complexities of choreography, song selection, and event management, Pooja and Aparna held a successful show. The experience served as a noteworthy one, revealing not only their strengths but also areas for growth.
In the aftermath of DARPAN 2019, the duo found themselves uplifted by the encouraging applause, positive feedback, and a newfound understanding of their artistic capabilities. This event acted as a stepping stone, encouraging them toward a goal-set vision for the future.
Fast forward to 2024, and Poorna Dance Academy is gearing up for its next spectacle — DARPAN 2.0. Scheduled for February 4th, once again at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, the event promises to showcase a unique and spellbinding performance with newer and extraordinary dances.
The vision for DARPAN 2.0 has been shaped by the lessons learned from the initial event. While DARPAN 2019 was an exploration into the unknown, DARPAN 2.0 is a well planned artistic venture. It signifies the growth of Poorna Dance Academy and the progress of its students in the complexity of dance techniques and precision.
Having shared two decades immersed in the classical art form of Bharatnatyam, they tried something new, semi-classical dance, a bold move that made them pioneers in introducing this form to Goa.
In the face of youth trends increasingly drawn to Western dance forms, their adaptation of semi-classical dance serves as a bridge, connecting contemporary preferences with the rich Indian tradition. Their artistic evolution becomes an epitome to the flexibility and adaptability of traditional forms in staying relevant to diverse audiences.
DARPAN 2.0, with its powerful theme, “Battle,” seeks to transcend the boundaries of mere dance performances. In a conversation with Pooja, she unveiled the inspiration behind this theme — “we always try to relate our theme and concepts with current affairs. Like Covid hitting us resulting in loss of loved ones and a lot of people going into loneliness and depression, battling their own thoughts which consume them. Or the endless battles around the word between different countries for power, money, ownership. So the theme for Darpan 2.0 is ‘Battle’”.
Anticipation surrounds the artistic, emotional, and melodious elements that DARPAN 2.0 pledges to deliver. Poorna Dance Academy shares insights into their creative process, promising the audience a journey that would go beyond the boundaries of mere entertainment.
With performances designed to stir various emotions, the audience is set for a seamless exploration of diverse moods against a canvas of diverse musical genres.
The magnitude of DARPAN 2.0 becomes apparent when one considers the coordination required for over 90 artists and students. Pooja and Aparna acknowledge the challenges but express gratitude for the commitment and regularity displayed by their students during the seven months of preparation. The meticulous planning and relentless practice of the students to showcase a harmonious symphony of synchronized movements.
Beyond the spectacle, DARPAN 2.0 carries the weight of contributing to the continuity and appreciation of Indian art, culture, and tradition. Pooja stated that, “There are few events that happen in Goa where you can see all Goans being a part of it and dancing professionally.
Through performances we try to show different Indian mythology, Indian history, Indian tradition is making the current youth aware about their roots in history”
Organizing large-scale dance performances is not without its challenges. The duo highlights the logistical hurdles of assembling all participants and ensuring the timely readiness of costumes, props, and choreography. Lessons from DARPAN 2019 have served as guiding lights, prompting early and comprehensive preparations for DARPAN 2.0.As co-founders, teachers, and performers, Pooja and Aparna extend their wisdom to aspiring dancers in the digital age. Amidst the allure of instant fame on social media platforms, they emphasize that, “In this era of reels and social apps it’s very easy to get carried away with 2 minutes of fame. Give utmost importance to training and your practises. Dance to improve yourself and not for the views and likes.”
In the heart of Margao, Poorna Dance Academy stands as a beacon of tradition, innovation, and passion. DARPAN 2.0 represents not just an event but a cultural odyssey, a culmination of years of dedication, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to preserving the rich tapestry of Indian art forms. As the audience prepares to witness this symphony of tradition and innovation, Pooja Madkaikar and Aparna Tiloji invite us all to join them on a journey where dance is not merely a performance but a celebration of life’s battles, emotions, and melodies.