Milana Severskaya Dancer (Indian ritual dance) Country: Russia

The Biography of Milana Severskaya

Milana Severskaya is a renowned dancer specializing in Indian ritual dance. Her performances have the power to mesmerize audiences, often inducing a trance-like state. According to Severskaya, Indian ritual dance represents more than just beautiful movements; it embodies ancient knowledge, which she believes is not purely Indian, but rather transcends cultural boundaries.

Severskaya is a Christian and considers herself a European, despite the misconceptions that arise from her chosen dance form. Many people assume she is a Buddhist due to her dance style. However, Severskaya's interest in Indian dance stems from a deep fascination with its spiritual aspect. She views the dance as a form of prayer and believes that it is her mission to share this knowledge with others, rather than propagating Indian culture.

Born with the name Milaya Anna Severskaya, she chose to use it as her stage name. The surname "Severskaya" comes from her paternal grandfather, whose family has a historical connection to the Russian military. Severskaya discovered her passion for Indian dance during her school years. She initially learned from a teacher but later realized that her training was unprofessional after watching video recordings of Indian dancers. Determined to improve, Severskaya traveled to Moscow in search of better teachers.

Despite her efforts, Severskaya did not find what she was looking for in Moscow. Her teacher recommended that she go to India and attend a private school in Madras, which was considered the best but also very expensive. Determined to pursue her dream, Severskaya embarked on a pilgrimage to India, hoping that her desire would be fulfilled. Miraculously, upon her return, she received a generous gift of money, allowing her to attend the school in Madras.

However, Severskaya's experience in India did not entirely fulfill her dreams, despite making multiple trips. She found that the training she received focused solely on technique and lacked the deeper understanding she sought. She refused to dance merely for the sake of entertainment, believing that each movement should carry meaning and evoke emotions in the audience.

As the only non-Indian student in her final school, Severskaya's progress could not be compared to others. She dedicated herself intensively to her studies, encompassing not only dance but also yoga, martial arts, and singing. Additionally, she explored Indian martial arts, considering them the foundation of all martial arts, with teachings originating from Indian masters who later influenced Chinese martial arts. However, due to the absence of Indian teachers outside of India, this art form did not gain commercial popularity.

In Russia, some may consider Severskaya's work as exotic. However, this does not concern her. Her performances consistently draw large crowds, and she is currently working on her own original program, interpreting the traditional Indian dances while making them accessible to modern audiences. Severskaya's goal is to find a language within this ancient art form and present it authentically to contemporary viewers.

Severskaya believes that the dance she practices cannot be accurately labeled as Indian. Through research, she discovered that these dances originated in Egypt and made their way to India. They embody a sophisticated and wise system, characterized by symmetrical poses, beautiful diagonals, and precise geometric lines. Severskaya aims to convey hidden wisdom through her dancing, acting as a conduit for the knowledge contained within these dances.

Her commitment to her craft goes beyond the stage. Severskaya lives a disciplined life, resembling that of a nun in the secular world, with numerous restrictions. This lifestyle enables her to create the desired atmosphere during her performances. Each show becomes a metaphorical journey through death, with Severskaya willingly sacrificing herself on stage. After each performance, she often experiences physical and emotional exhaustion, sometimes even falling ill.

Severskaya's unique path has led her to a solitary existence. She does not have a conventional family and has always been self-reliant. Friendships hold little significance to her, as she believes that people come into each other's lives to help each other at specific stages. She lives day by day, focusing on her present capabilities and running her own school of Indian traditional arts in St. Petersburg. Although she no longer desires to teach, she cannot abandon her students. Ultimately, Severskaya remains unattached, always seeking a deeper understanding of her purpose. When she feels that she has fulfilled her mission, she will cease her artistic pursuits without regret.