Indian dancer Saswat Joshi performs the classical Indian dance Odissi. Photo: Courtesy of Saswat Joshi

Indian classical Odissi dancer Saswat Joshi, who has over a million followers on social media, has recently attracted widespread attention by posting short videos of himself collaborating with Chinese ethnic minority dancers from southwest China’s Yunnan province, which have garnered hundreds of thousands of views worldwide.

“Dance has the power to overcome language barriers and cultural differences. It is a unique means of promoting friendship and understanding between nations. Through dance, we can share our cultural heritage, traditions and values, thereby promoting intercultural understanding and appreciation,” Saswat told Global Times.

A delegation consisting of well-known Indian dancers, singers, university professors and young teachers visited Kunming, the capital of Yunnan, a few days ago. They maintained close contact with personalities from the local cultural and artistic scene and visited various places. This promoted interpersonal exchange between Indian and Chinese young people.

As a member of the delegation, Saswat shared that as part of efforts to maintain friendly relations between China and India, dance can play an important role in bridging the cultural gap between the two countries.

“Through our shared passion for dance, the traditional Chinese dancers and I have built deep connections and lasting bonds,” he said.

“A unique dialogue”

Saswat pointed out that the dance styles featured in the videos he released during his visit to China showed a fascinating fusion of traditional and contemporary elements, blending Chinese and Indian influences. By integrating Chinese and Indian dance elements, he focused on identifying commonalities and shared expressive qualities.

“In Odissi performances, intricate footwork, complex hand gestures and subtle facial expressions are the hallmarks of this ancient classical Indian dance form. In Chinese ethnic dance, I observed graceful, fluid movements, precise gestures and vibrant energy that reflect the unique characteristics of Chinese dance traditions,” he said.

He is convinced that both countries have rich and diverse dance traditions and that by exchanging these traditions they can create a basis for mutual respect and admiration.

“In merging the two dance styles, we combined the following elements: shared rhythmic patterns and musicality, complementary body isolations and movement phrases, the exchange of gestures and postures, and the fusion of kinetic and emotional expression,” Saswat told Global Times. “In doing so, we created a unique dialogue between the two dance styles, allowing each tradition to shine while forging a new, shared language.”

“My experience with Odissi has allowed me to develop a deeper connection to traditional Chinese dance culture. Through performing and spreading Odissi in China, I have witnessed first-hand how dance can break down barriers and create a sense of community.”

Indian dancer Saswat Joshi (centre) poses for a photo with Chinese performers in Kunming, Yunnan Province. Photo: Courtesy of Saswat Joshi

Dancing has the power to unite people in common humanity and foster a sense of friendship and cooperation that can have a lasting impact on bilateral relations. Saswat believes that dancing can play a significant role in fostering friendship and understanding between India and China.

Saswat emphasized that while working with Chinese dancers, he gained a deeper appreciation for the diversity and richness of Chinese dance traditions and learned how dance, as a universal language, can unite people from China and India.

“The response to our cross-cultural dance collaboration videos has been overwhelmingly positive! Our followers have really appreciated the unique fusion of Indian and Chinese dance styles as well as the energy and passion we brought to our performances,” said Saswat.

Saswat was born in December 1984 and started dancing lessons at the age of five.

In 2000, Saswat began his professional Odissi training under the guidance of Padma Shri Kumkum Mohanty. Later, he became an exponent of the Odissi style developed by Padma Vibhushan awardee Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra.

“A one-way street”

To popularize the Odissi form of Indian classical dance, Saswat has traveled and performed in many European and Asian countries, including Italy, France, Hungary, Finland, Japan, South Korea and Thailand.

“This interaction with Chinese dancers has not only enriched my artistic journey but also inspired me to become a cultural ambassador and promote intercultural understanding and friendship between India and China,” noted Saswat.

“Cultural exchange is a two-way street, and both sides can learn from it and enrich each other. Through my immersion in Chinese dance traditions, I have gained a new appreciation for the intricacies of Chinese culture and the importance of understanding historical context,” he emphasized.

Saswat was particularly touched by the personal stories of people who, after watching his videos, expressed how they were inspired to explore other cultures and art forms.

“Many people have stressed the beauty of cultural exchanges as well as the importance of promoting understanding and friendship between nations,” Saswat told the Global Times.

Saswat said his visit to China was a spectacular experience and the interactions with fans from China and India have inspired him to continue creating and sharing art and promoting cultural exchange and understanding through dance.