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Homage to the body
WELL-DEFINED MOVEMENT technique, aptly adapted to a contemporary theme on the human body in adoration, formed the content of the three solo numbers, presented by well-known dancer, Padmini Chettur, under the auspices of the Alliance Francaise of Madras. Padmini's approach was deep and focussed. Her supple physique could give the right momentum to her exploration of the body, in its varied aspects - its stillness, well-rooted, then in full concentration of the central equilibrium that shifts with every kind of movement, be it stretching, slithering, expanding, contracting, dwelling on the emotional centre, etc, and finally the interesting depiction of the feet, and their endless journey of movement. It was a serious, dedicated effort, effectively conveyed. The emotional and physical centre of the body portrayed with vocal elaborations of the Pallavi section of the Javali, Sakhi Praana, was a lively choice (although the singer sang the last word as Jesere, instead of Jesene). Instrumental music was minimal for the second and third numbers, as Padmini filled up the silent moments with her powerful portrayal of the ideas. Padmini's costume in black reflecting the golden sheen of the skin was very impressive, giving a special touch to the mystical exploration of the wonders of the human form, well-pronounced by Padmini's technique.
Bharatanatyam recital
Abhai, the Association for Bharatanatyam artistes of India, held its annual festival in association with the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. The three-day event which was inaugurated by Justice K. S. Bhaktavatsalam, Chairman of Bhavan's Chennai Kendra, featured dance presentations by the students of Gayatri, Kesavan, "Tyagaraja Vaibhavam" by Srekala Bharath and students, "Krishnanjali" by the students of Nagamani Srinivasan, "Bharathiyin Kavidaiyil Bharatam," by the disciples of Udupi Lakshminarayanan, ``Hari-Hara" by Santanu Chakravarty (Bharatanatyam) and Sanjib Bhattacharya (Manipuri) and compositions of G. N. Balasubramanyam in dance format by the students of Chitra Visvesvaran. A musical discourse by Girija Ramaswami, santoor recital by R. Visvesvaran, and a vocal concert by K. Rajasekharan formed part of the festival. A. Sambandham, secretary, Natyanjali Trust, Chidambaram and L. Sabharatnam, Director, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., participated in the event as chief guests.
NANDINI RAMANI
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