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 Dance for a smile October 12, 2011 Dance is the therapy for many lonely souls. Kathak dancer Alaknanda took her art and culture to Singapore to perform and spread a smile and care for the senior citizens. Alaknanda and her disciples of Singapore - Maithalee Kale, Shilpa Swar, Smita Uchil, Dolly Goyal and Hasika Jagnath - performed at SWAMI – Sunshine Welfare Action Mission for senior citizens - on invitation from President Subina Khaneja and executive committee member Neeta Kapoor of IWA.
The response from the senior members of the society overwhelmed her and her disciples. “The remarkable thing was that they are unable to respond much, as I was told by the executive committee member of IWA. But the dance made them smile, clap with joy and bless us wholeheartedly...” says a smiling Alaknanda. The Kathak Andaaz, Singapore workshop and show from 18th to 25th September was a week of rhythm and grace. 50 dance lovers from Singapore joined in the class and devoted their time and energy to Kathak. The finale at Sri Muneeswaran Temple on 25th September had a house full audience. Alaknanda and her dancers mesmerised the audience with Krishna bhajans: Bhor Bhayee Baaje Madhur Muraliya, Holi - Thumri, Runai - Taal Chautal, Ghazal - Aaj Ki Shyam. Jamuna ke Teere - a bhajan by tiny tots of the workshop was applauded the loudest by dance lovers.
The special attraction of the evening was the collaboration of Alaknanda and Sudeshna Dasgupta who is a versatile vocalist and a Tagore presentation by the two artistes was dedicated to Gurudev. In the jugalbandi of Odissi exponent Priti Mastakar and Kathak exponent Alaknanda, the Krishna leelas were highly appreciated. The diwali dance by all the workshop dance enthusiasts marked the welcoming of the festivities of India. |
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