Communications Associate, Kiersten Resch, recently interviewed dancer and aMaSSiT 2019 artist Anjali Nath to learn more about her experience with aMaSSiT—a four-month-long choreographic program of class “labs” focusing on choreographic skills and tool building. Anjali has emerged as a powerful voice in the field of Kathak dance and has trained extensively in this art from Boston to California. As a member of Chitresh Das Dance Company, Anjali performed at many prestigious venues across the United States and India and now choreographs for local dance ensembles. For over 20 years, Anjali has been using her B.A. in Psychology from Tufts University and Masters in Public Health from Boston University to passionately pursue her career in engaging with local communities and youth leadership/activities. You can see Anjali perform with other aMaSSiT 2019 artists at The Dance Complex on June 22nd at 8pm and June 23rd at 7pm!
Interview has been edited for clarity
Q: What has your experience been like during aMaSSiT 2019?
A: INVALUABLE! aMaSSiT 2019 has been a tremendously supportive experience that has connected me to a very supportive and inspiring group of diverse artists, sound mentorship through Peter DiMuro and guest artists in the field. It also provides a safe platform to explore my artistry and myself.
Q: How has the program helped you artistically and professionally?
A: Among so many other things, I have really valued being able to intimately connect with a group of artists who are not within my genre of dance. Watching how others move, hearing how they think, sharing feedback and observations with each other has both broadened and deepened the way I think about my own art.
It has always been extremely emotionally challenging for me to share my creative process openly with others and in front of others. This platform provided a safe space to do this. I felt no judgment and, in fact, felt very supported by the thoughtful observations and feedback we shared with each other. This felt like a tremendous phase of growth in this regard which continues to have lasting impacts on the way I think, create, and dance.
Q: What about the final showing are you most looking forward to?
A: Coming to Resolution! 🙂 Presenting the piece I’ve been working on in a good place where I really feel connected to it and can get inside of it. Sharing it with others and offering a space for the audience to connect with it however they may allow me to look forward to hearing about how they experience my piece. I also really look forward to being in this part of the journey with my fellow aMaSSiT artists and to celebrate the achievement with them!
Q: Did you have an “ah-ha” moment during aMaSSiT 2019 that you would like to share?
A: One of the fellow artists articulated in one of the sessions that, as dancers, it’s “so easy not to dance.” That really resonated with me and I felt understood and that I was not alone. As much as I love my art there are a million reasons not to love it or to expect so much of oneself that we find every reason not to do it. Understanding more about the way others experience their art and having the opportunity to offer and be offered insights back and forth has just been invaluable.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience with aMaSSiT?
A: Jake Crawford has been a phenomenal coordinator and Peter DiMuro has been an extraordinary guide and support to us all. I am truly grateful to have made these connections and to have had this time together. I am inspired by the artistry and humanity of my fellow aMaSSiT artists and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
