JOIN USChinna Kala Nadam
Nadam (Narthan Academy of Dance and Music) is a dance institution training young aspirants from the past 18 years under the direction of Nandini K Mehta and K Murali Mohan. They also conduct two festivals (Kala Nadam and Chinna Kala Nadam) every year. In this year’s Chinna Kala Nadam, 150 children from 23 dance schools participated in the dance and music concerts.
The festival was opened on Saturday with a fine vocal recital of Master Datha Prasad Avadhooth. He sang ‘Sri Saraswati’ with his striking voice. Mandolin attracts many youngsters these days and one of them, M R Rakshith, presented a varna (Shankarabharana) and a composition (Samajavaragamana) and was supported by Karthik Pranav and Sai Vamshi on percussion. All of them are students of Anoor Anathakrishna Sharma.
Students of Spoorthy School of Dance chose a Kauthvam and a pada (Shankaragiri) for their Bharathanatya recital. Though they are all very young, they are not inferior to others! For instance, students of Sri Rajarajeshwari Kala Niketan performed the devaranama in the form of a Kuchipudi Taranga by balancing on a brass plate and a water pot on the head! It was a welcome change, when 13 pupils of Sanjali Dance Centre performed different rhythmic patterns in the Odissi style.
But it was Chiranjeevi Manu (Venkatesha Natya Mandira) who stole the show. His stance in the ‘Mahadeva Shivashambho’ was attractive, accounting for instant popular appeal. A dozen students of Abhinava Dance Centre chose Saraswathi Vandana, Sargam, showcasing fast footwork patterns and twirls. Using basic exercise, animal movements, advanced body exercises and weaponry, young members of Kalari Academy gave a show which was exciting. These children performed with ease and assurance to exhibit their talent and no doubt they have bright futures. Kudos to Nadam for providing a platform to these young children.
Attractive ensemble
‘Taala Vadhya,’ the percussion ensemble, was the choice of ICCR for this month’s ‘Horizon Series’ held under the joint auspices of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. Senior percussionist B K Chandramouli directed and led the ensemble successfully. A flute (L V Mukund) and violin (S Yashasvi) duo presented few compositions with swara prasthara and was accompanied by ‘Dasha Taala Vadya’ by turns and joining together in the end. ‘Intha chalamu,’ the grand varna, took off on a vibrant note and was followed by ‘Maha Ganapathim.’ The ‘Raga swara laya’ which was specially composed for the evening was a ‘Thri Raga composition’ – Hamsadwani, Abhogi and Kalyani, improvised in Khanda, Thisra and of course, Chatusra. The Kaapi raga was elaborated melodiously by the flautist and violinist. Tyagaraja’s well known keerthana ‘Intha Soukhya’ was rendered with good swara prasthara. Percussionists rose to great heights in their supporting roles and reverberated with different permutations and combinations and was a pleasant experience.
Talented dancers
Adyasha conducted a special dance programme by young dancers of different dance schools of Bangalore.
Four dances in different forms – Kathak, Odissi and Kuchipudi, apart from Bharathanatya – included an item on the Rain, which suited the occasion.
Young students Bhavana Sripada and Chandana Rao opened their Kathak recital with a composition on Shiva and continued with a majestic Madhurashtaka. It was a proof of their good training under Tushar Bhatt and Puja Bhatt.
Students of Adyasha chose – Namami, Megh Pallavi and Moksh and performed beautifully.
Disciples of Chitkala performed a Thandava mangala, a keerthana of Deekshithar (Kanjadalayathakshee) and as a welcome change, a Kannada lyric of Dr Siddaiah Puranik, and rendered it with good confidence.
Students of Shivapriya gave a Kuchipudi recital. A composition on Ganesha (Hamsadwani), a devaranama in the form of a Tharanga – were performed with brisk movements and popular appeal.