Bala Devi
Chandrashekar performs at Umayalpuram
August 25, 2006 Bala Devi Chandrashekar’s Bharata Nrityam performance was one of the highlights of the Mahotsavam. The guest of Honor was Pujyashree Swami Dayananda Saraswathi. The theme of Bala's performance revolved around 'Bhakti Rasa' - nectar of devotion through dance. The recital commenced with Bala dancing for Dr. Balamurali Krishna's Pushpanjali in Arabhi. The item was brisk, bringing out the variety of tala and the execution of intricate adavus with grace and sparkle. The next item
"Sri Rama" in Bhairavi ragam composed by Meenakshi Subrahmanyam (mother
of Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam) was the highlight of the evening. Following
this was the Sanjeevani Ashtapathi Priye Charusheele. Bala's performance
brought out the sweet, clever and pacifying words spoken by Mura to Radha
with true devotion and reflected the richness of her guru Padma Subrahmanyam's
choreography
In the final song "Baro Krishnayya" by saint Kanakadasa, Bala's depiction of Yashoda beckoning child Krishna with vatsalya taking his hand and walking along before scooping him up in her arms was remarkable. As she brought to life Krishna's image, turning to give darshan to Kanakadasa, the audience was spellbound. Bala's performance
uplifted the Umayalpuram rasikas to a higher level of spiritual consciousness.
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