As Junoon prepares to bring its upcoming production MAYA to the stage, the journey behind the performance is already unfolding through months of creativity, collaboration, and perseverance. In this behind-the-scenes reflection, choreographer and performer Bhavisha shares insights into the making of MAYA, the challenges of building a large-scale production, returning to the stage as a dancer, and exploring how classical dance can evolve while staying rooted in tradition.
As Junoon prepares for its upcoming production MAYA, choreographer and performer Bhavisha reflects on the intense yet rewarding journey that unfolds behind the scenes of a full-stage production.
Bringing Many Elements into One Vision
Creating a performance of this scale is never just about Dance. For Bhavisha, one of the biggest challenges lies in bringing together many elements, choreography, music, lighting, costume, stage design, and performance, into a single, cohesive experience. Every aspect must align perfectly, and sustaining the same level of commitment across the entire team can be demanding. While the core team feels deeply connected to Junoon’s vision, ensuring that everyone involved maintains the same energy and consistency throughout the process requires constant effort.
A Production and a Fundraiser
This time, the challenge is even greater because MAYA is not only a production but also a fundraiser for Junoon. Unlike the earlier production KAYA, where the team primarily focused on the creative aspects, MAYA involves managing a much larger ecosystem, marketing, budgeting, outreach, and fundraising, alongside rehearsals and choreography. Balancing these responsibilities can be overwhelming and, at times, emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausting. Yet Bhavisha believes that the moment when a creative idea finally comes together makes the entire effort worthwhile.
Returning to the Stage
For Bhavisha personally, MAYA presents another challenge: returning to the stage as a Dancer while simultaneously directing and choreographing the production. After stepping away from regular performance for some time, rebuilding stamina and physical strength has been a demanding process. For Bhavisha, performing on stage means striving for her very best, clarity of movement, emotional expression, and complete presence, and working toward that standard again has been both difficult and motivating.
Continuing the Journey from KAYA
At its conceptual core, MAYA continues the journey that began with Junoon’s first production, KAYA. While KAYA explores the body and journey of a Dancer, MAYA delves deeper into the tensions and possibilities within that journey. The narrative reflects two contrasting energies: the desire for freedom, experimentation, and exploration, and the need for grounding, stability, and tradition. Through the meeting of these two forces, the production asks an important question: how can Classical Dance evolve while remaining rooted in its essence?
Expanding the Idea of the Dancer
The story also reflects a broader idea about Dancers themselves. Bhavisha believes that a Dancer should not feel confined to a single form or rigid set of expectations. Instead, Dance should allow space to explore, experiment, and grow while still respecting the depth of tradition. In this way, MAYA attempts to bridge the gap between Classical foundations and contemporary expression, making the art form more accessible and meaningful for younger generations.
The Importance of a Strong Core Team
The process of building this production has also revealed important lessons for the team. One of the biggest realizations has been the need for a strong and reliable core team, people who understand their roles clearly and are able to multitask while staying committed to the larger vision. Without such a team, the creative process can become fragmented, and artists may find themselves juggling too many technical responsibilities, which can ultimately hinder creativity.
A Journey of Growth
Despite these challenges, the journey of MAYA has been one of growth, artistically, creatively, and technically. Each rehearsal, discussion, and experiment contributes to shaping a production that is not only a performance but also a reflection on the evolving identity of Dance itself.
More Than a Performance
For audiences, the final performance may last only a few hours. But behind it lies months of exploration, persistence, and collaboration. Through MAYA, Junoon hopes to present not just a Dance production, but a vision for how Classical art forms can move forward, honoring tradition while opening new pathways for the future.
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