A fluid performance
Shivaranjani emerged winner
A RESTRAINED Odissi recital by Pavithra Reddy of Nrityagram emphasised the richness and glory of that dance form. Mangalacharan (salutations to Lord Ganesha, Lord Jagannath etc), Shankara Pallavi (an elaboration of Raga Shankarabharana as per its ascending notes), and a composition by an Oriyan poet Pandit Surdas explicating the deeds of Balakrishna were the items she chose to perform. The Udvahita torso movements, the singular beauty of Odissi, were ever present. Even the tribhangas were in their right place. Her deflections, the flow of the dance and her diagonal walks were full of grace and fluidity.
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Shivaranjani, trained by the Kirans, easily emerged the winner at the 21st Kinkini Nrithyotsava held at Dr. H. N. Kalakshetra. Suitably supported by her Guru Kiran Subramanya (nattuvanga), D.S. Srivatsa (vocal), Mahesh (flute), Bhavani Shankar (mridanga) and Srihari (khanjira), Shivaranjani had an attractive presence. Her postures were good and in the Charukeshi varna she showed a capacity for mobile expressions. The episode of Draupadi Maana Samrakshana was mimed with exuberance. She could utilise all her vast experience of performing with her gurus rewardingly. The dancer had the demanding nritta totally under her control. Her competence in the abhinaya was laudable.
The basic stance below the waist was precise due to the correct mandala sthanaka. When the dancer remembered the familiar Bharatanatya signpost of the ardhamandali, it was almost perfect. In the concluding tillana in Shivaranjani raga, she was rhythmically correct and her half-seated posture was well articulated. Her movements were accurate and rounded. Shivaranjani is a dancer with promise.
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A familiar exponent of Kuchipudi natya and an excellent choreographer Vyjayanthi Kashi dazzled both in the lead role and in the choreography of a brilliant and beautiful dance-drama Yagna. The dance drama unfolded during the 36th anniversary and the three-day Rasa Sanje-2005 dance festival of Sri Venkatesha Natya Mandira led by Guru Radha Sridhar held at ADA Rangamandira. The contemporary theme of woman-emancipation was dealt with splendidly. Rich and vibrant recorded music was an added attraction. Vyjayanthi stunned the lovers of dance with her artistic formations, lighting and music. Vyjayanthi's concept and execution need to be commended.
M. SURYA PRASAD
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