Have you heard of Chi Udaka? It’s this breathtaking fusion of taiko drumming and Indian classical dance, and was staged for the first time in India recently. Chi meaning Earth in Japanese and Udaka meaning water in Sanskrit, the characteristics of these two elements form the essence of this very interesting story narrative and dance performance.
A brainchild of Anandavalli, director of the Sydney-based Lingalayam Indian Classical Dance Company, she then collaborated with Taikoz, a taiko ensemble based in Australia to create this new dance form, which is taking the world by storm.
The team behind Chi Udaka — Ian Cleworth (director of Taikoz), Anandavalli and Shakuhachi grand master Railey Lee — were in Hyderabad to perform on Saturday at Ravindra Bharathi. If you missed their performance, they are scheduled to perform next at the Jamshed Bhabha Theatre in Mumbai.
Talking about how she thought of the dance form, Anandavalli, the vocalist, said, “I heard Railey play 20 years ago and it was unbelievable! In 2010, I saw another of his performance and we thought about the fusion. We knew there was something special. We were funded immediately and we spent time exchanging stories and here we are.”
Ian said, “It was challenging to find a commonality while creating the fusion. The differences were challenging but at the same time stimulating and enjoyable. Finding the rhythm is important during a fusion. Chi Udaka is as much as seeing as hearing. The performance is visually appealing.”
Drumming can be strenuous but a lot of women are also taking up taiko. “The cello and the flute are also played during the performance,” adds Ian.
Railey, who plays the flute is all praises for Indian classical music.
“I was 15 when I was introduced to it. I wish I’m reborn in an Indian musical family so that I can feel the music even before I’m born. I thought I couldn’t learn it at 15 — that it was too late. But coming to India and experiencing it has helped me. Our music is not an everyday experience, it is spiritual. That is the reason why you should come and watch us perform,” he says.
Railey hopes to perform throughout the world. “We are planning on performing at London next. Everybody likes Chi Udaka, no matter where we perform. We had a standing ovation the last time we performed at Chennai,” he adds.
On stage, there are 15 performers during a typical Chi Udaka performance — five taiko players, a Cello player, a vocalist and Indian classical dancers.
The performers are all Australian and Indian classical music and dance enthusiasts.
