theBackstory
Photo: Danny Abriel
DALHOUSIE
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MAGAZINE
40
Names Jeannette Janssen and Nauzer Kalyaniwalla Hometowns Horst, Netherlands and Mumbai, India, respectively THE POWER OF TWO The two professors met at Dal more than a decade ago and married within two years. While Dr. Janssen, who works in the mathematics department, uses graph theory to study the structure of networks on the web, Dr. Kalyaniwalla does similar work using graphs in the computer science department. They’ve collaborated on work and have even taught the same course. And their similar tastes extend beyond academics – to flamenco, the fiery, passionate dance with Spanish, Arabic and Indian roots. THE DANCE With sweeping arm movements and rhythmic foot stomping, this intensive solo dance is all about emotion. The dancer must nonverbally communicate with the musicians, who often improvise the music to match the ever-intensifying mood of the dancer. THE SPARK Dr. Janssen and Dr. Kalyaniwalla’s affection for this dance began in the T-Room about 10 years ago when the couple saw a flamenco dancer perform and were intrigued. “We saw posters for classes and it looked impossible,” recalls Dr. Kalyaniwalla. Despite always loving music, he had never “done” music, so he had to learn the structure of rhythm. Dr. Janssen describes herself as a clutz, but says the two of them were attracted to flamenco because it would be “a real challenge.” THE FIRE What has kept their passion for flamenco burning for 10 years? Both enjoy the music and the physicality of the dance.“It’s very intense,” explains Dr. Janssen.“During the dance that we have in class, you can’t think about anything else. I have to leave work at the door, because otherwise you really can’t dance. You have to pay full attention.” THE BEAT GOES ON “I learned music through flamenco, and that’s what kept me excited about it,” says Dr. Kalyaniwalla. He adds that his experience as a “perennial student of flamenco,” learning from dance instructor Maria Osende and her guest teachers, has improved his own computer science teaching.“It makes me a more aware teacher.” by Michelle Hampson
Photos: Nick Pearce
stepping out