The young Indian classical dancers of Sydney recently had an unique opportunity of coming together to learn, rehearse and perform together on stage.
Bringing them together was Natyanjali-Australia at their first anniversary event, 'Aadal Kaaneero' held on May 2, 2010 at Bankstown Community Hall.
Showcasing songs popularised by yester-year legendary musician M.L. Vasanthakumari, 'Aadal Kaaneero' was a tribute to MLV, conceived and choreographed by well known Chennai-based Bharatanatyam artiste Radhika Shurajit.
Radhika was in Sydney in April this year, training and working with the young dancers who came from various dance schools.
Says Radhika, "It has been a great experience for me to work with students from different styles to achieve the same goal, perfection. This program of Natyanjali’s is the very beginning of this journey that will allow young talented dancers to come together providing an excellent opportunity for these budding artists to learn from renowned gurus of different styles.”
Earlier the dancers worked with Sydney based Bharatanatyam artiste Gayatri Krishnamurthy for three weeks, for their first round of training in learning and understanding the choreography of the presentation.
'Aadal Kaaneero' was an enjoyable and colourful treat with interesting choreography, neat dancing by the young students, beautifully designed costumes (all brought from India), aesthetic lighting, and of course with the lilting melodies of MLV. The show was well appreciated by the Sydney audience.
The participants included: Thillai Nadanalaya (Guru: Dhamayanthy Balraju)- Shalini Parthiban, Deepa Thirukumar, Ramya Rathakrishnan; Rasana School of Dance(Guru: Seran Sribalan) - Seran Sribalan, Lavaniya Thevarajah; Indian School of Dance (Guru: Janani Beadle) - Janani Beadle, Keshana Raviraj, Asvini Nagarajah, Carolyn Elmo, Pallavi Wardan, Indhika Murugathas, Marthury Jeyalingam, Priyanka Eruvatt; Natyakshetra (Guru: Anursha Tharmarajah) - Sharanya Napier Raman, Shanti Raman; Thrayee School of Dance (Guru: Gayatri Krishnamurthy) - Anjana Sridharan, Asha Viswanath, Anurati Krishnamurthy, Isha Deodhar, Keertana Avalur, Sangeetha Raja, Swati Shridharan; Amala Ramarathinam - student of Ambika Sridhar.
The opening number for the programme featured 'Saravanabhava', choreographed by Sydney based artiste Hamsa Venkat and performed by Govindan Pillai, Divya Sriram and Sangeetha Sriram.
Says Gayatri Krishnamurthy who is also one of the Natyanjali organisers, "This gave the young dancers a great opportunity to work together and with Radhika, giving them an idea of how choreographers work with dancers. We hope to continue our artistic endeavours for the benefit of students, to expose them to different styles and techniques and to aim for excellence.”
Odissi and Modern Dance
The second half of the event showcased a breathtaking Odissi and modern-dance performance by Japanese dancer Masaka Ono. Her choice of themes varying from Shivapanchakshara stotram and Jayadeva's ashtapadi to modern dance pieces themed on the Kundalini Shakthi and a Japanese Haiku were well received. Interesting costumes, powerful music, innovative choreography and an effortless style of presentation made Masaka instantly vibe with the Sydney audience.
Natyanjali Australia
Natyanjali Australia is a not-for-profit organisation incorporated in Sydney, NSW with the primary objective of promoting Indian classical and folk dancing in Australia.
The Natyanjali team comprises a passionate foursome - Gayatri Krishnamurthy, Krishnamurthy, Aruna Parthiban and Parthiban.
Website: www.natyanjaliaustralia.org
