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Photo: S. Mahinsha

Spectacular: Monisa Nayak and her troupe fused dance and music with colours and light.

It was a visual treat for lovers of Kathak as Monisa Nayak and her troupe gave two performances in Thiruvananthapuram.

A senior disciple of Kathak exponent Rajendra Gangani, Monisa has been groomed to lead the Jaipur gharana. Led by Monisa, the 10-member team of youngsters displayed artistry coupled with stamina.

The first recital at Vylloppilli Samskriti Bhavan was replete with items in pure Kathak. ‘Panchakshar,’ a piece on Lord Shiva by Monisa, Deepak, Devdutt, Anjana and Divya, was a perfect start to the performance. The recreation of cosmic energy generated through Shiva and the shlokas ‘Na Ma Shi Va Ya,’ depicting the Lord’s various aspects, were presented with clarity.

‘Sargam Tarana,’ the next item, was a combination of rhythm with syllables of percussion in 14 beats. Monisa’s control over the traditional fast footwork in Jaipur style left the audience spellbound.

A ‘gazal’ by Divya, Ratna, Vidya and Janice followed. Composed in raga Bageswari, the expressive number illustrates the love of the dancer towards her beloved and God, and seeks to explain the truth of life. The dancers seemed to enjoy themselves while presenting this number. The performance highlighted their rigorous training and passion for the art form.

Amit, Piyush and Deepak continued the recital with ‘Tarana,’ a musical and rhythmical number based on the seven notes of music. The three brilliantly utilised the space by creating eye-catching movements and patterns.

‘Thumri,’ another solo by Monisa, had her portraying love, longing for her beloved, separation and reunion of the couple. The piece characterised angikabhinaya, satvikabhinaya and vachikabhinaya.

The concluding number was ‘Tarannum,’ which portrayed contentment in life. The piece was an offering to God. The precise hand movements and pristine body movements of the dancers added grace to the presentation.

‘Spectrum,’ the second recital by the troupe, was a Kathak choreography that assumed several new dimensions. Choreographed by Monisa, the spectacular show at Tagore Theatre, Thiruvananthapuram, fused dance and music with colours.

All the sequences were created in an innovative way within the techniques of Kathak. The show was accompanied by instrumental music. Monisa chose to use patterns that merged with the colours on the background. Facial expressions were incorporated with musical sequences in the choreography. Each dancer excelled in movement and footwork and danced in synchronised movements. Simple but elegant costumes were the other attraction of the show.

The show was admirable and Monisa, a gifted dancer and choreographer, is sure to go places.

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