Picture this: a former lawyer, once adorned in legal robes, now adorned in the mesmerising swirls of vibrant fabrics, embodying the essence of belly dance. Mohnaa's story is not merely one of career transitions; it's a celebration of unleashing the uninhibited spirit that dances within her. In a tale of metamorphosis that defies convention and follows the rhythm of passion, enter the vibrant world of Mohnaa Shrivastava, a lawyer turned belly dancer. On this Women's Day, let's delve into her remarkable journey and explore how she becomes a beacon of inspiration for women, fostering inclusivity and empowerment for all.
Mohnaa On Her Career Shift And The Challenges She Faced
When Mohnaa Shrivastava decided to leave her legal practise, the decision wasn't fuelled by a distaste for law or legal studies. Throughout her academic journey, she held unwavering confidence in her legal capabilities. She told me, “It was only after a year of my legal practise that I started feeling and realising that there was absolutely no time to do anything else, if I had to succeed in the legal field in the way I aspired to. So, I had to choose between what made my heart happy and what I wanted to do to contribute to the society.”
The challenges in this transition were multifaceted for Mohnaa, from navigating nutritional management to enduring the physical toll of the initial two years of rigorous training. Financial instability added another layer of complexity to the journey. She further said, “I got influenced by dancers around me and did not value my own opinion or artistic process. But this journey has made me strong and has made me realise the importance of constantly learning.”
Yet, within these challenges emerged resilience and a profound understanding of the importance of continual learning. Teaching, choreographing, directing, and performing brought Mohnaa joy, but each avenue presented its own set of dilemmas. Amidst the struggles, the journey rewarded her with invaluable education on body support, the ability to create authentically, a deep respect for all artists, and, most importantly, a newfound trust in her process and instincts.
Mohnaa Shrivastava’s Growing Career
Overcoming various challenges, Mohnaa has traversed a remarkable distance in her belly dancing career. Her exceptional talent and passion led her to auditions for 'India's Best Dancer Season 2,' showcasing her skills on a national platform. This exposure not only highlighted her prowess but also contributed to breaking stereotypes associated with this expressive dance form. Additionally, Mohnaa's recent collaboration with renowned music composer Amit Trivedi for a music video further underscores her growing influence in the industry.
View this post on Instagram
Mohnaa On How Landscape For Women In The World Of Belly Dancer Has Evolved Over The Years
As per Mohnaa, the evolution of belly dance has been a dynamic journey, weaving through Golden Age stage productions, fusion formats, and modern Baladi. Particularly fascinating is the metamorphosis witnessed in India over the last decade. She said, “Reflecting on this transformation, it's important to acknowledge the challenges faced by practitioners like myself ten years ago. Merely choosing belly dance as a form of training invited judgement, often branding dancers as attention-seekers. This perception was particularly pronounced among peers in other dance forms, such as Indian classical or jazz, who sometimes looked down upon those of us who embraced belly dance.”
Don't Miss: IAS Srushti Deshmukh: From UPSC Topper To Digital Role Model, Here's Her Inspirational Journey
Fast forward to today, and the landscape has shifted significantly. “I find immense joy in exclusively judging belly dance competitions in colleges, where participants are encouraged to showcase their techniques, musicality, and expressions without the previous stigma. It's heartening to witness a more accepting atmosphere, where dancers can now sit freely without personal bodyguards, expressing themselves with newfound freedom and happiness,” said Mohnaa.
Belly Dance A Platform For Women To Express Themselves And Break Societal Stereotypes?
Mohnaa says that Belly dance is a fluid and intricate art form characterised by a myriad of isolations and dynamic footwork. It engages various parts of the body, including the hips, legs, toes, neck, chest, rib cage, abdomen, back, and even the hair, making the term "belly dance" somewhat deceptive in its description. She said, "In itself, it starts breaking stereotypes of women being expected to be a certain way and constantly policing themselves morally about what to wear, how to walk, how not to walk, and those about not looking sexy, not letting themselves feel sexy or their feminine energies. Importantly, belly dance is an art form that can equally express anger, grief, disappointment, fear and all those all those blues."
By transcending traditional notions of womanhood and embracing all facets of human emotion, belly dance dismantles stereotypes and fosters inclusivity, challenging the notion of an ideal woman prescribed by different societies based on religion, culture, and region.
Mohnaa’s Advice For Aspiring Belly Dancers
For all belly dancers and dancers alike, Mohnaa’s advice is to carve out your unique style and weave the narratives of your lived experiences into your movements. She said, “While I encourage dancers to delve into the history of their dance forms, it's crucial not to let historical knowledge restrict your present expression. Many dancers, myself included, may immerse themselves in the evolution of movement and absorb extensive interviews, yet often overlook the socio-political backdrop in which a dance form flourished.”
Don't Miss: Meet Parveen Saini: Unveiling The Trailblazing Filmmaker's Journey Behind the Lens
She urges to embrace the freedom to create authentically in the present, as it encapsulates a wealth of information about contemporary issues and expressions. She further said, “Channel your emotions and preferences freely, and actively combat judgements. By ceasing to judge others, we liberate ourselves from self-judgement. Dedicate yourself to hard work, allowing you to live in the moment and unlock the enchantment of expressing the compelling force within you through your body.”
Mohnaa's journey is an embodiment of the magic that unfolds when one fearlessly embraces the force of expression within, creating an impact that resonates far beyond the realms of dance.
Keep reading Herzindagi for more such stories.
Credits: Mohnaa Shrivastava Instagram
Take charge of your wellness journey—download the HerZindagi app for daily updates on fitness, beauty, and a healthy lifestyle!
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation