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 'Kaleidoscope' and 'Navarasa Nayaki' - Ambika Raman June 4, 2024 On May 19, 2024, Vidhai, a non-profit initiative based out of New Jersey, showcased a remarkable dance event at the Bridgewater Temple in New Jersey. The evening featured 'Kaleidoscope,' a dance collection of Jiva Dance Company, a professional dance group based in New York. This performance was rooted in the rich traditions of Indian classical dance, primarily Bharatanatyam, while skillfully incorporating elements from yoga, modern dance, and martial arts. The result was a seamless and captivating display that enchanted the audience.  Kaleidoscope 'Kaleidoscope' was a visual and emotional journey, reflecting the intricate patterns and fluidity of a real kaleidoscope. Each movement and sequence was executed with precision and grace, creating a harmonious blend of thought and creativity. The dancers, Shruti Vandana Sharma, Anugraha Sridhar, Ramya Shankaran, and Sonali Skandan, performed with perfect synchrony, leaving the audience spellbound. The evening began with 'Alaripu,' a traditional Bharatanatyam piece set to a seven-beat cycle. Nature's beauty was vividly depicted in this performance, featuring the radiant sun, blooming flowers, serene ponds, and buzzing bees. The dancers adeptly captured the essence of the vibrant ecosystem, showcasing the harmony of the natural world. The second piece, 'Elements,' delved into the five fundamental elements - earth, air, water, fire, and space - as embodied by the figure of Shiva. The dancers portrayed the balance and imbalance of these elements in nature, highlighting the consequences of human actions on the environment. This performance was a poignant reminder of the delicate balance required to sustain life on earth. The choreography underscored the interconnectedness of all elements and the impact of human greed, urging the audience to reflect on their role in preserving nature's balance. 'Echoes,' the next segment, featured a collage of personal stories and reflections on nature, set to music by the dancers themselves. Each performer brought a unique perspective, adding depth and nuance to the presentation.  Kaleidoscope Shruti Vandana Sharma's 'Stars of My Youth' lamented the lost beauty of constellations obscured by pollution. Her portrayal of the mythological story of Perseus and Andromeda highlighted the consequences of modern-day environmental degradation. Sonali Skandan's 'Lady of the Sea' beautifully illustrated the harmony of life beneath the ocean's surface, and how the ocean teaches life . Through her expressive dance, Sonali conveyed the turmoil and imbalance caused by pollution and noise, urging the audience to pause and listen to the stillness of the ocean and find that same stillness within themselves. Anugraha Sridhar's 'A Flower's Plea' offered a moving reflection on human vanity and its impact on nature. Through her dance, Anugraha depicted a woman who, in her quest for ornamentation, plucks a flower without considering the plant's pain. This performance questioned the necessity of such vanity and highlighted the silent agony of nature exploited for human desires. The final piece in Echoes, 'Caged Bird' by Ramya Shankaran, portrayed the loss of freedom and spirit experienced by a bird captured and caged. This powerful performance illustrated the bird's struggle to sing and thrive in captivity, serving as a metaphor for all living beings confined by external forces. Ramya's portrayal was a call to break free from shackles and soar high, resonating deeply with the audience. The evening concluded with 'Thillana,' a dynamic piece symbolizing the cosmic dance of creation, from the Big Bang to the formation of galaxies and the evolution of life on Earth. The dancers' energetic and precise movements captured the essence of this grand narrative, leaving the audience in awe of the universe's vastness and the delicate balance that sustains it.  Navarasa nayaki Following 'Kaleidoscope,' the students of Adhyaatma School of performing arts, under the guidance of Ramya Shankaran, performed 'Navarasa nayaki.' This dance drama, based on Lalgudi Jayaraman's 'Angaiyar Kanni' varnam, portrayed the nine emotions of Meenakshi through evocative stories and expressive performances. The young dancers, filled with enthusiasm and skill, brought each emotion to life with minimal props and captivating abhinaya. Their performances were engaging and showcased their dedication and talent. 'Navarasa nayaki' highlighted the emotional depth and versatility of the students, who performed each rasa with passion and precision. The production was a testament to Ramya Shankaran's guidance and the students' hard work and regular practice. The energy and abhinaya of the young dancers carried through to the end of the hour-long performance, leaving the audience impressed and inspired.  Navarasa nayaki Vidhai's initiative to bring such high-caliber performances to local audiences not only enriches the cultural landscape but also inspires students and art enthusiasts alike. The harmonious blend of tradition and innovation presented in 'Kaleidoscope' and the heartfelt portrayal of emotions in 'Navarasa nayaki' made for an unforgettable evening of dance. We look forward to many more such enriching performances from Vidhai and its talented artistes, as they continue to showcase the creativity and thought processes of artistes based in the USA and inspire students to pursue their passion for dance.  Ambika Raman from Calcutta, trained in Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music under esteemed teachers. In 2005, she founded the Ambika Raman Performing Arts Academy in New Jersey to promote Indian classical arts. The academy participates in local events, and Ambika choreographs thematic presentations, continuing her dedication to Bharatanatyam. |
