Dance & Mental Health Stigma: Echoes Unheard

One of the major issues currently facing the broader South Asian community is the rampent stigma surrounding mental health. Behind closed doors, millions of South Asians face a plethora of mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, and more; yet, in our communal spaces, we struggle to talk about it. However, research shows that community building and eliminating barriers to mental health care, particularly barriers such as cultural stigma, can improve individuals' mental health outcomes.

For me, dance continues to be a source of community and often acts as a space for discussion. When the lights come up on a performance and the silence lifts, we all excitedly chatter about our favorite pieces, and share our interpretations of each piece that was performed.

Because of this, I created the two part Echoes Unheard series, to destigmatise and normalise the struggles of mental health, the importance of communal support, and the unique journeys we have with our mental health.

Echoes Unheard I explores the day to day experiences of experiencing depression and the often hopelessness and isolation that comes with it.

Echoes Unheard II follows the journey of the Nayika as she navigates her mental health and finds communal support as she seeks care.

I conceived of the Echoes Unheard series over the course of three years. I performed Echoes Unheard I at venues across central Texas in 2021 & premiered Echoes Unheard II for the first time at the Riverside Theatre in NYC in 2023.

My performance of Echoes Unheard II in 2023 also marks my wonderful return to Bharatanatyam after a year-long break due to a severe injury. I am so excited to be back and dancing & look forward to sharing more of my work!

x shreya