Youth Voices Series - Interview w/ Sia PatelPuri

As part of our YOUTH VOICES SERIES, we share an interview with Sia PatelPuri. Sia began learning kathak at Pandit Chitresh Das’ institution in 2010, and then auditioned and was accepted in to the youth company. She has since performed at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Asian Art Museum and many other prestigious events.

CDI interviewed Sia in anticipation of her Youth Company Senior Graduating Showcase performance, Nritya Ki Shakti on August 5, 2023, 5pm at the College of San Mateo. Click here for tickets

Q: What do you want people to know about your Kathak journey?

Sia: “Systematic practice with deep exertion” is the principle I devoured while training for the last 13 years. Long practices have been devoted to developing a phenomenal amount of stamina. Starting Kathak dance at age four was completely accidental. Sitting ‘criss-cross applesauce’ in the back of the classroom, my first teacher suddenly approached my mom and asked if I could try dancing, since I was really paying attention. My tiny, bare feet shuffled in rhythmic beats as this floor transformed into my best friend. By 2013, I was among the youngest dancers invited to join the Youth Dance Company but I injured my right foot with a stress fracture and was casted for nine months. Although I had to forgo the fall auditions for the Youth Dance Company, I still sat through every single class with my crutches. Watching everyone else dance while I sat and recited and played manjira simultaneously, made my layakari, or timing and rhythm so much stronger. From 2014 to now, my training with the Youth Company has led me to stamp my feet across many theater floors including Zellerbach Hall, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, SF MoMA, Z-Space, Asian Arts Museum, and ODC. I have found great camaraderie with my guru sisters - loads of laughter and sisterhood for life! 

Q: What has it been like working with Charlotte Didi to prepare for your graduating showcase?

Sia: I am so grateful to have the opportunity to train with such an amazing artistic director and choreographer. This has been an extraordinary eye-opening process going from the classroom setting to building a one-on-one relationship with Charlottedidi. I am so grateful to her for letting me explore my creativity and choose my pieces. She continues to inspire me and I look forward to making many more happy memories with her!

Q: How does it feel to be carrying on the tradition of Pandit Chitresh Das?

Sia: I feel humbled and privileged to be able to carry on such a rich tradition. “To Educate, Promote, and Preserve”, is the principle by which I not only continually educate myself but also strive to advocate the art form and preserve the tradition for future generations. For years, before my own dance rehearsals, my Sundays have begun with TA’ing. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to help teach younger students & mentor apprentices in this rich art form.   

For me, it all started with my mom. Dadaji would drive an hour and a half to teach my mom in Stockton. “Those were the days!” she says. While I started taking classes, she continued to dance and even started teaching. I remember Dadaji always popping into my class unexpectedly. Everyone would freeze in his presence. He would always call me “Gulab Jamun” (I was tiny and had really big cheeks). There’s so much knowledge that he has passed down to us and it’s a privilege to share it with our communities.

Q: What is something that you have discovered through dance that you would like to share?

Sia: “Dance in such a way that your dance becomes one with everything.” — Pandit Ram Narayan Misra, Guru of Pandit Chitresh Das. Bringing these epiphanies from the dance floor into my everyday life, I learned how to overcome challenges with humility and grace. This empowerment makes me stronger both physically and emotionally. It also helped me become a better student —focusing and juggling a rigorous academic schedule with long practice & performance hours, all while imbibing Kathak’s intricate rhythm. I continually feel the urge to push my creative limits, and I even taught myself to play the violin while dancing simultaneously — Kathak Yoga!

Q: Where are you going to university and what are you most excited about learning there?

Sia: I will be attending UC Davis in the fall to study Computer Science. I chose to stay close to home so I can continue my Kathak journey!

Q: What is one thing about learning kathak that you think people should know?

Sia: Kathak is a lifelong journey - there’s so much knowledge that you can never stop learning. The dynamic rhythm and math involved is like no other art form. 

Q: If you were to send a message of advice to your 10-year-old self, what would you tell her?

Sia: Follow your heart, live your dream, & be passionate. Life will present many challenges, but never give up or get demotivated.

For more information about the Chitresh Das Youth Company and other programs, visit www.chitreshdasinstitute.org.