The dance in motion
Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy
ACROBATIC AGILITY Dynamic combat sequences were executed to perfection
Jayachandran Palazy's Attakalari Centre for Movement Arts, presented a dance concert "Sanchari", a contemporary dance recital at Chowdiah Memorial Hall. Transavatar, the evening's first performance, had 30-feet images of four dancers swayed to the quiet invigorating static score at the start of this rendition that lasted almost five minutes. This uniquely choreographed show had the audience gaping at them, they were defying gravity.
Transavatar, transcends the multiple facets of the individual and personifies the human mind and body. It is a blend of Indian traditional dance as well as contemporary; the dance was rendered in groups as well as individually. Thereby the entire stage appeared like a mix of dance movements. The entire space of the podium was put to good use. The fluid acrobatic agility came to the fore especially with perfect sensual stances. Digital images projected on transparent gauzes placed in the front and back of the stage ensconced the live action creating a multi-layered narrative; the artistes seemed to be showcasing a dance routine confined in a glass fort and then transported to a forest.
This captivating and mesmerising dance was choreographed by Attakalari's artistic director Jayachandran Palazy and performed by eleven dancers. Digital effects were by Christian Ziegler from Germany and music was by Joseph Hyde. The original costume was by Ursula and adapted for this performance by Julie Kagti. The dancers were Jayachandran Palazy and his team.
The second part of the concert was Ayodhanam, which was a choreographed kalarippayattu martial arts sequenced into dance to the tune of live percussionists, V. K. Hariharan and Kalamandalam Rajeev on the Mizhavu and V. Ashok Kumar on the Djembe.
They are celebrated artists from Kerala. Ayodhanam performed by acclaimed martial artists from Kerala and equally well-known musicians, this 30 minute act was executed to perfection. Ayodhanam portrays the essence of animal movements, which is the core of kalaripayattu. Dynamic combat sequences by the dancers in flattering red, black and gold war attire, with and without the use of weapons were well enacted through the dance. The piece was choreographed by Jayachandran Palazy and the performers.
Sanchari was sponsored by Van Heusen, Allegro Capital Advisors, by Northern Lights. Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Department of Culture GOI fund Attakalari Centre for Movement Arts.
Attakalari's Education Outreach Programme was started nearly four years ago. Through this programme trained facilitators from Attakalari go to schools and use the Movement Arts as a means to develop kinesthetic, visual-spatial, interpersonal and intra-personal skills and musical intelligence in young people.
ASHEEMA NAGHNOOR
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