When expression meets dance

Mummaneni Subbarao Sidhartha Kalapeetham organised a Nritya malika titiled “Trayambaka”, presented by Sheela Unnikrishnan and her disciples on Sunday evening at Sidhartha auditorium. Sheela Unnikrishnan is an exponent of Bharatanatyam, one of the seven classical dance styles of India. Sheela was a good choreographer and she combined her dance compositions with tradition, innovation and creativity.

Sheela was trained in Melathur style of Bharathanatyam under late Guru M Sundaram. Sheela started a dance school called Sridevi Nrithyalaya in Chennai. The disciples of Sheela had participated in the prestigious festivals like Konark Dance Festival, Vysaki Nrithyotsav and Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, Chidambaram, Tanjavur, Mayavaram, Perur, Tiruvaroor and also abroad. Sheela choreographed more than 300 solo dance items, eight concept based features and seven dance dramas in Bharatanatyam.

The concept “Trayambaka” was designed by Sheela Unni Krishnan and it depicts the Sri Lalita Devi Mahatyam. The name ‘Trayi’ stands for many things. It denotes the Rugveda, Yajurveda and Samaveda. Similarly it also indicates human attitudes like Rajasa, Tamo and Satva. Devi Lalita says that every human being should leave Rajo and tamasa qualities to lead a peaceful life. In this bunch of dance items Sheela presented the qualities of the deities Lakshmi, Saraswathi and Kamakshi.

The programme traditionally commenced with the item Pushpanjali in Gambheera Nattai ragam and followed by varnam in Sivaranjani. The dance also included items like ‘Kamakshmi Stuti” in Kamalamanohari ragam, Lakshmi Bhajan in ragamalika, ‘Dukha Nivarana Astakam’ in ragamalika, ‘Ashta Lakshmi stothram’ also in ragamalika, ‘Saraswathi Bhajan in Yaman Kalyani ragam, ‘Navavarna Kriti’ in Naadanaamakriya ragam. The dance pices concluded with the item ‘Mahishasura Mardini Stothram.

The artistes Harini Jeevita, Bhiravi Venkatesh, Kameswari Ganesh, Mridula Sivakumar, Mrunalini Sivakumar, Rajadarshini, Sitara, Advita and Sanjana Ramesh have exhibited excellent expressions and perfect ‘Pada narthana’ (foot work). The closing movement for each item composed by Sheela were impressive. The choreographer and director of the show had utilised the technical inputs like lighting and coordination effectively, which attracted the connoisseurs.

Soft and melodious vocal support was rendered by Chitrabai and Krishnakumar. Able instrumental support provided by Subrahmanya Raju on violin, Bharadwaj on mridangam and Kumar Babu on flute. Dr Chivukula Sundara Rama Sarma, secretary Kala peetham introduced the artistes to the gathering. The artistes were felicitated by Kala Peetham President P Lakshmana Rao. K Manmdha Rao coordinated the programme.