After a long gap Kathak exponent Sanjay Kumar Joshi made his appearance along with his students at Shilparamam’s open air theatre, last week to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his dance institute ‘Parampara Centre for Dance and Music’.
Titled ‘Kathak Nritya Sandhya’, the presentation was colourful with Sanjay Kumar and his students presenting all the chosen numbers with perfection.
The first item was ‘Krishna thaat’ a rhythmic expression preceded by a sloka written in praise of Krishna through the song preceded by sloka Bhaje Brajaik Mandanam Samasta Papa Khandanam .
The second piece began with Guru Vandana and was followed by pure dance segments like Thaat, Aamad, Toda, Tukda, Paran, Chakradhaar and varied nritta formations. These were enjoyable and the dancers presented them with techniques used that helped elevating nritta presentation part coupled with breezy pirouettes and moves on occasions. The pieces of nritta part reflected the technical skills involved in Kathak style that were also executed commendably by Sanjay’s disciples.
This was followed by ‘Tarana’ another attraction in this Kathak show. It was both melodic and traditional for the ragas used were Raageswari. It was set to Teen taal. In presenting this number, the seven member team along with guru displayed skill and dexterity. It has ‘Parans’ and ‘Chakradhars’ in intricate rhythmic patterns.
There was ‘Geet’, a song, in Bhimplas set in Jhaptal, woven around child Krishna’s mischievous deeds and adventurous acts.
The Tarana in the final part of the dance was the highlight of the evening for it was a composition of Pt. Ravi Sankar, who did it keeping an eye on the Kathak dance style. It was classic number that dictates melody and movement as well.
The final number was ‘Dasavatara’ based on Jayadeva Ashtapadi. This was presented by guru Sanjay Joshi.
