Upasana's
Utsav
September 24,
2008
Upasana presented
Utsav 2008 on 20th September 2008 in Manchester, UK. Performing to a packed
audience at Waterside Art Centre, the well organized event was funded by
the Community Foundations for Greater Manchester. The 25 participants from
Upasana's classes in Didsbury Methodist Church, Manchester High School
and Indian Association's Nrtya Jyoti in Oldham, showcased a brilliant display
of high quality Indian dance and music.
Deepa as Meera
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Vaishnavi as Kalinga & Nivedita as Krishna
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The items were
well choreographed and brief explanations accompanied each item. Beginning
with a traditional Allarippu, Utsav included a colourful array of costumes
and movement in Jathiswaram followed by a dynamic Namashivaya by Vaishnavi
and Nivedita and some soothing sweet music by the music group. The vibrant
Surya Thillana was juxtaposed with the poignant 16th century saint Meera
by Deepa and a vivacious Kaliya Narthanam. Nivedita's happy, smiling face
of Krishna, her casual interaction between friends (Aashana and Sonalia)
and Vaishnavi’s fearsome expressions, movements and attire as Kaliya the
snake, was enthralling.
As in any school's
annual showcase, Utsav surely marked personal achievement and happiness
for each performer. After Upasana's brilliant year including performance
in Halle’s Taj Festival and Royal Exchange Theatre, Deepa Ganesh, artistic
Director of Upasana, looks revitalized after her recent Arts Council funded
US tour in August. To have reached more than 15,000 people in just four
years, speaks of Upasana's hard work and popularity.
Akshara (sitting) with
Nivedita, Sonalia, Aashana and Vaishnavi
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Upasana group with
Mayor of Trafford
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The Mayor of Trafford
was impressed by the discipline and coordination of the dancers. Utsav
had the best of everything - performance, music, costumes, foyer exhibition,
Indian snacks from Anand Deli and even a green message with specially commissioned
jute bags!
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