Dance Vibrant patterns and verve marked the figure dancing recital.
Figure dancing is a traditional repertoire of Kuchipudi, of drawing pictures on the floor with foot work, while dancing. It entails the artiste dancing on a white screen placed on coloured powder sprinkled on the stage. Post recital when the screen is removed, audience will find a figure imprinted on the screen with the coloured footprints of the dancer.
The organisation specialised in this technique-- Abhinaya Darapana Arts Academy, run by noted dancer and guru, Voleti Rangamani, was invited to give the show at Ravindra Bharati, last week. This figure making dance art is said to be presented by the late C.R. Acharya, who taught it to his daughter Rangamani, besides to many others like the renowned dancer Mallika Sarabhai . Voleti Rangamani is keeping the art alive and has been teaching these items to her disciples. These dances are named after the figures like ‘Mayura Kautvam’ (peacock) and ‘Simha Nandini’ (lion). Rangamani featured in this show five of her disciples dancing on five different screens, simultaneously. Pictures of lions were drawn by two dancers and two of peacocks by another two and one a red lotus, symbolic of Mahalakshmi. Ganapati Stuti and a Jathiswaram followed that. Then came the Mandodari Sapadham.
G. S.
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