A celebration of dance

‘Sri Vari Padalu’, the dance academy of guru N Rama Devi celebrated its second anniversary a few days ago. The occasion was presided over by CV Hariharan, Vice-Chairman, FATPCCI as chief guest and A Mahesh, Regional Manager Revlon as guest of honour.

Over 50 students gave an exemplary demonstration of Bharatanatyam. The young artistes have to be appreciated for their commendable performance which points to the patient diligence of their guru in teaching them this sublime artform.

‘Pushpanjali’ in ‘Amrutavarshini’ was the first item, which like an offering of flowers to the gods is also a salutation to the audience. ‘Alarippu’ is generally the first invitation piece in a ‘Margam’ learned by dancers.

This was in ‘Tisram’. ‘Jatiswaram’ in Saveri which is a combination of Jati and Swara patterns is usually Tala centric, containing Solkattu usages unlike the similarly named Swarajati which has Sahityam in word patterns.

‘Mahishasura Mardhini’ stotram by Adi Sankaracharya was strikingly done. Annamacharya kriti ‘Sreemannarayana’ had the presence of two senior students who are both doctors but taken time from their busy profession.

‘Bhavayami Raghuramam’, a dance drama originally composed by Swathi Thirunal in Saveri but now set in Ragamalika was charmingly enacted by the youngsters. Rohitha excelled in the role of Kaikeyi, a briskly done ‘Kadana Koothuhalam Thillana’ of Balamurali concluded the performance. Students include Dr Deepthi Reddy, Durga, Akruthi, Vanaja, Shreya, Veda among others. The program was done to crystal clear recorded music.

By Anna Rao