Odissi with a touch of Malaysian elements
The Amber Valley Residential School, Chikmagalur, presented a Odissi dance recital last week, at the Ambedkar Bhavan. It was performed by Sutra Dance Theatre, Malaysia, in aid of Sri Krishna Sevashrama Hospital and Association for Mentally Challenged. Ramli Ibrahim, the director of Sutra Dance Theatre, is a disciple of renowned Guru Deba Prasad and has popularised Odissi all over Malaysia and has also performed in many parts of the world.
The "Pallavi" provided a launching pad for the interesting performance ("Spell bound") that was to unhold later. A variety of postures depicted beautifully projecting the Tribhangi the specialty of Odissi, covering the stage artistically. Some flowing ‘Sthanakas' attracted in the "Aadithya". Each member (Guna, Ravathi, Tanmei Mei, Shantona, Sivagamavalli Divya Nair, Thanusha Devi and Geetika Sree) fully contributing to the success of the whole, which is a tribute to the tenacity of the teacher and soft but effective music adding to the success of the show. Of course the Sutra brand of odissi has a touch of distinct Malaysian features also, through the choreography of Ramli Ibrahim.
Reassuring flute recital
Sri Rama Lalitha Kala Mandira conducted the annual Sankranthi Sangeethotsava, last week, in collaboration with the Neelambari. Now there are many young flautists in the state, who are knocking at the doors of fame. One such talented artiste is N Rajkamal who performed here on last Wednesday. He was well supported by three seasoned instrumentalists - C N Chandrsekhar on Violin, Arjun Kumar on Mridanga and Sukanya Ramgopal on Ghata. He succeeded in highlighting the emotional overtones, in the "Bhajare re” of Dikshitar. "Sujana Jeevana" and "Kanatandrinapai" - both are favourites of old timers. His crowned the concert with a Alapana - Thana and Pallavi, which suited a "Sabha Kucheri". A blissful feeling swept the listener as he aired Keeravani raga. The Pallavi set to Khanda Triputa Thala was not overly elaborate sans any sort of gimmicks and the concert was reassuring. He concluded with a Bhajan of Swathi Tirunal.
A distinct individuality
The Samskuthi conducted a two-days dance festival, at the ADA Rangamandira, under the leadership of Satyanarayana Raju.
Anita Ratnam one of the seasoned dancers of the country, gave a dance recital here on last Sunday. It was once again felt that her approach is quiet different from others, a distinct individuality standing out in her presentation. In the "Neelam" one could see in her movements the flowering of lyricism between the Alwars, Andal, Jayadeva and Muthuswami Dikshitar. Abhinaya and the music (parsuram by Sikkil Gurucharan) were very much complementary. The Panchajanya had its instant spiritual appeal. Jayadeva's well known Astapadi "Priye Charusheele" with the vocal background of O S Arun, had its natural impress. "Rangapuravihara" (Raga Brindavana saranga), the famous Keerthana of Dikshitar, popularised by M S Subbulakshmi, was developed like a Pallavi. First without the accompaniment of percussion instruments, then with ‘Thala', followed by free verse (lyrics); Abhinaya, mime, little drama, brisk Thana - with dignified facial expression and unhurried grace it was indeed refreshing.
Overly dramatic
The curtain came down on the festival with a dance recital of Nirupama Rajendra. Nirupama who is proficient in Kathak also, gave a Bharathanatya recital. Even in the opening "Ganehsapanchakam" she performed with ease, testifying to good training and hard homework, which was followed by "Sringaram". In the varna "Innum En Manam" she tried to portray the deep felt emotions, effectively. Her pleasant and striking disposition with measured and striking movements, was equally noteworthy. But she also appeared overly dramatic in her expression in the Devaranama (Jagadoddarana). Melodious vocal by Manasi Prasad was the additional attraction of the recital, while - Kathik Dathar (Natuvanga), Gurumurthy (Mridanga), Chitralingam (Veena), Mahesh (Flute) and Prasanna (Khanjari) supported from the wings.
