| Report
Symposium
and Bharata Nrityam performance hosted by Princeton Historical Society
- Sankar Narayan,
New Jersey
e-mail: nadopasana@gmail.com
February 20,
2007
CMANA is proud
to have joined Shree Padma Nrityam Academy of performing Arts (SPNAPA)
in the symposium cum performance titled "Garland of Pearls from Great Composers"
on Jan 27, 2007. The event was presented by Sri Padma Nrityam Academy of
Performing Arts in conjunction with the Princeton Historical Society. The
program was funded by the NJ Council for the Humanities and supported by
Carnatic Music Association of North America (CMANA). The event provided
a large and diverse audience with a glimpse of the variety as well as the
depth of classicism in Bharata Nrityam.
SPNAPA showcased
the unique components of the dance form and other nuances via the exhibits.
The scholarly panel discussion and lec-dem chaired by Patricia Mayer –
Chair, Dept. of Dance, Mason Gross School of Arts, Rutgers University and
Indira Peterson, Chair, Asian Studies program, Mount Holyoke College was
very informative and scholarly. The symposium beautifully flowed
into a brilliantly carved dance presentation through the main Bharata Nrityam
dance performance by Bala Devi Chandrashekar. SPNAPA showcased the
depth of classicism as a tribute in Bharatha Nrityam to the Great Composers.
Students of Shree Padma Nrityam Academy of Performing Arts, Princeton,
NJ
|
The energy that
Bala brought to each dance item was very enjoyable and contagious while
the dynamic expressions were very artistic and meticulous. Be it the portrayal
of the genesis of the Sapthswaras in Nada thanumanisam or the charming
face of Sivakameswari or the rowdhram of Raavana or the rhythmic swinging
of Hari's palanquin in Dolayam, there was a constant and strict adherence
to the Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam style of Bharatha Nrityam which is distinct
from other styles. The students upheld these traditions with dexterous
footwork and depictions whether it was the calm face of Sita or the mischievous
gait of the Vanaras.
Overall it
was a well choreographed and conducted program. Our congratulations to
SPNAPA and its Founder/director Bala Devi Chandrashekar.
Sankar
Narayan is the Vice President of CMANA (Carnatic Music Association of North
America), New Jersey. |
