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Opening of dance studio at Kolkata - Nita Vidyarthi, Kolkata e-mail: nitavidyarthi@gmail.com   December 8, 2011 On the occasion of the Birth Anniversary of Kavi Vallathol Narayana Menon, founder of Kerala Kalamandalam, a dance studio E 2 was inaugurated at Kolkata by Professor (Dr.) Bharati Ray, Vice President, Rabindranath Tagore Centre, ICCR Kolkata.   The brainchild of Manipuri dancer Suman Sarawgi under whose leadership and supervision this centrally located studio, provided with the basic amenities would run, the space, practically first of its kind comes in the form of a blessing for all those aspiring dancers and groups who hunt for rehearsal spaces or workshops or small performances, even discussions. Classes are already held in a number of classical disciplines, contemporary and social dancing, including fitness schedule so necessary for dancers. Suman herself has taken charge of the dancing classes of children from three onwards. Dr. Ray encouraged the idea and lauded Suman for her effort. On this occasion and also as a humble tribute to the great Malayalam poet, Kalamandalam Piyal, trained in Kerala in Kathakali and Kalamandalam Gautam, presented a touching piece, the first padam from the well known ‘Duryodhana Vadam’ where Draupadi pleads with Lord Krishna to do her justice for the humiliation she suffered from Dushashana and Duryodhana. Presented with a brief ‘Poorvanga Vidhanam’ complete with a tirasseela, the short Todayam began with Piyal as Krishna consoling Draupadi played by Gautam, both dancers being in traditional costumes.     The soul stirring padam “Padmalaya patey, Trihimam harey” was well enacted by the dancers. Piyal was convincing with his hasta mudras while trying to pacify Draupadi for the sake of Dharma. Gautam’s kalasams spoke of good training. Studio E 2 is a very purposeful addition to the service of dance.   A critic of performing arts, specialising in dance, dance theatre and expressions, and a regular contributor to the Statesman Kolkata in dance, vocal music and theatre. Trained in Kathak, both the Jaipur and Lucknow gharanas, was a disciple of the late Jaikumari, Ram Gopal Misra, Manjulika Roy Chowdhury and Gayatri Chatterjee. Also trained in vocal, semi-classical music and Rabindra Sangeet. A Science communicator, Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Commonwealth Scholar and a retired Professor of Chemistry, Nita devotes most of her time on dance and theatre writing.