Report - Tarikavalli: Down memory lane

Tarikavalli: Down memory lane
- Satish Suri, Bangalore
e-mail: satishism@yahoo.co.in

August 28, 2011

Tarikavalli’s solo Bharatanatyam recital on the 19th August at Yavanika, Bangalore, evoked nostalgic memories of the legendary guru, the Late US Krishna Rao. Tarikavalli had her initial training in Paris with Amala Devi, a disciple and dance partner of renowned dancer Ramgopal. Amala Devi then directed her towards Mahamaya and the Krishna Raos. From1991, Tarikavalli was under their guidance and over the next ten years made repeated trips to India for this purpose.

From 2000 to 2005, she worked with Dayalasingham, a nattuvannar based in Paris. In 2005, Tarikavalli shifted to Lisbon where she continued her dance career as both performer and teacher. Presently she learns from Guru KK Raman, a former student of the Krishna Raos.

After the invocation, Tarikavalli started on a tentative note with Ranga Pooja in ragam Shivaranjani set to adi tala. She came into her own element in the Jatiswaram in ragam Bhairavi and set to misrachapu tala, in which she excelled with sculptural poses, brisk and vibrant foot work so characteristic of her mentor Krishna Rao. This composition comprising different rhythms and movements was taught to the Raos by the great Guru Meenakshisundaram Pillai.

The next piece Dashavatara from Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda, choreographed by US Krishna Rao highlighted the use of syllables that bring to life the context of the avatar. The jathis in this item are in narrative rather than being only a pure technical presentation. Tarikavalli displayed excellent body control, line and geometry. Rangaswamy who accompanied the music ensemble on the mridangam had composed the jathis for Krishna Rao when they started work on this dance composition.

Bhava Devate, a poem by the Late Dr. DV Gundappa, has been transformed into a dance composition by US Krishna Rao. It describes an ardent student of dance, standing in the temple at Belur before the figurine of Madhanika or Bhava Devate and admiring her enchanting beauty. This piece in raga Ranjini was set to misrachapu tala.

Tarikavalli concluded her program with a Tillana in Vasanta raga set to adi tala. Throughout the performance, she showed a great deal of commitment to her Gurus’ teaching. She was ably assisted by veteran musicians Chennakeshaviah (vocal), Rangaswamy (mridangam), Purushottam (nattuvangam) and Hemant Kumar (violin).

Satish Suri has been an ardent follower of dance and music for more than 40 years, starting with being on the committee of the International Music and Arts Society founded by Vijaya Devi, sister of the Late Maharaja of Mysore, Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar and now presently is treasurer of World Dance Alliance Karnataka Chapter. He has presented several artists, both dancers and musicians, over the last 40 years.