In perfect coordination
B. RAMADEVI
|
Lavanya Sankar's imaginative choreography for her presentation, ‘Nandalala,' had the spectators glued to their seats.
|
visual treat: Lavanya Sankar. Photo: M. Periasamy
Lavanya Sankar, presented a Bharatanatyam dance production, ‘Nandalala,' depicting some of the charming episodes from the life of Lord Krishna, at Corporation Kalaiarangam, R.S. Puram, Coimbatore. It was a significant occasion as it marked the completion of her 25 years as a dancer and the fifth year of ‘Abhyasa Academy of Classical Dance,' her dance school in Coimbatore.
Right from the prayer, (Nandanam Vasudevasya), Krishna seemed to be everywhere in various sizes and costumes.
A tiny four year old dressed as Krishna crawled upon the stage to the delight of everyone for the song, ‘Thavazhnthingu Varugiraan Damodaran.'
‘Raa Raa Venugopala,' the well-known swarajathi was presented as a lively group dance with a slightly grown up Krishna at the centre.
‘Theeraatha Vilaiyaattuppillai' and ‘Vishamakkaara Kannan,' stole the show with the charmingly mischievous Krishna and the doting Gopis dancing away in gay abandon.
The episode depicting Andal, doing her ‘paavai nonbu' was made authentic with Raman Vadhyar's traditional recital of the Thiruppavai.
‘Nandalala' came to a close with ‘Madhurashtakam' which describes the lovable aspects of Srikrishna.
The grand finale was spectacular with all the seventy students in their various costumes assembling on the stage with Lavanya at the centre, dancing as Bhakta Meera.
Subtle and appealing
There was an unexpected treat for the audience as Lavanya Sankar and chief guest Lakshmi Viswanathan danced for the twin ashtapadis, ‘Yaahi Madhava Yaahi Keshava' and ‘Vadasi Yadi Kinchidapi.' Radha is annoyed with Krishna and asks him to go away, but Krishna wins her back with his inimitable charm. It was wonderful to watch these two great dancers perform this piece with excellent coordination, without any rehearsal - Lavanya as the sprightly Radha and Lakshmi as Krishna in a subtle and appealing manner.
The carefully selected songs came alive in Bhavani S. Kishore's rich voice as he rendered them with appropriate emotion.
Lavanya Sankar's imaginative choreography had the spectators glued to their seats while her crisp, clear and majestic nattuvangam added zest to the programme.
Srinivasan (violin) and Devarajan (flute) took care of the melodic aspect. Nagai Narayanan (mridangam) gave rhythmic support and Parthasarathy provided the special effects. The young artists in pleasing costume danced with involvement. It was a labour of love well-presented and well-received.
Lakshmi Viswanathan, and Prof. Raghuraman, the guest of honour, spoke on the need to preserve this ancient art form.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Friday Review
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
