Pancha Maha Bhuta: The Five Elements of the Universe by Guru Gayatri Joshi

Fiona S.

• Artist Statement

  Panchamahabhuta: The Five Elements of the Universe

  Translated from Sanskrit, Panchamahabhuta refers to the five elements which in Hindu mythology are believed to encompass the universe. Through this dance, my dance teacher and I attempted to explore the nuances of our world and to learn to appreciate all that nature has to offer. The dance begins with a rhythmic composition to represent the dynamic aspect of the space. The cosmos is filled with grand galaxies and stars, which are represented through the spirals and the turning. From a percussion heavy piece, the music transitions to a lighter beat with a softer touch in order to represent air. Air sustains us, and allows for us to have real world experiences such as smelling the flowers. It allows us to breathe It can seamlessly and effortlessly flow all over and even houses the birds. But just as all things, intense wind can become violent and can even fuel another element: fire. Fire arises from intense wind and brings destruction with it. We then shift to the water to balance out the fire element. The music shifts to have a more calm ambience as the dance aims to express the feel of rain and the flow of water. Lastly, we pay homage to our home, Mother Earth. We interpreted the Earth element as one of stability and calmness. A step in the final segment represents how Earth spins on its axis while it is suspended in space. In the piece, a portion is dedicated to life on Earth by demonstrating various animals such as turtles, peacocks, lions, deer, and elephants. The choreography overall emphasizes the little details nature has, and how all of the elements come together in the end in order to create the harmony of our universe.

• Creative Statement

  Exploring my creativity allows for me to express my emotions and to explore the world through a new lens. The way I’m feeling reflects heavily in the way I interpret a story and the nuances I add while performing. My creativity also helps me empathize through others perspectives.