'Playing 20 questions with Aunty'

by Maya Ivancic

Maya Ivancic's interview questions for Sukanya Aunty:

How did you decide to start Shishya dance school

My friends Vyshali and Ghazala pushed me to follow my dreams and start a

structured way of teaching Bharatanatyam. Sweet 6 year old Natasha Chaudhary

and her family with their charm, convinced me that there was a need for a teacher

like me to teach kids with love rather and intimidation (based on their negative

experiences with others).

How did you overcome doubts and obstacles starting Shishya dance school?

Again my friends convinced me, Dev uncle supported me and Vyshali agreed to

start it with me as a minor partner to make me feel like I was not alone.

How did you start learning dance as a child? 

I started learning dance at the age of 6 but used to hate dancing till the age of 10.

This is when I met my aunt and teacher Guru 'Padma Bhushan' Dr. Saroja

Vaidyanathan who helped me fall in love with dance.

Tell us about the first Arangetram you taught

Technically my first Arangetram was Debanjan Pain but I shared him with another

teacher, as he had moved to North Jersey. My true first Arangetram track was for

Vyshali Belagodu. She was an adult and did her show at the age of 26. So this was

a lot fun and quite easy.

Everyone loves how you write poems for every Arangetram, how  did you start the tradition?

I have always loved writing poetry, even as a child. It is my other creative passion.

Everyone close to me knows this is how I express my feeling especially for those

that I love. So needless to say it was inevitable with Arangetrams, because I fall in

love with each on of these students that I groom in this difficult track.

What was your favorite piece you choreographed/taught? 

The Krishna padam 'Chandana Charchitha' and now 'Shankara Shri Giri'.

Favorite piece you danced?

Swagatham Krishna while O.S. Arun sang it in my orchestra team

What was your favorite memory from a dance trip?

I loved eating pizza and gelato with my students, in Rome.

Did you ever expect you would  have so many students when you first started the school? 

No. I started with only a modest 10 students.

What’s your dance pet peeve?

Having to wear elaborate costumes to perform really annoys me.

What is your favorite adavu?

Mardita Adavu beacause it helps a student move with grace.

Least favorite adavu?

Sarukkal Adavu is my least favorite as it is hard on my knees.

Which baratanatuam dancer do you look up to the most?

Growing up as a young dancer in India, I loved watching Chitra Visweshwaran

perform and move with such grace in her 'Vazhuvoor' style. I also loved watching

Kalanidhi aunty's expressions.

What’s your favorite snack to bring to dance class?

I like to bring apples or oranges for hydration.

Favorite Starbucks order?

Peppermint mocha with oat milk.

Favorite hobby outside of dance?

Writing poetry and travelling.

What’s a piece of advice for shishyas who want to continue dance after high school?

Never give up any opportunity to learn and/or perform. No opportunity is too

small.

What is your favorite vacation destination?

Paris, France

What is your favorite place to go out to eat?

Salt Creek Grill

How did you decide to get max? 

I was convinced by my kids to get one but I also love dogs and being an only child,

grew up with one as well.