Reviews

- Numbers on their minds! by Pratima Sagar The classical themes symbolizing the theoretical codes of numbers from ten to zero in descending order - Dashavataram for ten, Navarasa for nine, Ashta Nayika for eight, Saptaavarta for seven, Shadrutu for six, Panchabhoota for five, Chaturveda - four, Trimurti - three, Dvaita - two, Advaita for one and Shoonya or zero… actually depicted the numbers and their mythical significance- and what a best illustration of the same through varied classical dance forms of the country. Mohiniattam to Manipuri, Kuchipudi and Kathak, Bharatanatyam to Bharata Nrityam and Vilasini Natyam, and Chhau to Contemporary, the festival was also a mélange of dance forms set on a numbered journey! - Erasing Borders: Festival of Indian dance - A reflection by Diditi Mitra Is it possible to "erase borders?" The uneven global space that we occupy makes it difficult to do so. At least in the works of Chatterjea and Colaco what I presumed is a desire to erase signs of the local in order to make the product palatable to the "global" (read: Western) audience. - A Spirit of South Asia is Moving in Manhattan by Alastair Macaulay http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/21/arts/dance/21batt.html? _r=1&ref=dance&oref=slogin - Dancing to the tune of the rivers by Leela Venkataraman Mythili Prakash and Vaibhav Arekar captured the spirit of the Yamuna and the Narmada through telling metaphor. http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/08/15/stories/2008081551490800.htm - Seethayanam in Nangyarkoothu by Padma Jayaraj Bharatam, a club that promotes culture, premiered SEETHAYANAM, in Thrissur. A three-day program in traditional format of Nangyarkoothu by Margi Sati is an innovative effort. Seethayanam focuses on three chapters of Seetha's life that defines her persona and paints her growth from an innocent maiden to a matured woman and a mellowed noble lady who acquires an iconic status. Seetha is the quintessence of the feminine, fallible but strong and dignified. - Critics' view of the future of Contemporary Dance Dr. Sunil Kothari's illustrated talk on 'New directions in Indian dance' by Sumi Krishnan At the official launch of Critical Path, Dr. Garry Lester and Dr. Sunil Kothari were called to give a talk. Dr. Lester has worked in the area of performance for more than thirty years as a performer, choreographer and teacher, ranging from dance, drama, visual and fine arts. He traced the development of dance ballet from 1920 to modern dance in Australia. He drew upon the concept and influence of Ballet on modern Australian dances. Dr. Sunil Kothari talked about "New Directions in Indian Dance." - River - agony and ecstasy by Leela Venkataraman Malavika made movement and rhythm tell the story of the Ganga, while Shijit communicated through jati. http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/08/08/stories/2008080851520300.htm - A Mystical Merger of Traditions, Past and Present by Alastair Macaulay http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/25/arts/dance/25batt.html? _r=1&ref=dance&oref=slogin

Details Details To advertise in this space, contact narthakionline@gmail.com

Reports

- Dignified function celebrating a dignified guru Release of 'Bharatanatyam Bhakta Guru M K Saroja' by G Sundari Ashish has done a good job writing this book on his mother, who was a well known dancer in her days. I have seen her dance in a sabha in Mylapore when she was known as Baby Saroja. Her guru Kattumannar Muthukumara Pillai taught Bharatanatyam to my sister Leelavati, who was the first pupil of Kalakshetra. - Maha Shakthi- the energy of thought, desire and action by Vijaya Aravind The feature Maha Shakthi made a visual statement, that loss of vision is no handicap to present dance aesthetically. The Poorvaranga, performed as described in the Natya Shastra, set the mood for the evening. Adapting the temple ritual Mallari to dance, and invoking the Goddesses was spiritually awakening. The characters from history, as examples of the power of intellect, desire and action, aroused the hidden strength in us. - Mayuri Upadhya wows Birmimngham Mayuri Upadhya, choreographer, dancer and Artistic Director of Nritarutya was invited by Sampad and Hippodrome jointly to choreograph for the Birmingham International Dance Festival, where she worked with 75 dancers to choreograph the opening and finale of the festival. . - The Dhananjayans receive Integral Yoga International Lifetime Achievement Award and title of Satchidananda Natya Choodamani The award and title were conferred upon The Dhananjayans: "In honor of the 20th Anniversary of the Natya Adyayana Gurukulam of the Fine Arts Society of Yogaville and in recognition of a lifetime as exemplars of the ideals of Discipline, Devotion and Dedication; for serving as cultural ambassadors from Bharata Varsha to the USA and throughout the world as masters of the spiritual art form of Bharatanatyam; and as outstanding artistes and educators planting seeds of inspiration, culture and hope for future generations." - Adhyaya: writing one's own chapter in dance… The fourth edition The fourth chapter of Adhyaya at Seva Sadan on August 1, 2008, happened on a day that saw not much of the sun as it was an "Eclipse" day! However, the sun shone quite bright and fierce on stage that was witnessed by a bunch of art enthusiasts and artistes. Adhyaya is a self-funded event, organized by Nritarutya headed by artistic director Mayuri Upadhya, that is meant to promote young promising talents in dance as an effort to give back to art what it has given to us.

Profiles

- Puthumana Govindan Namboothiri: 30 years of excellence in Thitambu Nritham by Kodoth Rajan Puthumana Govindan Namboothiri (48) is a legend in the field of Thitambu Nritham. His debut performance was at Sree Athiyampoor Subrahmanya Swamy Temple, Kanhangad, during the Shashthi Uthsavam (1979). He hails from Chemmattam Vayal, Kanhangad in Kasaragod district. He has performed at almost all the temples in north Kerala in the past 25 years. - A born artiste by GS Back from US tour, guru V S Ramamoorthy shares his experiences http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/08/29/stories/2008082950530300.htm

Ask Mrinalini

September 1, Leiden, Holland
Sharada Srinivasan has been invited by the Association for the Friends of the Kern Institute, to give a Bharatanatyam dance performance at 7.30pm at the LakTheater, Lipsius Building ((conference venue).at the prestigious Kern Institute in Leiden, Holland, one of the most outstanding of world centres, libraries and collections for the study of South Asian Art. She is part of the 12 International European Association of South East Asian Archaeology Conference in Leiden.

September 3, Chicago, IL
DISCOVER BHARATANATYAM - lecture demonstration - Natya Dance Theatre's contemporary style uses dynamic body movement, rhythmic footwork, hand gestures and facial expressions to convey meaning and emotion to create rasa, the aesthetic experience that transforms the audience. Natya Dance Theatre founder and director Hema Rajagopalan and members of Natya lead an exploration of this ancient art form.
At: Pritzker Auditorium, Harold Washington Library Center, lower level, 400 S. State St., Chicago, 12.15pm

September 5, Pune
A unique music and dance jugalbandi will be presented by dancer Yogini Gandhi and vocalist Devaki Pandit for the inaugural ceremony of the PUNE FESTIVAL to be held on 5th Sept. The specially choreographed piece is dedicated to Lord Ganesh and includes compositions that bring forth the beauty of both the mediums. The two lead artists will be accompanied by a team of live musicians and dancers from the troupe of Kalanidhi.
At: Ganesh Kala Krida Manch

September 5 - 12, Orissa, Pune
Performance schedule for Ileana Citaristi and troupe for Sept 2008.
- 5th Sept: Odissi dance performance for the Golden Jubilee of TATA Refractories at Jharsuguda, Orissa
- 8th Sept: Odissi Dance performance for Ganesh Festival, Pune
- 12th Sept: Art Vision organizes the 4th SANGAM, A CONFLUENCE OF DANCE at Rabhindra Mandap, Bhubaneswar. Besides Odissi creative choreographies by Art Vision there will be Manipuri dance compositions by Priti Patel and troupe from Kolkata.

September 6 & 20, Chicago & Lemont, IL
SHAKTI CHAKRA: THE ENERGY CYCLE - Natya's award-winning signature work, performed by the Natya Company. A journey through the five activities of the Divine: creation, sustenance, protection, purification and dissolution.
At: Pritzker Auditorium, Harold Washington Library Center, lower level, 400 S. State St., Chicago, 7.30pm on Sept 6
At: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, Sama Rathi Auditorium, 10915 Lemont Rd, Lemont, 7.30pm on Sept 20.

September 7, London
Kalasagara UK presents NIVEDANAM, a Bharatanatyam performance by Srinidhi Raghavan, Anupama Muthukrishnan, Vinita Venkatesh, Janany Harrichandiran (disciples of Usha Raghavan)
Venue: Patidar House, 22 London Road, Wembley, London, 6 - 8.15pm

September 7, Chennai
The "Mylapore Trio" & the members of Sri Sumukhi Rajasekharan Memorial Foundation present 32nd KALA POSHAKAM. The performers are:
- Aishwaryah Ilankumaran & Apparna Ilankumaran, Instrumental music - Key Board (Disciples of Uma Murali)
- S Mythili & S Lakshmi - Carnatic music (Disciples of Seetha Krishnan)
- V Karthik - Carnatic Music (Disciple of P T Seshadri)
- KANAA KANDEN THOZHI NAAN - A Thematic Bharatanatyam presentation by students of Natyakshetra (Guru Senthil Kumar)
At Narada Gana Sabha, Mini Hall, TTK Road, Alwarpet, Chennai 18, 5.30pm

September 7 & 13, PA, TX
Guru. CV Chandrashekar presents his solo production NIRANTARA, a journey of music and dance. It is a double bill with Three Aksha's new production PRAYOG, a dialogue between dance and mathematics
- September 7: Girard College, Elementary School Auditorium
2101, S College Ave # 121, Philadelphia, PA 19121, at 3.30pm
- September 13: Presented by Sunandas Performing Arts Center
At the Stafford Civic Center, TX, 6.30pm

September 8, Lucknow
Geeta Chandran presents a classical solo Bharatanatyam performance to inaugurate the annual 3-day Classical Music and Dance Festival organized by the Bhatkande Music Institute, Lucknow University. Venue: Ravindralaya, 6:30pm.

September 10, Kolkata
Navtej Johar and Abhyas Dance Ensemble will perform FANA'A: RANJHA REVISITED at INTERFACE 2008 in Kolkata. The show will be staged at Kalamandir in Kolkata at 6.30pm.

September 12 & 13, Paris
Mythili Prakash performs Bharatanatyam at Musee Guimet, 6, Place d'Iéna, 75116

September 12, Millville, NJ
Bala Devi Chandrashekar, senior disciple of Padma Subrahmanyam, will perform Bharata Nrithyam on the inaugural day of the Festival of India presented by Wheaton Arts on Sept 12, 2008. The evening will also feature a Yakshagana folk theatre performance.
At: Wheaton Arts Center, 1501 Glasstown Road, Millville, NJ, from 7 - 9.30pm

September 13, Mississauga, ON
Lata Pada and Sampradaya Dance Creations present KAVYA NATYAM, an evening of dance, music and poetry to highlight the rich literary tradition of Tamilnadu. Kavya Natyam will feature Sampradaya Dance Creations' company dancers accompanied by Harikrishna Kalyanasundaram on the nattuvangam and vocals by Vidya Harikrishna.
At the Meadowvale Theatre, 6315 Montevideo Road, Mississauga, at 7pm

September 13, Mumbai
Smitalay presents traditional Odissi followed by the mathematical dance ballet LEELAVATI, for the FINE ARTS SOCIETY'S CLASSICAL DANCE FESTIVAL. Venue: Sivaswamy Auditorium, Chembur, 6.30pm

September 13, KC, MO
Program schedule for Hemavathi Sharma, Nritya School of Dance.
Dance in the Park, Roanoke Park, 7pm

September 13, Los Angeles
Rangoli Dance Company lead dancers Lakshmi Iyengar and Shaheen Sheik perform for the 9TH ANNUAL LOS ANGELES DANCE INVITATIONAL.
At: Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, 8pm

September 12 - 20, Japan
Ragamala Music and Dance Theatre go on a Four City Japanese Tour.
- Sept 12: Matsumoto Bunka Kaikan, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
- Sept 13, Nagoya Kita Bunka Sho Gekijyo, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture
- Sept 20: Saiwai Shimoina Wadaiko Festival, Iida Bunka Kaikan, Iida City, Nagano Prefecture

September 14, Palo Alto, CA
Solo dance DHARMA YUDH-STORIES OF THE GREAT WAR OF THE MAHABHARATA by Rasika Kumar for the Shiva Murugan temple Fund Raiser
Musicians: Asha Ramesh (Vocal), Shanti Narayan (Violin), N. Narayan (Mridangam), Malavika Kumar (Nattuvangam)
At: Cubberly Theater, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 3pm

September 14, NYC
Sonali Skandan will perform a solo Bharatanatyam dance recital SAMPRADAYA, featuring the choreography, vocals and nattuvangam of Prof. C V Chandrasekhar accompanied by AR Balaskandan on mridangam and Jitendra Kishore on violin.
Hunter College, Lang Recital Hall Rm 424N, 69thSt between Park and Lexington Avenue, New York, NY, at 6pm

September 16, 20, 28 CA & NJ
- Sept 16: Mythili Prakash performs Bharatanatyam for World Festival of Sacred Music
At: Nate Holden Theatre, Venue: 4718 W Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
- Sept 20: Mythili performs for Yuva Bharati
At: Mission City Center for Perf. Arts, 3250 Monroe St, Santa Clara, CA, 4 - 6:30pm
- Sept 28: Mythili performs RAMAYANA, for Share and Care Foundation
At: Sate Theater, New Jersey, at 4pm

September 19, New Delhi
Geeta Chandran and Natya Vriksha Dance Company will present SARVAM KRISHNAMAYAM, a suite of Bharatanatyam classical dance choreography. The performance is sponsored by the renowned RPS Group that works in creating futuristic infrastructure and who are promoters of Rhythm, the new- age urban township in Faridabad, Haryana, that emphasizes living in harmony with nature
At the Kamani Auditorium, Copernicus Marg, at 6:45pm

September 20, Los Angeles, USA
Post Natyam Collective member Shyamala Moorty is performing in LEAP'S OF FAITH.
"Leap's of Faith" is Great Leap's interdisciplinary and interfaith collaboration and will be performed as a part of the Rosh Hashana services
At: Temple Isaiah, 10345 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 7pm

September 21, Los Angeles, CA
World Festival of Sacred Music presents ADORATIONS featuring Gita -Govinda by Manipuri Dance Visions ensemble, directed by Sohini Ray
At the Fountain theater, 5060 Fountain Avenue, Los Angeles, at 8pm

September 21, Pune
Kalanidhi presents NRITYA SANDHYA, an evening of Kathak and Odissi presented by the students of Yogini Gandhi. The presentation will include solos as also choreographed pieces in both dance styles and shall have over 35 students participating in the show.
At 5pm at the Symbiosis International School Auditorium, Viman Nagar, Pune.

September 22, Noida
Geeta Chandran presents lec-dem for SPIC-MACAY at Kothari International School, NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh, 10:30am.

September 25, Long Beach, USA
Post Natyam Collective member Shyamala Moorty is performing in ARTS GO ECO.
The State of the arts Luncheon by the Arts Council for Long Beach
Hyatt Regency Ballroom, 200 South Pine Ave., Long Beach, 11:30-1:30pm

September 26, Atlanta, GA
Ragamala Music and Dance Theatre perform for PAE SHOWCASE

September 27, Chennai
Shridhar and Anuradha Shridhar the well-known dance couple from Karnataka will perform Bharatanatyam (Margam) at Kalakshetra, Chennai as part of THE CLASSICAL DUO DANCE & MUSIC FESTIVAL organized by the Kalakshetra Foundation, and the Alapana Trust.
Venue: Kalakshetra Auditorium, Tiruvanmiyur, 7.30pm

September 28, Santa Clara, CA
Abhinaya Dance Company of San Jose presents a solo dance performance by Rama Vaidyanathan, acclaimed artist from New Delhi with live music. Co-sponsored by South India Fine Arts.
Mission City Center for the Perf Arts, 3250 Monroe St., Santa Clara, 5pm

September 28, Chennai
Vyjayanthi Kashi presents a solo Kuchipudi recital KUCHIPUDI VAIBHAVAM as part of National Seminar in Kuchipudi titled Tradition - Transition - Transformation.
Place: Bharatiya Vidhya Bhavan, Mylapore, 7.30pm

Bharatanatyam Arangetrams
September 6, San Jose, CA
Pia Mishra, disciple of Mythili Kumar, Abhinaya Dance Company
At: Mexican Heritage Theater, 1700 Alum Rock Avenue, San Jose, CA 95116, 5pm
Musicians: Asha Ramesh (vocals), Shanthi Narayan (violin), N Narayan (mridangam), Mythili Kumar & Malavika Kumar (nattuvangam)

September 6, Orange, CA
Anuja Shah and Diya Varma, disciples of Ramaa Bharadvaj, Angahara Academy
At: Performing Arts Theater, Lutheran High School of Orange County, 2222 North Santiago Blvd, 5pm.

September 6, Bangalore
Pavan Kumar G, disciple of Suparna Venkatesh, Sai Arts International
At: ADA Ranga Mandira, 6.30pm

September 6, Palo Alto, CA
Sanya Bhavi Vohra, disciple of Suganda Sreenath Iyer, Jayendra Kalakendra
At: Cubberley Theater, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303, 4pm

September 13, Irvine, CA
Disha Bhagwat, disciple of Ramya Harishankar, Arpana School of Dance
At: Northwood High School

September 14, Basel, Switzerland
Madhura Subramanyam, disciple of D Keshava, Kalasri
At: Volkshaus, 5pm

September 14, Irvine, CA
Amrita Mukherjee, disciple of Ramya Harishankar, Arpana School of Dance
At: University High School

September 20, Irvine, CA
Srilekha Jandhyala & Natasha Parekh, disciples of Ramya Harishankar, Arpana School of Dance
At: Northwood High School

September 27, Bellflower, CA
Shipra Shah & Jhankhana Jani, disciples of Ramya Harishankar, Arpana School of Dance
At: William Bristol Auditorium

Kuchipudi Rangapooja
September 27, Bangalore
Prateeksha Kashi, disciple/daughter of Vyjayanthi Kashi, Shambhavi School of Dance
At: Ravindra Kalakshetra, J C Road, 6.30pm