The Story of Shanmugam

This is my dancer-friend Shanmugam. I first met him in my dance school of KJ Sarasa in Chennai in 2000. He had just started his full time dance training. But he was dejected and in despair. Although he was deeply talented he lacked confidence as he felt very poor among the other rich dance students. Unlike the other students he came from a poor family of stone workers from a little village. He did not have the resources to pay the guru or lavish her with gifts to get specialized one-to-one coaching. Neither could he afford the expensive saris that were used for dance costumes or the jewellry that all dancers had to wear for shows. His plight really brought into stark reality how art in india is really the exclusive preserve of the rich and the well-connected. He neither had any connections or the wealth. He felt that he was doomed. But he loved and was deeply committed to Dasi Dance. I decided that he needed international exposure and performance opportunities. An artist who does not get any stage experience cannot hone his or her craft and build their name. From my own experience I know how critical performing has been to my development as an artist. I decided to give him a scholarship to Singapore with an opportunity to perform at my solo show. I got him a ticket and my parents provided him with food and accomodation. He stayed in Singapore for a month and at the end performed for a deeply appreciative audience. When he returned home to Chennai people saw his differently - as an international artist who has toured other countries. Doors began to open. His confidence soared. He kept working hard and constantly updated me on his progress and sought my advice on building his career. Over the past few years he has managed to clinch all the top dance awards and perform at some of the most prestigious venues in Chennai and Delhi. One day I hope to set up a formal scholarship program where I can get donors to Adopt an Artist from an underprivileged situation and empower them.