Poetry of dance
SUJATHA S
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Methil Devika aims at promoting traditional dance forms.
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PROMOTING MOHINIYATTOM: Methil Devika.
Dance is poetry in motion. Evoking the experience of a beautiful poem depends on the skill of the dancer and her involvement in the recital. This is particularly true of Mohiniyattom, an art form with its exquisite technical structure, which poses many a challenge to the performer.
Methil Devika, an accomplished artiste in Mohiniyattom and Kuchipudi, stands out owing to her ability to transcend barriers of language and culture.
The perfect synchronisation of her eye movements with the fluidity of her mudras , the ease with which she executes rhythmic patterns, the fleeting expressions on her face, portraying both the lyrical and dramatic quality of the emotional content, are all pointers to Devika's dedication and mastery over Mohiniyattom.
Choreography
`Bhavayami Reghuramam,' a Swati Tirunal composition (depicting the complete story of Ramayana), which Devika choreographed and performed as part of the Ramayana month festivities in Thiruvananthapuram was highly appreciated for its aesthetic quality and artistic content. `Aahanda Vanchita Aham' (a Swati Varnam in Dhanyasi), `Urmila and Ratheevilapam' (composed by Chengamanad Vasudevan Nampoothrit) are her masterpieces in Mohiniyattom.
Devika transforms herself into the character she portrays, brings out the transcendental element of Indian classical dances. Kalaimamani S. Natarajan of Tanjavore initiated her into Kuchipudi at the age of four. Later, she trained under Satyapriya Ramana and Padmabhushan Dr. Vembatty Chinnasatyam. Devika received her formal training in Mohiniyattom from Girija Chandran and for a brief period from Kalamandalam Leelamma.
She now runs a dance school in Bangalore, Rakendu. To promote the art form, Devika plans to conduct a series of workshops in Kerala to identify talented students who are willing to dedicate themselves to the art form.
Dancer's aim
Her aim is to unravel the hidden treasures in the original scriptures, and in taking this art form back to the Bhagavathom tradition.
Devika has been invited to participate in a U.S project where she will have the opportunity to work with Hollywood technicians.
She feels that "this work could offer a great challenge to me as a traditional dancer. The usual combination of my qualifications in performing arts and management should come in handy in such projects which place simultaneous demands on your creativity, time and management ability."
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Entertainment
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
