The First Step is a Conversation

Philosophy sessions drive our work

“If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe.“ - Carl Sagan

This is, sort of, how we approach our productions too. One would think creating a show is just pick a theme, make music, make choreography, logistics, 1-2-3 and done! Not quite how we want it here. 

For us, the very first rehearsal is an open discussion, a philosophy session. There is something radical about a group of dancers sitting still in a circle. Not moving but thinking, speaking, listening, digging deep. Before we explore movement and formations, we must meditate for ourselves - individually and collectively - why we must do this.

How do we build new ideas around art? How do we truly create together to serve a community instead of just an audience? How do we empower ourselves to be more available to those around us; to participate in the world in a way that doesn’t feel defeated? What does this look like, albeit differently, for each of us? 

We sit with the complexity rather than try and simplify it. We embrace the uncertainty. We hope that this keeps our work honest - something for you to not just watch and enjoy but to experience. These philosophy sessions are the seed for you to connect beyond the stage; to reflect, question, and participate. 

The dialogue evolves over multiple conversations to bring us closer together. We find that we are not alone in our joys and traumas. We take up more space. We find comfort in the acceptance and belonging that we have with each other and of our shared purpose. 

These are not vague musings. They are a grassroots movement to inspire movement! So that we are not merely performing, but embodying our lived realities inside and out.

About us
Navatman and Baila Society joined forces in 2024 for a uniquely New York City experience: a place where two women-led arts organizations based in the cultural traditions of Afro-Latinx arts (Salsa, Latin Hustle, Afro-Cuban) and Indian arts (Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Hindustani and Carnatic music) come together.
In this shared space, we explore how the force of artists and students working together can promote, define, and create a sense of stability and strength, joy and love within communities at large - particularly through artistic endeavors.

This post is part of a series rendering our creative process.

​Written by Lavanya Jagirdhar and Aashutosh Mukerji