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 Natyaninada Dance Festival: A celebration of tradition and talent Text & pics: Srivatsa Shandilya e-mail: vatsaphoto@gmail.com September 26, 2024 The Natyaninada Dance Festival curated by the renowned dancing duo Chethan Gangatkar and Chandraprabha Chethan, lived up to its tagline, "An initiative by dancers for dancers." Held with a sense of grandeur and passion, the festival brought together an array of classical dance performances, leaving the audience spellbound with its vibrant showcase of artistry, technique, and cultural richness.  Natya Ninada group The festival commenced with a Bharatanatyam ensemble by the Natya Ninada group. Their inaugural piece, Ganesha Vandana, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, was a well-coordinated display of intricate movements, using charis and karanas to bring out the deity's majestic presence. The beautiful formations and seamless synchronization of the dancers made for a visually captivating opening, setting the tone for the evening. The second performance, Kanden Natarajanai, was an energetic Tandava presentation in praise of Lord Shiva. The rich nritta elements were a testament to the dancers' mastery over rhythm, with their precise footwork and powerful movements showcasing their command of tala. This was followed by a contrasting piece, Tamboori Mitidava, a soulful rendition of Purandaradasa's composition. The dancers' expressive abhinaya highlighted their emotional depth and connection to the music, further enhancing the performance.  Chethan Gangatkar and Chandraprabha Chethan The curators of the festival, Chethan Gangatkar and Chandraprabha Chethan, took the stage next with an authentic Kuchipudi duet of Ardhanareeswara. This piece, a traditional masterpiece, beautifully illustrated the harmonious balance between the masculine and feminine energies of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. The portrayal of Parvathi's jealousy and Shiva's witty responses culminated in a stunning moment when Shiva offers half of his body to Parvathi, embodying the divine form of Ardhanareeswara. The duo's impeccable technique, graceful movements, and vibrant costumes, particularly Parvathi's rich jewelry and Shiva's headgear, added depth and elegance to their flawless performance. An additional highlight of the festival was the powerful performance curated by Chandraprabha Chethan, featuring popular kritis on Durga Devi, composed by Harikesanallur Muthaiah Bhagavatar. Set in the evocative raga Navarasa Kanada, the performance beautifully depicted the fierce yet compassionate form of Goddess Durga, adorned with her many weapons. The piece vividly brought to life the tale of Durga's destruction of the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Through graceful sancharis (elaborations), the choreography embodied the essence of the seven musical notes, symbolizing harmony in nature. The well-trained disciples showcased the intense choreography with precision and grace, their movements synchronized to depict Durga's strength and divine power, making it one of the standout presentations of the evening.  Shama Krishna and ensemble The thematic dance feature Amruthamanthana, the song scripted by Shatavadani R. Ganesh, a Sanskrit scholar, was presented by the Shraddha Dance Ensemble. This piece depicted the mythical churning of the ocean by the Devas and Asuras in their quest for Amrutha. The performance, conceptualized by Shama Krishna, creatively brought out the symbolism of the mind's constant battle between good and evil. The choreography was complemented by a powerful musical score by the celebrated composer Praveen D. Rao, known for blending Hindustani and Carnatic styles. The performance stood out for its heavy reliance on instrumental music and rhythmic jathis, making it challenging yet captivating as the dancers navigated complex formations and exits in sync with the storyline.  N Gururaju The festival continued with a Kuchipudi performance by the promising artiste Gururaju N. He began with a traditional piece, Naandi, followed by the popular Telugu keertana Paluke Bangaram by Bhadrachala Ramadasu. The highlight of his performance was his ability to express complex emotions through his abhinaya, transporting the audience into the poetic world of Ramadasu's longing. His closing piece, Durga Tarangam, demonstrated his adeptness at both nritya and abhinaya, leaving the audience in awe of his skillful footwork and emotive storytelling.  Rekha Jagadish & Manu Jagadish The grand finale of the festival was presented by Guru Rekha Jagadish and her disciples. They began with Kanjadalayatakshi, a heartwarming portrayal of the bond between mother and son, featuring the rare sight of a mother and son performing together on stage. The group then transitioned into a powerful depiction of Goddess Durga's glory, culminating in a vibrant Thillana, an energetic conclusion that saw the young dancers executing intricate formations in perfect harmony with the music's rhythm. The Natyaninada Dance Festival was a resounding success, living up to the expectations of the knowledgeable audience. The diverse performances, ranging from Bharatanatyam to Kuchipudi, celebrated the essence of classical dance, leaving spectators with a rich cultural experience. The tagline, "An initiative by dancers for dancers," resonated through the event, as each performer delivered a mesmerizing and colorful extravaganza that will be remembered for a long time.  Srivatsa Shandilya is a photojournalist and director of International Arts & Cultural Foundation, Bengaluru. |
