JOIN USGeeta Chandran to demonstrate the use of Sanskrit in Bharatanatyam.Sansktrit language may have lost its utility in modern times but its relation with India’s classical dances is still intact. Great poetic works written in Sanskrit continue to patronise classical dance forms even today.
On account of Sanskrit Day on August 3, noted Bharatanatyam dancer Geeta Chandran will showcase the use of this ancient language in the dance form.
In a special performance, organised by Delhi government’s Sanskrit Akademi, the renowned dancer will present six compositions based on the work of Sanskrit poets of ancient and modern era.
“The relationship between Sanskrit and Bharatanatyam is ancient. Both of them blend beautifully with each other.
“Bharatanatyam takes its base from Tamil, Telugu and other South Indian languages but Sanskrit poetry has been a part of it over the last 200 years,” Geeta Chandran shares with Metrolife.
In this hour-long special performance, Geeta Chandran, known for her pristine classical approach to dance, will perform on Adi Shankaracharya’s Shiva Maha Panchakshara shlok which describes Shiva’s attributes; Damodara Gupta’s verse from Kuttinimattam which describes the arrival of Kamadeva and his romanticinterludes with Rati; and Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda verse Lalita lavanga lata parishilana, where the coming of spring is described in beautiful detail.
She has also picked Kalidasa’s Ritusamhara, cantos from Amaru Shatakam for the occasion which describes a love story that has ended and how the protagonists have continued with their lives.
The last performance of the day will be on Maitreem Bhajata by Swami Chandrasekhara Saraswati that seeks global peace and well-being.
This verse was specially composed for Bharat Ratna M S Subbulakshmi to perform at the United Nations General Assembly.
“Sanskrit as a means of expression is a very beautiful language. The performance aims to show the ashiestic use of Sanskrit in music and dance, Bharatanatyam particularly. There are some fantastic poems which have not been used,” says Geeta, a Padmashri awardee.
The event will be held at Hindi Bhavan, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg.
Entry is free.