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 'Sangama' by Svarita ensemble - V.V. Ramani e-mail: ramanigaru@gmail.com Photos: Universalrasika Madhukar March 21, 2025 An aesthetically designed stage ambience with lamps, bronze and wooden figurines, and a neatly draped platform for the musicians, greeted the viewers on February 16, 2025 at JSS Auditorium, Bengaluru, as the curtains rose for a Bharatanatyam performance 'Sangama - Confluence of artistic minds' by Svarita Ensemble, a trio of three young dancers Nikhitha Manjunath, VKS Madhumita, Viyaneetha Ramesh, disciples of Guru Sathyanarayana Raju. Svarita, which means melody of dance, was a title given by Sharat R Prabhat and the performance true to its name, unfolded as an amalgamation of musical melody and movements.  The adherence of these youngsters to maintain classicism in their presentation that was structured on a traditional Margam repertoire, was noteworthy. A pushpanjali in ragam Valachi composed by Murali Parthasarathy, was the opening number, which the trio had choreographed incorporating interesting formations. The centerpiece of the evening was the Ata tala, Kambhoji raga Varnam 'Sarasijhanabha' choreographed by Guru Kittappa Pillai. The beautifully composed Varnam was danced maintaining its authenticity in the manner in which it had been taught to Sathyanarayana Raju. The theermanams were crisp, filled with precise footwork and adavu movements in varied kalapramanams and each one of the dancers danced with perfect angasuddham and layasuddham. The few episodes that were used for sancharis were brief and communicated with clarity. The visualisation of Dasavataaram was beautifully conceived with the three dancers moving around in circles, taking turns one after another to depict each Avataar. The stories of Gajendra moksham and use of Thaanam for Draupadi was interesting. The Sita swayamvaram episode without unnecessary dramatics, the transformation of Ahalya into stone by showing a figure shrinking slowly were some memorable moments. The spontaneity with which a dancer picked up a fallen jhumka, incorporating it as a part of the fruits being collected by Shabari was a commendable improvisation. A Javali medley penned by Sharat R Prabhat with the musical composition by Vasudha Balakrishna portraying three nayikas - Vasakasajjha, Khandita and Abhisarika had been choreographed in a captivating manner by Sathyanarayana Raju. The emotions of each nayika, their distinct variations, flowed from one dancer to another in a seamless pattern. As each dancer was expressing the emotions, the counter reactions of the other two passive dancers which were danced in a subtle manner, added interest to the piece. This idea of medley in place of individual songs for each dancer, was an interesting addition to the repertoire.   A Devi Stuti, 'Nee padame gati,' in Nalinakanthi ragam composed by G N Balasubramaniam, brought out the varied attributes of mother goddess. An energetic and vibrant Thillana in raga Maand, choreographed by Sathyanarayana Raju was danced with great synchrony and finesse by the three young girls, who form the Svarita Ensemble. The importance of an inspiring musical ensemble was evident in this performance. From the opening note, beginning with a prayer to Lord Ganesha, each member of the orchestra played their parts with such perfection that it enhanced the impact of the dance expression. Vasudha Balakrishna's melodious and expressive vocal rendition was a great asset. The soft but powerful flourishes on the mridangam by Vidyashankar, haunting notes on the flute by Karthik Sathavalli, and classicism on the veena strings by Prasanth Rudrapatna, provided the right touches to the musical output. Chaitra R Jagadeesh was at the helm holding the cymbals for nattuvangam. It was an enjoyable evening, where the beauty of classicism in dance was projected with conviction, and this talented trio and their guru need to be applauded wholeheartedly.  V.V. Ramani is a Chennai based multi-dimensional artist working in diverse fields ranging from collages and painting, teaching art, textile and costume designing, stage sets designing and wedding decor, to writing on visual and performing arts. |
