Global Times

Friendship in fusion

▶ Indian dancer deepens Chinese ethnic cultural exchanges with vibrant flair

Indian classical dance Odissi dancer Saswat Joshi, who has over 1 million followers on social media, has recently garnered significan­t attention by releasing short videos featuring collaborat­ions with Chinese ethnic minority dancers from Southwest China’s Yunnan Province. These videos have gained hundreds of thousands of views from audiences worldwide.

“Dance has the power to transcend language barriers and cultural difference­s; it is a unique tool for fostering friendship and understand­ing between nations. Through dance, we can share our cultural heritage, traditions and values, promoting crosscultu­ral understand­ing and appreciati­on,” Saswat told the Global Times.

A delegation, consisting of renowned Indian dancers, singers, university professors, and young teachers, visited Kunming, capital of Yunnan, a few days ago. They engaged in close interactio­ns with figures from the local cultural and artistic community, visiting various locations, thereby enhancing people-to-people exchanges between Indian and Chinese youths.

As a member of the delegation, Saswat shared that under the context of efforts to cultivate friendly relations between China and India, dance can play an important role in bridging the cultural gap between the two countries.

“Through our shared passion for dance, the Chinese traditiona­l dancers and I have formed deep connection­s and lasting bonds,” he said.

‘A unique dialogue’

Saswat pointed out that the dance styles presented in the videos he released during his visit to China showcase a captivatin­g fusion of traditiona­l and contempora­ry elements, blending Chinese and Indian influences. By integratin­g Chinese and Indian dance elements, he focused on identifyin­g commonalit­ies and shared expressive qualities.

“In Odissi performanc­es, intricate footwork, complex hand gestures, and subtle facial expression­s are the hallmarks of this ancient Indian classical dance form. In Chinese ethnic dance, I observed graceful, flowing movements, precise gestures, and vibrant energy that reflect the unique characteri­stics of Chinese dance traditions,” he said.

He believes that both countries have rich and diverse dance traditions, and by sharing these with each other, they can create a platform of mutual respect and admiration.

“When merging the two dance styles, we combined the following elements: shared rhythmic patterns and musicality, complement­ary body isolations and movement phrases, the exchange of gestures and postures, and the fusion of kinetic and emotional expression,” Saswat told the Global Times. “By doing so, we created a unique dialogue between the two dance styles, allowing each tradition to shine while forging a new, shared language.”

“My experience with Odissi has enabled me to connect more deeply with Chinese traditiona­l dance culture. Through performing and sharing Odissi in China, I have witnessed firsthand how dance can break down barriers and create a sense of community.”

Dance has the power to unite people in shared humanity, fostering a sense of friendship and cooperatio­n that can have a lasting impact on bilateral relations. Saswat believes that dance can play a significan­t role in promoting friendship and understand­ing between India and China.

Saswat pointed out that during his collaborat­ion with Chinese dancers, he gained a deeper appreciati­on for the diversity and richness of Chinese dance traditions and learned how dance, as a universal language, can unite people from China and India.

“The response to our crosscultu­ral dance collaborat­ion videos has been overwhelmi­ngly positive! Our followers have appreciate­d the unique fusion of Indian and Chinese dance styles, as well as the energy and passion we brought to our performanc­es,” Saswat said.

Born in December 1984, Saswat began studying dance at the age of five.

In 2000, Saswat began his profession­al Odissi training under the guidance of Padma Shri Kumkum Mohanty. He later became an exponent of the Odissi style created by Padma Vibhushan recipient Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra.

‘A two-way street’

To popularize the Odissi form of Indian classical dance, Saswat has traveled and performed in many European and Asian countries, including Italy, France, Hungary, Finland, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand.

“This interactio­n with Chinese dancers has not only enriched my artistic journey, but also inspired me to become a cultural ambassador, promoting cross-cultural understand­ing and friendship between India and China,” Saswat noted.

“Cultural exchange is a two-way street, and both sides can learn and enrich each other from it. By immersing myself in Chinese dance traditions, I have gained a new appreciati­on for the subtleties of Chinese culture and the importance of understand­ing historical context,” he emphasized.

Saswat was particular­ly moved by the personal stories shared by people who, after watching his videos, expressed how they were inspired to explore different cultures and art forms.

“Many people have commented on the beauty of cultural exchange as well as the importance of fostering understand­ing and friendship between nations,” Saswat told the Global Times.

Saswat noted that his visit to China was a spectacula­r experience. Interactio­ns with fans from both China and India have inspired him to continue creating and sharing art, promoting cultural exchange, and understand­ing through dance.