 An offering
of thillanas to Dr. Balamurali Krishna
- B Venkat,
Visakhapatnam
Pics: Jyothi Swaroop
e-mail: lasya.poorna@gmail.com July 18, 2010 Living legend
Dr. Mangalampalli Balamurali Krishna, celebrated his birthday in the City
of Destiny, Visakhapatnam. Visakhapatnam celebrated his birthday in grand
style, honoring him in a way never done before. Dr. Balamurali arrived
at the Port Kalavani Auditorium in a horse drawn chariot and was received
with full honors befitting a king. What followed was even grander. The
organizing committee presented Kadambam, a feast of dance, music and literature
over two days on the 6th and 7th of July 2010. In the presence
of Pujya Guruji Satguru Sri Kandukuri Sivananda Murthy, and of Member of
Parliament from Visakhapatnam and Minister of State for HRD, Daggupati
Purandeswari, felicitations were offered to the ever smiling Dr. Balamurali.
As part of the celebrations, Kuchipudi dance performances were "offered"
with love, respect and affection. Thillanas so synonymous with the celebrated
musician, found their way into the hearts of the attendees. S Vijay Kumar
won special appreciation for his organizing skills.Kuchipudi
Kalaakendra presented 'Jaya Ragamalika' with eleven dancers. The choreography
by Guru AB Balakondala Rao symbolized the achievements of Dr. Balamurali.
As if to indicate how "Bala Murali" mesmerized his audiences all over the
world spreading his name and fame in all four directions, four Bala Krishnas
demonstrated Kuchipudi skills beyond their age. "Balakka" as Bala Kondala
Rao is lovingly called, performed too, but in the form of Aditya Bulli
Brahmam, her son. His meticulous footwork so characteristic of thillana
items, literally spoke the notes. Six other dancers adorned the stage and
symbolized the six seasons celebrating the Balamurali composition in Balakka's
choreography. Vasavi, Vandhita, Aparna, Sraddha, Sri, Nimilika coordinated
perfectly with each other. Sadhana, Meghana, Varsha, and Sravanthi played
the little Krishnas.That was followed
by a breathtaking 'Brindavana Sarangi' thillana from Dr. Vempati Kuchipudi
Kalakshetra. Four of the dancers from Kalakshetra perfectly adept with
their style and footwork, endeared themselves to the audience by starting
their presentation, offering flowers to the legend. The fast paced dance
composition by Y Hanumantha Rao, one of the faculty members of the reputed
institute, stood out for the meticulous synchronization of the dancers,
almost matching step to step, to every mudra and stance. The intelligent
composition for "murali madhuri" in the thillana reminded of the beauty
of the musician's melody. The quartet ended the item in style in a perfect
sculpted group stance. The performance by Sannidha, Nivedita, Kiranmayi
and Varshita was scintillating. |
