THE DANCE ENTHUSIAST'S A TO Z: Y for Yue YIN and Sangeeta Ghosh-YESLEY

Yin:

To be honest, the reason is unknown. But I guess my love for movement is why. If I really trace it back to my earliest memories at age 3, I would say it has been the desire to move and not be confined to a chair all day. And that is so powerful that even till this day, this motivation still plays a very important role.

Ghosh-Yesley:

I never consciously considered dancing, curating and producing my profession — they evolved as a passion. I grew up in a family surrounded by dance, music, art, theatre, and pursuing my passion for dance came naturally. It became part of my spirit, part of my DNA.

Yin:

My parents. Their effort and support from the very beginning have contributed to my dedication towards what I do. Now my husband’s support fuels my will to keep going and not give up, not to mention that he always gives me inspiration from literature, music and movies that I can use as concepts for my otherwise non-narrative choreography.

Ghosh-Yesley:

I owe everything to my parents, particularly my mother. Seeing her unwavering dedication towards creating art, producing shows, bringing the community together, was an inspiration to me growing up. My mother worked from 9 to 5 in an office and returned home to rehearse her next production. Musicians, dancers, vocalists and performers were always present at my home.   She took us to see all-nighter theaters in the village center and I remember sitting on the mat and struggling to stay awake, which was my first lesson of what it means to be passion driven. As her daughter, I'm forever grateful for the example she set and the many hats she wore so seamlessly, all while raising a family and creating art that touched peoples’ hearts.

Yin:

Good music.

Ghosh-Yesley:

My family. My husband and my children are always there to provide a listening ear and ready to lend a hand when I need it most. They are my biggest advocates, and their belief in me gives me the confidence to pursue my dreams with passion and purpose.

Yin:

Going up to the rooftop when the weather is excellent with a nice breeze to jam out some movement with music in my ears or browsing through K-POP music videos on Youtube while in pajamas and sitting on the couch.

Ghosh-Yesley:

There's nothing quite like indulging in a luxurious bath, sinking into the warm water, and losing yourself in the immersive experience. For me, it's a chance to disconnect from the world and reconnect with myself, all while enjoying listening to some Bengali (my mother tongue) stories or podcasts (Ira Glass's This American Life is an all-time favorite). It's a ritual that soothes my soul and recharges my batteries, leaving me feeling renewed and ready to take on whatever life brings.

Yin:

Both. I love dogs. I have a dog named M&M. She is 4 years old. Despite the fact I have my own dog, I also spend many hours following other dogs on instagram. I also love plants and trying to keep all the house plants alive. I can’t describe the satisfaction and the sense of accomplishment I feel when they grow new leaves or develop new roots.

Ghosh-Yesley:

Our home is blessed with two beautiful Burmese cats, Jacob and Lulu, who have strong personalities and keep me on my toes. Jacob is demanding and wants attention, but Lulu is calmer and mostly minds her own business and occasionally comes by to get some back scratches. 

But they're not the only living beings we share our space with: our beloved Ficus tree has been a cherished member of our family for over a decade, having grown from a tiny plant into a thriving, evergreen presence in our living room.

Yin:

Cooking. My husband and I cook the majority of the  meals at home and sometimes together. We both love a large tray of mixed roasted vegetables. It is hard to fail.

Ghosh-Yesley:

While I love dining out with friends and family because I love having interesting conversations, my heart belongs to homecooking. My family has many picky eaters, so it can be challenging to make everyone happy, but I prefer that challenge as opposed to cooking for myself, because I tend to be a bit boring when it comes to my own food preferences, often sticking to salads or soups.

Yin:

I do not wish to relive any kind of past or to see the future.

Ghosh-Yesley:

Catch a glimpse of the future without doubt. I seldom look back. For me, life is all about embracing the unknown and taking bold steps into the future. At every step in my life, leaving my home town of Kolkata and moving to Pondicherry, and then going from one city to another, one country to another and so on... I have always focused my energy towards the potential of tomorrow.

Yin:

To handle it like any other person or situation. To handle them with a normal sense of urgency and importance. When it becomes impossible to handle, let it go. There is always an alternative, which may not be the most ideal, but there is always a way around or simply a way out. 

Ghosh-Yesley:

Waiting! Whether it's waiting 24 to 48 hours before making a decision or seeking out a trusted friend or mentor to share my thoughts with. Taking the time to assess a challenging situation from a place of neutrality can help me make sense of complex emotions and conflicting perspectives. By opening myself up to other viewpoints and exploring different angles, I've found that I'm better equipped to navigate life's challenges with clarity, purpose, and grace.

Yin:

My biggest realizations include how health is the most important asset, and that your relationship with yourself and the one shared with a partner is the most meaningful relationship. There is so much joy to be felt in spending time in nature and appreciating simple things. 

Ghosh-Yesley:

The pandemic has certainly thrown us all in for a loop, and I've found that even the simplest tasks can feel like a marathon these days. With a million ideas swirling around in my head and a seemingly endless to-do list, I often feel like I'm constantly racing against the clock just to stay afloat. But even though I sometimes feel like I'm running out of breath, I know that each step I take is bringing me one step closer to achieving my goal.

Yin:

I don’t think it is the pandemic that has caused the change, but more age. I value quality way more than quantity.

Ghosh-Yesley:

My work as a curator and producer has evolved considerably over the years, with the biggest shift occurring during the pandemic. I had to get creative and pivot to online events to keep dancers and artists engaged during unprecedented times. Many dancers have left the city and are now settled somewhere else, which is sad. I miss them. As things slowly return to normal, I have been seeing new dancers and new companies with new promises. I'm pleased to have connected with new organizations and enthusiastic creatives, and have curated exciting events. Despite the slow pace of things, I'm grateful for the opportunities that have come my way and excited to see what the future holds.

Yin:

The most recent show I saw and loved is Sharon Eyal’s R.O.S.E at Park Ave Armory. It is one of the most effective immersive experiences, from concept to creation, and the venue was epic.

Ghosh-Yesley:

Akram Khan's Giselle at BAM in Spring 2022. Oh! The sets, the costumes, the lighting and the whole contemporary take on this historical ballet felt like they came from an enchanted world. It will remain with me for a long time!

Yin:

I must do a FOCO practice as a warm up, but also as a mental and spiritual preparation either with myself or with the fellow performers. Now the company dancers will also adapt this habit/tradition to do a practice in a circle to feel each other’s energy.

Ghosh-Yesley:

During my performing days, I had a unique ritual of centering myself by feeling the energy of my surroundings as I touched the floor and closed my eyes. Nowadays, as a curator and an occasional producer, my focus has shifted to ensuring the performers are ready and energized before the show begins. I often crack a joke or two to lighten the atmosphere and calm their nerves. After I check-in with them, I take a brief moment to switch hats and transform into a gracious host, ready to welcome the audience to a promising and enjoyable performance.

Yin:

I always want to be a fly on the wall to see other people’s creative process, either in history or at the current time.

Ghosh-Yesley:

Oh, to have been a fly on the wall during that unforgettable moment in dance history when the legendary Uday Shankar and Anna Pavlova shared the stage in 1923. Their performance undoubtedly left the audience in a trance, and it's easy to imagine how magical it must have been to witness such a meeting of two dance icons from two different worlds.

Yin:

I perform mostly my own choreography, but have enjoyed performing Doug Elkins’s choreography, where I did a very small amount of hip hop and voguing, which was very eye-body-mind opening.

Ghosh-Yesley:

Back in the days when I called New Delhi my home, I had the pleasure of performing the awe-inspiring choreography of Tanushree Shankar, daughter-in-law of Uday Shankar. Her captivating choreographies can leave the audience spellbound.

Yin:

I absolutely enjoy TV programs about animals, the earth or cooking completions.

Ghosh-Yesley:

Indulging in Ira Glass's This American Life has become a ritual for me. The show's remarkable authenticity and dedication to showcasing real-life stories of everyday Americans is an absolute delight. I am constantly moved by the raw emotions and thought-provoking experiences that are shared on the program. Even though, sometimes the stories are rather simple, Ira Glass’s presentation has a way of transforming them into heartwarming tales of triumph to gut-wrenching stories of struggle. This American Life has a way of leaving me feeling both inspired and humbled.

Yin:

For me and the company YYDC, it will be Aachen, Germany. We have been to the Schrit_tmacher Festival four times now, and each time, were welcomed by sold-out audiences, so it has made a great impression and is a special feeling.

Ghosh-Yesley:

If it is in addition to New York City, then the next best place for art is London, United Kingdom. I say it, because I have first-hand experience with the art scene in the UK and cannot stress enough the invaluable assistance the struggling artists receive from the UK government because their funding and support system is excellent, which is lacking in the US.    

Yin:

Instagram.

Ghosh-Yesley:

Instagram. Why?  That’s where all the artists are hanging out!

Yin:

Do less, focus more, appreciate opportunities, and offer your dedication. Don’t be afraid of commitment and choose wisely based on your own interests and ability, not trends or popularity.

Ghosh-Yesley:

Don’t be afraid of taking risks and making mistakes. I have made many mistakes and they are a valuable foundation to who I am today. Mistakes help you to grow; they teach you to persevere. If you have passion for the art you are pursuing, enjoy the process, stay curious and keep learning, because the world is constantly changing. Keep a list of things you are doing now and things you want to achieve. Write them down, even if you think you won’t forget.

Yin:

By offering them the opportunity and by looking at them. The market has to be brave and take on the risk of educating the audience and introducing them to deserving yet overlooked artists.

Ghosh-Yesley:

One way is to create more platforms and opportunities to showcase their work. This can be done through live-performances, exhibitions or online platforms. It is also important to actively seek out and promote the work of these artists, whether through social media or by word-of-mouth.  

We can also support organizations that focus on promoting diversity and inclusion in the arts. These organizations often work to provide resources and opportunities for underrepresented artists and help to increase their visibility.

And, of-course, it is important to have conversations about the lack of representation in the arts and to actively work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable industry. This can involve supporting policies and initiatives that aim to increase diversity and representation, as well as having open and honest discussions about existing systemic barriers, and how they can be overcome.

Yin:

I create, present, perform and educate — I do it simultaneously and they go hand in hand with each other. I enjoy doing all of them and hope the joy I feel will transfer to others.

Ghosh-Yesley:

There are many ways: You can introduce people to dance by sharing your own personal experiences, run a podcast, or talk about dance experiences — your passion for dance can be contagious and inspire others to explore it. 

How about creating opportunities for others to engage with it? This can include organizing dance workshops or classes, or even inviting friends and family to dance parties or social events where dancing is the main activity. Or, go out together to see dance shows.  My 10-year-old son learns tap dance because he was inspired after seeing a performance.  My 16-year-old recently got back to dancing after seeing a show! 

I think social media can be a powerful tool for spreading enthusiasm about dance. Sharing photos or videos of dance performances or dance-related content can inspire others to become interested in this beautiful art form. I think The Dance Enthusiast does a tremendous job in keeping dance enthusiasm alive.