For Nayana Panchal, everywhere is a stage.
The Hoppers Crossing woman, who began studying dance at the age of seven, said she loved dancing anywhere she could – including her backyard.
A video of Panchal dancing in her garden features in an exhibition at the Wyndham Art Gallery.
Dancing Place includes nine videos of Wyndham residents dancing in their favourite places to their favourite music. The videos were directed by artist Gretel Taylor and filmed by screen dance artist Dianne Reid.
Panchal said she chose to perform her dance to the musical version of a poem written by her guru, Dr Mrinalini Sarabhai, a famous Indian classical dancer, choreographer and instructor.
Panchal studied under Dr Sarabhai and her daughter, Mallika Sarabhair, at Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in India.
Panchal now teaches dancing herself, at her home-based studio, the Shivarpanam Centre for Performing Arts and also at the Korlas Sports and Dance Academy in Tarneit.
She teaches Indian dance styles including Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi, folk dances and Bollywood dancing, along with Kalaripayattu, a martial art form, the origins of which can be traced back 40,000 years.
“I tell my students that they may not become a professional artist, but dancing is very helpful in other ways – for your energy, confidence levels and discipline,” she said.
Dancing Place will be on display at the Wyndham Art Gallery, 177 Watton Street, Werribee until December 24.
Details: wyndham.vic.gov.au/arts
