India, June 22 -- What does the word 'mastery' mean to you as a dancer and choreographer?

The word 'mastery' has multiple meanings for me: mastering the technique to free the spirit; finding the movement arrangements to move people and not just yourself; and expanding the bodily intelligence to move through training, technique and collaboration to arrive at something that is your own signature. After 50 years in the performance discourse, I seek simplicity as mastery. I seek freedom alongside rigour. And I seek humility after acclaim.

You have trained in Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Yoga, Butoh, and Tai Chi. What has helped you stay so open to learning and absorbing different influences?

The home atmosphere was always about c...