|     |
|
| |
 Celebrating womanhood through dance - Vijay Shanker e-mail: vijaydance@gmail.com Photos courtesy: Shambhavi School of Dance April 20, 2023 Shambhavi School of Dance presented the 7th edition of Nayika festival, as an extension of Dance Jathre series at Seva Sadan auditorium in Bangalore on 15th March. Celebrating womanhood through dance, the highlight of the festival was the felicitation of the veteran 94 year old luminary, Vimala Rangachar with the Natya Sastra Award for her invaluable and outstanding contribution in the field of performing arts. Vimala is particularly credited for the fine arts and performing arts conservation movement of Karnataka. Vimala is the chairperson of Craft Council of Karnataka, president of Natya Institute of Kathak and Choreography, president of MES institutions and is actively associated with several social and cultural organisations.  Vimala Rangachar being honored The Nayika festival featured women centric themes presented by Dr. Shobha Shashikumar (Bangalore), Dr. Rajashree Warrier (Kerala) for Bharatanatyam and Sailaja from Chennai for Kuchipudi. Prior to the start of the performances, Kuchipudi exponent and director of Shambhavi School of Dance, Vyjayanthi Kashi said, "There are so many dancers who have contributed towards the promotion and propagation of classical dances, particularly Kuchipudi, but they are relatively unknown, like dancer Kanchana Mala and there is hardly any documentation available. The main intention of the Nayika festival is to remember, appreciate and acknowledge their contribution."  Dr. Shobha Shashikumar The performances commenced with the Bharata Nrityam performance by Dr. Shobha Shashikumar. She is the director of Mayuri Nritya Shala and presented "Tumbha Sansara" pertaining to the joint family system and how the young bride of the family has to maintain cordial and harmonious relationship with everyone in the family. At times she has to sacrifice her personal interests for the pleasure and comfort of others. Coming closer to the lokadharmi concept of dancing, this was an interesting number and a composition of Dr R Ganesh, sung well by Kanchana Ranjani. The typical torso and body deflections pertaining to the Bharata Nrityam style was noteworthy for the executions and unusual spectacle. Shobha was distinct in her performance and her expressions were evocative. Besides Bhushana Priya, Shobha also interpreted the ashtapadi "Rasa Hari" in which Radha recollects her wonderful moments with Krishna and suddenly feels completely lost. This number was pleasing for its sancharis and sung well by Balasubramanya Sharma.  Dr. Rajashree Warrier Dr. Rajashree Warrier's interpretation of the intense story of Amba, how she is cheated by both Shalva and Bheema and how Amba is reborn as Shikandi was enacted and executed with fine mukhaja abhinaya and angika abhinaya with fine interludes of the violin music. It was a fine experiment wherein there are no lyrics and no sahityam used, yet creating a lasting impression. At times it was a little heavy for the audience to digest due to intensity of the theme but nevertheless Rajashree as a performer is brilliant. The movements were limited but it was expressional dancing that dominated the scenario.  Sailaja The last performer of the evening was Kuchipudi exponent Sailaja. She was impressive in the typical style of Vempati Chinna Satyam and captivated with the enactment of "Mahishasura Mardini." However, the interpretation of Tagore's Chandalika was too brief a number to create any impact of the story of the untouchable girl. Sailaja concluded her performance with Jayadeva's classic ashtapadi "Chandana charchita" that celebrates the joyous union of Radha and Krishna.  Vijay Shankar is a Kuchipudi and Kathakali exponent, teacher, bilingual journalist, arts critic and actor. |
