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Bhava Rasa:
A captivating performance
The guest of honor for the evening, Cleveland Sundaram stated that, "Bala's guru Dr.Padma Subrahmanyam's scholastic research facilitated a clear understanding that our dance styles are ancient and dynamic - in that it is steeped in history, and has been handed down from time immemorial and is constantly evolving." Highlighting some aspects of the performance, he observed that, "Bala's skill for abhinya was evident in the invocatory piece Sri Shyamaladhandakam interlaced with a unique number in Nalinakanthi, comparing Swara sthanas and Nrita sthanas, Gamakas in music and Rechakas in dance. In the Sukhalasyam piece, Bala’s execution of Nritta was immaculate and assertive in rhythm bringing out the synchronization of music and movement in dance. In the Angaharas, Bala executed carefully woven intricate moves depicting the beauty of the temple sculptures with grace and beauty." The highlight
of Bala's performance was "Sabhapathiku." Her technique was well internalized,
and the flow of the sanchari for the anupallavi line "Kripa Nidhi Ivarai
Pola" portrayed masterful interpretation of the Lord's compassion coming
to the rescue of the true devotee. In the song "Chinnachiru pennpole,"
Bala's narrative description equating the Goddesses eyes to a beautiful
lotus petal, the fish, the deer etc., was engaging, bringing alive the
little Goddess Durga in all her glory.
The performance
of the students was also very well received. In her teaching methodology,
Bala has trained and connected all the basics in a Natya Shastric approach
which was very evident from the students' performance, reiterating the
fact, that the teaching process at Shree Padma Nrityam Academy of Performing
Arts, enables the student to have a strong foundation in dance.
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On
December 2, 2007 the rasikas in New Jersey were treated to a noteworthy
Bharata Nrityam performance by Bala Devi Chandrashekar (senior disciple
of Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam) followed with a performance by her disciples.