Indian dancers from US enthrall

The weekend cultural activities at Shilparamam witnessed stellar performances by a pair of classical dancers based in the US. On Saturday it was a Kuchipudi recital by Pushyami, Art Director of Sai Nrityalaya based in Atlanta. She had the distinction of being trained and having accompanied on various tours, the renowned and eminent Padma Sri Dr Sobha Naidu as well as guidance from the great maestro Padma Bhushan Vempati Chinna Satyam.

She started with ‘Bho Shambho’ in Revathi, portraying Lord Shiva as the Lord who carries Ganga on his head, is infinite, pure and forever dancing. Showing compassion to his devotees, he frees them from ‘Sansara Sagara’. Worshipped by Matanga Muni he is the supreme master of the universe. ‘Palukuthenalathali’ in Abheri , an Annamacharya Keertana shows the goddess Alamelumanga.

Her charming beauty is extolled in vivid descriptions of her sweet lethargy after being with her Lord which are a treat. The Tarangam, central piece of Kuchipudi repertoire was ‘Krishnam Kalayasakhi’ by Narayanateertha from the Krishna Leela Tarangam. The episode of baby Krishna as a child destroying the demoness Puthana was excellently conveyed by Pushyami.

The second program was a Bharatanatyam recital organised to celebrate the diamond jubilee of the Navya Nataka Samithi on Sunday at Telugu University. Amulya Ponna is a student of medicine in Philadelphia. She has participated in several cultural and charitable events abroad. She started with the prayer song ‘Mahaganapathim’, an energetic invocatory salutation to Lord Ganesha. A pushpanjali in Naata Raagam, which is likened to the unfurling of a bud into a blossoming flower in classical dance repertoire followed next.

Alarippu, essential part of the traditional Margam was in Naatukuranji. The Tamil Shabdam was the interaction of Srirama-Parasurama Samvadam in Ragamalika. Amulya skillfully showed both the characters, who meet in a climacteric scene of the Ramayana. The substantial Varnam, also in Ragamalika was on Sri Krishna which concluded the program. KV Ramanachary graced the occasion as chief guest and felicitated the artistes.

By G Anna Rao