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 Midhilalaya Dance Academy's 41st Anniversary: A luminous celebration of tradition and artistry - Bijoy Shivram e-mail: bijoyshivram@gmail.com Photos: Adarsh Prathap February 16, 2025 In a resplendent confluence of devotion, discipline, and artistic excellence, Midhilalaya Dance Academy's 41st anniversary unfurled as a celestial celebration of Bharatanatyam. Over two spellbinding days, audiences were transported into a world where tradition met innovation, where rhythm spoke, and where storytelling transcended the physical realm. With 23 meticulously curated performances and a breath-taking dance drama, the event was nothing short of a magnum opus. At the heart of this extraordinary celebration stood Guru V. Mydhili, a luminary whose artistic vision has shaped generations. Her choreographic brilliance, rooted in the classical framework yet pulsating with creative ingenuity, breathed new life into the compositions of revered maestros - Muthuswami Dikshitar, Gopalakrishna Bharathi, Periyasaamy Tooran, Dandayudhapani Pillai, Papanasam Sivan and the illustrious Thanjavur Quartet. Each performance was sculpted with an exquisite balance of nritta and abhinaya, leaving an indelible mark in the audience's hearts.   From the very first invocation - Ganapati Stuthi - the air was charged with divine energy. The ethereal Keerthanam Adenamma, an evocative homage to Lord Shiva, set the stage for an evening of emotive storytelling. The rhythmic vibrancy of Tishra Alarippu and the devotional grandeur of Thodaya Mangalam cast an entrancing spell, while Sabhapathy and Shabdam – Thillai Ambalam vividly illustrated the cosmic grace of Lord Nataraja. Exuberance radiated through Vilayattu Pillai, a joyous celebration of Krishna's playful mischief, contrasting beautifully with the tranquil reverence of Padmanabha Stuti. The dancers' mastery of pure movement reached its zenith in Jatiswaram, a dazzling display of rhythm and precision. The soulful Theruvil Vaaraano, imbued with aching devotion, resonated deeply, while Kautvam paved the way for the pièce de résistance - Varnam, a masterstroke by Guru Kalyanasundaram, seamlessly intertwining intricate jathis with soul-stirring abhinaya.   Saakhya The evening's crown jewel, Saakhya - An Ode to Friendship, was a theatrical revelation. Conceptualized by Guru V. Mydhili and brought to life by Prof. Gayathri Vijayalakshmi, Leela Panikkar and others, this dance drama transcended performance - it was an experience. The synergy of evocative expressions, precise footwork, and mesmerizing music left the audience spellbound by its emotional depth.  Varsha Rajendran  Vidhun Kumar  Dr. Karthika Gopan  Amba Hari A staggering 86 students, spanning the spectrum from tender beginners to seasoned disciples, graced the stage, embodying the unwavering dedication of Guru Mydhili. Among them stood professionals - doctors, engineers, academics - including Dr. Karthika Gopan, Vidhun Kumar, Prof. Gayathri Vijayalakshmi, Leela Panikkar, Gouri P. Nair, Varsha Rajendran and Amba Hari - each returning to their revered guru, proving that the love for Bharatanatyam defies the bounds of career and time. The elegant anchoring by Parvathy Akhilesh wove a seamless narrative through the evening, adding a refined touch to the festivities.  Gayathri Vijayalakshmi & Leela Panikkar  Gouri P Nair The event's musical brilliance was elevated by an extraordinary ensemble: Guru V. Mydhili's deft nattuvangam, the mellifluous vocals of Annapoorna Pradeep and the masterful accompaniment of Bombay Ganesh (mridangam), Navaneeth Krishnan (violin), and Hariprasad Subramanian (flute). Their seamless synergy imbued each performance with a divine aura. Distinguished guests adorned the occasion - renowned playback singer B. Arundhathi on the first day, followed by Her Highness Pooyam Thirunal Gowri Parvathi Bayi of the Travancore Royal Family. Soorya Krishnamurthy graced the second day, encouraged, and blessed all the participants. The venue, the prestigious Vailopilly Samskrithi Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram, lent an aura of grandeur befitting the momentous celebration.  Guru V Mydhili Born into the illustrious Vellappatt family of Palakkad, Guru V. Mydhili's destiny is etched in the rhythms of Bharatanatyam. From her formative training at Kerala Kalamandalam to her transformative years under Guru Vempati Chinna Satyam, her journey has been a testament to perseverance and artistic brilliance. As the founder of Midhilalaya Dance Academy, she has nurtured over 3,000 disciples, leaving an indelible legacy through productions like Ramayana, Dasavatharam, Rivers, Kalpataru, and more. Honoured with the Kaisiki Puraskar and Guru Pooja Puraskaram, her contribution to the world of Bharatanatyam remains unparalleled. Midhilalaya's 41st anniversary was not merely an event; it was an immortalized moment in the continuum of Bharatanatyam's glorious tradition. It was a night of rapturous applause, tear-filled eyes, and hearts brimming with devotion. It was a luminous reaffirmation that classical arts, when nurtured with love, discipline and innovation, continue to resonate across time, space and generations. A spectacle to cherish, a memory to treasure - a testament to the timeless beauty of Bharatanatyam. .  Son of journalists K Shivram and Amni Shivram, the first Malayali woman English journalist, Bijoy Shivram is an accomplished Indian classical dancer trained in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. A passionate promoter of the arts and a skilled graphic designer, he currently serves as the Vice Principal of JG College of Performing Arts and the Assistant Director (Operations) overseeing 17 JG colleges. He is also the founder of Preksha, an organization dedicated to the promotion of art and culture in Ahmedabad. Since 2020, Bijoy has curated the YouTube series 'Gurudakshina - An Ode to our Gurus,' celebrating the legacy of mentorship and tradition. |
