Everything in this world has a rhythm of its own. Whether you hear it or see it, does not matter, the rhythm in things gives you an ethereal feeling, one to you’d want to go on and on and lose yourself in. Dance is one such feeling. It is the language of the soul that can be understood only when a mediator, or one who we refer to as a dancer, explains the meaning of every word spoken, of every note played through his /her actions on a stage. This is the beauty of dance, the magic of a dancer, and what is often called poetry in motion. Maya Angelou, the famous American poet and activist was spot on when she said, “Everything in the universe has rhythm, everything dances”.
Today, the NRI Newsmaker presents to you Jasmitha Vivek, a beautiful and talented dancer and choreographer, whose unique dance style and creativity has brought her great laurels and plaudits in the UAE. Speaking exclusively to News Karnataka, Jasmitha shares her passionate and beautiful journey of dance.
Belonging to the coastal city of Mangaluru, which prides itself on its classical culture, Jasmitha started out her journey quite young. She began her formal training under the able guidance of Natyacharya Suresh Attavar from the tender age of six. She efficiently handled both her academics and co-curricular activities as she completed her education from St Gerosa high school and later on from St Agnes College.
She went on to study the classical and folk art form under the expert guidance of Vidushhi Geetha Saralaya. After passing junior and senior levels with a first class rank in Bharatanatyam, Jasmitha pursued her higher studies in Bharatanatyam under Kalathilaka Natyacharya Ullal Mohan Kumar. She believes that none of this would have been possible without the support of her parents PK Rajan and Shakunthala Rajan who stood by her and made her dream a reality. “It was my inborn instinct to dance. When it blended with the support from my parents, I could accomplish my dream”
Her classical dance journey was marked by various awards and honours while participating in prestigious competitions including State level Bharatanatyam and folk dance competitions. Apart from these performances, Jasmitha performed in several cultural programmes in and around Mangaluru, including as a special performer for the Kannada Cultural department.
During her work tenure as teacher at a prestigious school at Mangaluru, she was greatly appreciated for winning state level competitions held for school teachers’ talent contests.
Jasmitha moved to UAE after tying the knot with Vivekananda Krishna, an accounts professional and ace amateur photographer. Speaking about continuing dancing in the gulf, she says that it was her husband who encouraged her to continue her dream and perform in the UAE as well.
With his support, Jasmitha performed and choreographed at various cultural programmes in UAE for various events held by organizations such as Billawas Dubai, Billawara Balaga Abudhabi, Bunts UAE, Karnataka Sangha Sharjah, Tulu Koota UAE, Padmashali UAE, Vishwakarma Seva Samithi UAE, Jain community organization, Shakti organization, Tulu Siri Dubai, Karnataka Sangha Abudhabi, Shree Varamahalaxmi Pooja and many others. She was awarded the Best Choreographer award for her dance form presented at Bunts UAE annual programme at year 2012. But there was a difference – the UAE audience was more appreciative of the art. “Though the experience of performing on the stage is the same, I have noticed lots of people in UAE who respect Indian dance forms and we as artists are encouraged a lot….” says Jasmitha.
A passionate dancer, Jasmitha believes in innovation and experimenting with the talent that God has gifted one with. She has applied this by creating a new form of dance. These unique styles that she has adapted have gained her even more popularity in the recent past.
Speaking about the opportunity to portray her talent in UAE, Jasmita said, “There are many Indian organizations in UAE and hence programs throughout the year which helps us showcase our talent better….They support and encourage the dance forms of various parts of India”.
Her innovative performances which are still remembered by UAE Kannadigas are her Ashtalakshmi dance presentation at Shri Varamahalakshmi Pooaja Dubai, Mahishasura Mardhini at Shri Varamahalakshmi Pooja Dubai, Tulu nada Vaibhava – a performance of exploring authentic cultural heritage of Coastal Karnataka with 72 artists at one stage, Koti Chennayya dance performance at Billawas Abudhabi etc.
Apart from being a dancer, Jasmitha is renowned for her sense of humor as well. She has performed as a comedian at several occasions and has been lauded for her refreshing humor. She won a special appreciation award for her performance in the Stand-up comedy show ‘Bale Telipale’- UAE Edition as well.
She has acted in dramas organized by Gammath Kalavider UAE. Apart from all these activities she is an active member of many associations and has served in many honorable positions at organizations.
Her talent and contribution was recognized and she was felicitated by Abudhabi Billawara Balaga in 2014.
Serving as a teacher at Indian High School, Dubai she is often referred to as the “favorite Maths teacher” by her doting students. She has always lent a helping hand to children as well as adults who have shown interest in dancing.
Being a dancer, stage performer, master of ceremony, singer, teacher and choreographer, Jasmitha is an epitome of humility and grace. On being appreciated for her achievements, she dedicates her success to the gracious hand of God and her beloved husband Vivek who she emphasizes, has always been a great support in all of her endeavours.
On being asked to give a brief message to aspiring dancers through NewsKarnataka, she said: “The message is to always work hard to get the best in life. We have to always nurture our talents. We should think that we are among those blessed ones who have been gifted ‘THE BEST ‘we could get in life.
News Karnataka wishes Jasmitha all the success in her future endeavours.
About the Author
A Mechanical Engineer by profession, Kiran is currently working in Dubai as a facilities engineer. He is a special correspondent for News Karnataka Dubai.
The NRI Newsmaker is a section dedicated to recognizing those talented and hardworking individuals who have made a name for themselves in the field they have stepped into. Their efforts may have gone unrecognized by the masses but they certainly deserve your acclaim. Because as Kannadigas, they have done commendable work and made their state beam with pride.
