| The India
International School and the Indian Dance Educators Association (IDEA),
both centered in metropolitan Washington, DC area, joined forces to present
the first graduation recital of three budding Kathak dancers on August
23rd, 2002, in Arlington, Virginia, U.S.A. Neha Athale, Raashi Rastogi
and Sheila Oak were groomed for the recital by Mrs. Asha Vattikuti, their
dance teacher for the last eight years. Mrs. Vattikuti put together an
interesting program, which had academic moments and light-hearted elements
in equal measure. The youthful dancers appeared together and separately,
each having opportunity to display her own personality and charm.
The program
opened in traditional fashion with Rangmanch Pooja, Saraswati Vandana,
and technical elements such as Thaat, Paran, Jaati, Tukda, and Gat Chaals.
The dancers were appropriately attired in sparkling white dresses, with
simple primary-colored dupattas for highlight. They performed with accuracy
the intricate bols, and invoked Saraswati in a shower of petals. All three
smiled confidently and gave a relaxed, free rendition that showed rehearsal
time well spent.
The program
expanded in a variety of solos and duets. A favorite of the audience was
the charming song “Ghungru Toot Gaye” performed in a nostalgic manner by
Raashi, who wore a rich reddish-orange Mughal-style costume. Sheila
gained loud applause with her rendition of the classic Bindadin Maharaj
composition “Ched Chadi.” Her sparkling eyes and mischievous glance from
under her bright saffron veil were delightful, and her footwork was sharp
and true to the taal. Neha demonstrated fast chakras in the solo item “Abke
Khelungi Holi Jhatake,” and her deep crimson ghagra swirled to perfection.
The group Thumari, “Ghara Nahi Hamre Shyam,” performed in jewel-toned silk
lahengas, was lyrical and technically demanding. The footwork combined
smoothly with the expressional demands of the item, for a final effect
of virtuosity that was quite impressive coming from a group of 17-year-olds.
Their teacher, Ashaji, explained that these young dancers have been watching
visiting artists presented in IDEA dance festivals for the past eight years
in the Washington area, and have soaked up the good points of each and
every performance to their own advantage.
As a harbinger
of future graduation recitals to be presented by the IDEA member teachers,
this event was a wonderful first step. The Arlington County Commission
for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a Division of the Department of Parks, Recreation,
and Community Resources, is to be thanked and congratulated for supporting
the presentation of Indian dancing in Northern Virginia, where so many
Indian experts have made their homes. The climate is right for increased
appreciation of Indian dancing in America, and Asha Vattikuti’s students
have set a fine precedent. |
