International Dance Day! Fusion dance form: A mix and match or a mismatch? 

Image only for representation

The fusion dance form is becoming increasingly popular across the globe. With cultural boundaries slowly disappearing, it also leads to a fusion of the same to bring in a new aesthetic. Dance is one of the most beautiful forms of expressing oneself and it has styles rooted in various cultures. With globalisation, people are getting exposed to various cultures and styles and we see dancers experimenting with different dance forms across the globe to create new aesthetics.

While fusion dance form is gaining widespread acceptance, it can sometimes also backfire. A couple of weeks back, a video of a reality show contestant fusing Lavani and twerking went viral on social media. It was judge Kirron Kher terming the fusion ‘vulgar' that made the clip go viral. She reprimanded the mix of twerking with a culturally rooted dance form like Lavani. This led to debate on social media, leaving people divided with their opinions.

On International Dance Day, mid-day.com reached out to Mumbai-based choreographers and dancers to better understand the concept of fusion and how one can effectively incorporate different dance styles in one performance.

"Most dance form is culturally rooted"

Melvin Louis, a well-known dancer and choreographer, stresses the importance of understanding the culture and origin behind every dance form before experimenting with it. "Art and culture are close-knit. Often one gives birth to the other. When we are attempting to fuse dance styles, it's better to study a bit of the history of its evolution. A wrong representation could hurt the sentiments of many who perceive it as culture."

"As I read and continue to learn more about different dance art forms, almost all dance forms have a culture backing them. Hence, dance to entertain is different, dance to dignify culture is different, dance to express is different, dance as therapy is different, dance to have fun is different."

Having said that, Melvin also roots for individual creativity and the wonders it can do. "As an artist one has the right to make mistakes and that's how a masterpiece is created at times. An artist has their individual right to explore their own methods of creativity but if it's rejected by the audience then you get your feedback."

"Bollywood is a mix of different styles":

Soumita Das, a choreographer and assistant director, is a fan of fusion dance forms and says that it has been around for a long time. "Mixing different forms of dance has been prevalent since ancient times. There have been fusions happening between different forms of Indian classical itself and with the Western classical as well; that is why the concept of fusion exists. Bollywood dance form is nothing but a mixture of all the dance forms that are there and has been accepted, practised and celebrated since the time Bollywood songs came into existence. Till the time each dance form is maintaining its own individuality and respecting the art form, it is completely fair and reasonable to mix different dance forms and create something unique."

"Should have purpose and theme"

Alka Lajmi, a Navi Mumbai-based creative fusion artist, believes that it is a popular trend but should be done with purpose. "Dance is a creative medium and dancers are always trying to do something new. Therefore mixing or rather fusion of dance forms is a popular trend, especially with young artists. I believe there should not be a 'mixing' of dance forms but a beautiful creative fusion should be done with a particular purpose, idea or theme. Without any purpose, it is simply two forms of dance being presented together. The music of the two dance forms or the movements or any other aspect should connect/gel with each other and complement each other. Only then a beautiful fusion can be created".

Tips for a delightful fusion dance form:

Melvin Louis shares some tips to keep in mind while creating a fusion dance:

1. A fusion should never feel like a fusion when executed. For reference try to visualise some good fashion fusions that appear pleasing to the eyes at the same time be mindful of the distasteful ones. If your fusion is supposed to only make heads turn and grab attention, the disaster or cringe approach works better.
2. A fusion always has a ratio, are you going 50-50 or 90-10? Or 98-2? Be mindful of that perfect recipe for your dish cause it has to also taste good.
3. A minimal approach can do wonders too. A fusion need not be heavy a mix at times.

Sharing her guidance on creating a good fusion, Alka says, "For any fusion it is essential to know the basics of technique of both the styles so that one knows what to blend and how to do it. The fusion should highlight the salient features of each of the dance styles while blending with each other. I would suggest that before attempting fusion watch a lot of performances of the other dance style so that you get the right perspective for the fusion."