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 Rasanubhava Dance Festival, Bengaluru: A debut of artistic synergy - Romel Kushalappa Photos: Mukesh Murali of M3 Captures May 13, 2025 A new beacon lit up Bengaluru's cultural landscape with the launch of the Rasanubhava Dance Festival - a multidisciplinary celebration of Indian classical dance, presented by Natesha Nrithyalaya, School of Classical Dance, Bangalore, under the guidance of Nayana Srinivasamurthy. Held at the aesthetically vibrant Bangalore International Centre (BIC), the inaugural edition on April 19, 2025, welcomed a packed house of art lovers. Designed as a recurring platform for emerging and established artists, Rasanubhava seeks to foster rich conversations between tradition and innovation through classical dance. The evening was inaugurated by Dr. Neena Prasad and Ramaa Bharadvaj, who also graced the occasion as Guests of Honour. The performances were tastefully enhanced by evocative lighting by Surya Rao, enveloping the space in subtle yet powerful visual moods.  Nayana Srinivasamurthy Setting the spiritual tone of the evening was festival curator and Bharatanatyam artiste Nayana Srinivasamurthy, who presented the invocatory performance titled Samarpan. In a homage to Lord Ganesha through the resonant kriti of Muthuswami Dikshitar, "Vatapi Gaṇapatim Bhajeham" choreographed by Dr. Neena Prasad, Nayana interwove the Ganapati Kautuvam with lyrical storytelling. She invoked Ganesha both as the presiding deity of beginnings, and as the Pranava Swaroopa - the embodiment of the primordial sound Om, seated in the Muladhara Chakra. The narrative unfolded the legend of Sage Vyasa and Ganesha during the writing of the Mahabharata - how Ganesha agreed to be Vyasa's scribe on the condition that the recitation would never halt, and how Vyasa embedded profound meanings in his verses, causing Ganesha to pause and reflect, thus granting the sage moments of respite. This moment of divine negotiation was brought alive through expressive abhinaya and clear nritta.  Krishnendu Saha Krishnendu Saha, a student of Guru Sharmila Biswas, took to the stage next with a solo Odissi performance. His Shiv Parvati Shabda, inspired by the Shabda Nrutya tradition of Western Odisha vibrantly reflected the cosmic duality of Tandava and Lasya, symbolizing the masculine and feminine energies of Shiva and Shakti in harmonious balance. The choreography, music (by Guru Ramahari Das), and rhythm (by Guru Dhaneswar Swain) created a compelling opening. Krishnendu's second piece, Dasavatara, traced the avatars of Vishnu through the lens of cosmic evolution. His portrayal of the Kurma Avatar, especially through his eyes and physical transformation, stood out as a deeply internalized moment of performance. The soundscape too played a vital role - ethereal and earthy in turns - offering an immersive experience. With grace and conviction, Krishnendu brought his guru's choreography to life, blending tradition with introspection.  Parshwanath Upadhye & Adithya PV The final presentation of the evening, ATAH: Connecting the Dots, marked its Indian premiere with an electrifying duet by Parshwanath Upadhye and Adithya PV. Conceptually abstract yet visually compelling, the piece unfolded as a movement dialogue of energy, rhythm, and internal exploration. Their second half, Baro Krishnaiyya, was a triumphant reimagining of the classic devotional piece. Infused with humor, and bhakti, it explored the dynamic between devotee and Lord Krishna through layered anecdotes and fresh choreographic intent. Parshwanath's hallmark sense of timing, wit, and theatricality lit up the stage, while Adithya's quiet strength and responsiveness complemented the chemistry. This was not just performance; it was narrative dance at its most compelling. As Ramaa Bharadvaj aptly remarked during her address: "This is what I call originality - not an attempt at newness, but a return to origins that resurfaces with freshness and soul." The inaugural Rasanubhava Dance Festival delivered on its promise - a celebration not just of form, but of feeling, finesse, and artistry. With such a thoughtfully curated debut, this festival is poised to become a cherished annual event in the classical dance circuit of Bangalore.  Romel Kushalappa is a passionate teacher, avid traveler, and the founder and chairman of K3 Educational Trust. With a mission to empower minds through education, art and technology, he collaborates with multiple organizations to drive innovation, inspire unity, and build a brighter future for communities. |
