It was heartening to watch dancer Gauri Diwakar in top form in her Kathak recital for Divya Jyoti.
Away from all the razzmatazz, with melodic and competent support from the wings (tabla and vocal support were outstanding) was delicate artistry in both nritta in 16 and 13 matra talas. In some of the çhals and abhinaya both for the Bindadin thumri “Sab Ban than Aayi Shyam Pyari Re” and the bandish (composition) of Sabir Khan “Main to kar aayi Piya sanga Ranga raliyan”, what one appreciated was the economy of gestures which also said a lot.
In a very suggestive fashion, in the second item, the fulfilled joy of the Swaadheenapatika who is quietly rejoicing in the aftermath of the idyllic time with the beloved, was brought out. Combining grace with exactitude of rhythm and line, Gauri showed she is coming back into her own.
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