An evening of Bharatanatyam was staged recently, by Kalasrishti School of Performing Arts, to a packed audience at the PSI Theater, Durham Arts Council, North Carolina, U.S.A. The Artistic Director of this school, Meena Rajagopal, is one of Alarmel Valli's foremost disciples.
The programme commenced with the invocation songs in praise of Lord Vinayaka and Goddess Saraswathi.
The novices of the school presented the theory of dance in accordance with a live vocal rendition by Mathangi Shankar and Renganath Rajaram, describing the various head movements and hand gestures. Following this was a presentation of the traditional Alarippu in beats of seven, performed by three of the school's senior dancers.
'Crosswinds' was the next item to follow. This was an innovative number set to music with a medley of instruments, such as saxophone, guitar, clarinet, violin, drums and the keyboard. As the name suggests, the students were at the crossroads of their dance lessons, wherein the basic movements were mastered and were on their way to learning the basic items of the Bharathanatyam repertoire.
Krishnaashtakam, the well-known Sanskrit number in praise of Lord Krishna was the next item chosen for deleanation by the students of Kalasrishti.
Ritu Shringara, was the highlight of the evening's programme, with a depiction of the various dance seasons through the emotions of Radha, as she passes through the seasons searching for her beloved Krishna.
There were some interesting formations and interpretations on stage, ranging from beginners to advanced students showcasing their
talents. Colorful combinations in costumes added to the visual beauty of the aesthetically woven item.
In conclusion, Meena herself presented a brisk Thillana in Kathanakuthuhalam ragam and Adi thalam.
Jayanthi Balachandran is an arts enthusiast living in Cary, North Carolina. Contact: jay.b@earthlink.net
