Natyaatma or the 'Soul of Dance' blends two classical art forms of India — Bharatanatyam and Manipuri. Medha Dixit and Urmika Maibum performed in the City recently, in keeping with the spirit of the two great dance forms.
Through the synchronisation of the two different dance styles they make a complete and pleasing whole, wherein each complements the other.
India, as a nation, lays claim to its independent and continuing development, to this principle.
Through ‘Natyaatma’ Dixit and Maibam limit this fundamental canon to the two dance forms—Bharatanatyam and Manipuri—as well as transcend it, to apply it to the entire world of dance.
The doctrine that is presented through Natyaatma is that though dance forms may appear dissimilar or contrasting on stage, we see a homogeneous base that is inherent in all dance when the illusion of differing outer accoutrements is removed.
The differences are largely regional and cultural-specific.
Impressions gained from Natyashastra and World History of Dance inspired the virtuosos to conceptualise the essential oneness of dance forms and style as well as propagate this message through the magnum opus ‘Natyaatma.’
DHNS