"If One Loves an Art Form They Will Find Opportunities"- Meda Sameeksha

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1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

I am Meda Sameeksha and I’m currently pursuing my Bachelor’s from Loyola Academy in B.COM-HONOURS. I am a trained Bharatanatyam classical dancer under the guidance of my guru’s Shri V.S.Ramamoorthygaru and Smt Manjula Ramaswamy garu. 

I started dancing at the age of 4 and gave my very first stage performance at the same age. Dance to me is not just an art it is much more than what one can understand. I believe that Dance helps us to understand ourselves better and helps us grow along with the art in us. My Guru’s have played a major role in identifying the talent and help me grow as a better person.


2. When did you first decide you wanted to pursue dancing and how did it start?

It was my mother who wanted to send me to classes right from my childhood. At first, dance was something I enjoyed doing but as years passed by I realized that I do not want to separate it from myself.

It was at the age of 15 when I decided to make dance as my career taking my gurus as my inspiration. I have given 7 stages of exams in dance and also completed a certificate course. I’ve been pursuing dance for the past 16 years and each day I get to learn something new. I make my own choreography and try to get better each day.


3. Who is your favorite dancer and why?

My favorite dancers and my inspiration are my guru’s. My gurus not just teach dance but help their students grow and face this world with a better perspective. I have imbibed many great qualities and learned to present myself better under their guidance. Apart from my Gurus, there are many other dancers including my seniors.


4. Can you throw some light on opportunities one gets as a dancer?

There are many opportunities one can get as a dancer, all they have to do is believe in themselves and their art. There are self-made opportunities like setting up a dance studio or taking classes online while there are also opportunities where they can join as a dance teacher in schools, choreographing dance for various events. 

I strongly believe that if one loves an artform they will find opportunities. In every step of their life.


5. Is formal training required or one can train themselves purely on the basis talent?

According to my, I feel both training and talent is required for one to shape themselves into a beautiful dancer. Training helps them to understand the form deeply and will help them connect with the art form in true sense. 

While the talent one has makes it easier for them to get close to art. Especially ancient dance form like classical dance requires proper training to understand the cause and techniques.


6. How did it feel like being part of such a big dance reality show in India?

It was a memorable experience to be part of the national television show Dance+3. I was one of the 7 members of the team from SREE RAMA NATAKA NIKETAN. The show invited international dancers each week where we got to learn new dance forms from them. 

Apart from that, I have learned many new things about the reality show. I can proudly say that this show has unlocked various opportunities to me as a dancer and helped me try new forms. Lastly, I feel very blessed and lucky to be part of such an amazing show and thank my guru for trusting me and giving me an opportunity.


7. What is your best performance to date and why?

I was a dancer who has given more than 500+ performances and cannot decide which is my best performance to date. But I would like to say that my first performance will always be my best and memorable. 

It was at the age of 4 when I was all dressed up differently for the first time to give a performance in front of the huge crowd standing in the center of the stage and leading my fellow mates. 

I still remember how happy my mother was to watch me dance at that age and since it was the first time I made my mother proud and happy that will remain my best performance always.


- Meda Sameeksha, Dancer

- Interviewed by K.Anusree
- Edited by Shilpy Sharan