Q&A: Ramli Ibrahim

Ramli Ibrahim, dancer extraordinaire. No amount of praise can match the ecstasy he inspires with his fluidity onstage, except perhaps the long list of achievements he has notched as a world class performer. In conjunction with the 25th anniversary of Sutra Dance Theatre which he founded, Ramli will be presenting Stirring Odissi, a full-length Odissi festival featuring proponents from across the world to pay homage to the ancient Northeast Indian dance form. The festival will be happening from 21 May to 22 June in KL and Penang. Visit www.stirringodissi.com.

What’s the idea behind Stirring Odissi?
The leitmotif of the festival is found in the word “stirring.” It alludes to two images: stirring to life the essence of an ancient classical dance form; and stirring the imagination of modern day audiences. Stirring Odissi is a tribute to the only dance form with one foot in 2,000BCE and another in 2,000AD.

Are there any particular performers or performances you’re most excited about?
I’ve picked the best there are in odissi, both in the solo and group categories. There are the young dancers such as Arushi Mudgal, Sharanya Mukhophadyay and our own Revathi Tamilselvam and January Low. There are also established ones such as Sujatha Mahapatra, Bijayni and Surupa Sen of Nrityagram. There are also the troupes led by Madhavi Mudgal, Sharmila Biswas and Aruna Mohanty. Not to forget the exotic gotipua (boy dancers) of Orissa who are performing in Malaysia for the first time.

Why odissi? What is it about the dance form that attracts you?
Odissi has an elegant lyrical grace and compelling sensuality. This can be attributed to how it physically negotiates its space in a curvilinear manner. But at the same time, it has that fire in the belly. I’m amazed by the tradition’s ability to abandon itself, both physically and spiritually. I guess I’m attracted to its essentially Dionysian characteristics.

What do you think about the current state of dance in Malaysia?
Generally speaking, dance in Malaysia is in a limbo as to where to find its raison d’etre, in terms of originality, creativity, identity and survival. It’s evolved in the last ten years but somehow it has yet to make its mark as a powerful medium of expression in the Malaysian psyche. Malaysia’s major problem is still lack of funding and emphasis in arts education.

What words of advice might you give to a budding dancer?
I’ve often said that dance chooses you. Not the other way round. But when you are “called” you better heed this signal as it comes from the core of your being. On the other hand, if you ignore this invitation, it will eventually confront you on your deathbed. An unfulfilled life is a cursed one.

Text Priya Narayanan Photo Courtesy of Sutra Dance Theatre