Pathalalithyam reflects growth of Bharathanatyam
Dance review by Karthiga Rukmanykunthan
DANCE: Bharathanatyam performed in the Sinhalese style
|
DANCE: The grand celebration of the 30th anniversary of Natya
Kala Mandhir took place at the BMICH recently. The concert choreographed
by Kalasuri Smt. Vasugi Jegatheeswaren entertained the audiences with a
variety of Indian and Sri Lankan classical dances.
The occasion was graced by the well-known South Indian film star and
classical dancer Vinith as the chief guest. With the theme of
Pathalalithyam, the artistes of Natya Kala Mandhir delighted the
audience with a breath-taking performance. The institute dedicated to
the growth and development of Bharathanatyam in Sri Lanka celebrated its
30th successful year with pride which reflected the tremendous effort
put by its chief executive Kalasuri Smt. Vasugi Jegatheeswaren.
The program commenced in the traditional way accompanied by the
orchestra with "Nrithya Upachara". The artists presented an energetic
performance for a boosting start.
Nritta Swaravali a combination of jathis (steps sequence), and lyrics
in non-narrative sequence followed to bring the pure form of dance to
the enjoyment of the audience.
Smt. Vasugy is well-known for her cleanliness in the body movements
which she brings out through the perfect outfits of the dancers. From
the beginning of the program she maintained her standard in the costumes
matching the theme and the needs of the dance movements.
To eulogize the Hindu gods, the artists performed Manthra Pushpam and
Siva Ganesha Sthuthi which were creatively composed and choreographed
with postures, symbolic gestures and movements.
For rendering a dance to its fullest, one's needs dedication and
passion and this brings out its nuances. The artists depicted the
innovative movements bestowed by their guru taking the audience towards
an aesthetic experience.
Peacocks
The splendour of peacocks is illustrated through variety of
techniques, costumes and body movements using the folk style. Mayura
Narthanam was performed by the artists of Natya Kala Mandhir to give the
flavour of Bharathanatyam and Ravi Bandu Samanthu Narthana Ayathaneya to
give the essence of Sinhalese dance.
It is interesting to see the changes this evolutionary dance has
undergone in the past few centuries. It is important to sustain the
tradition but at the same time as time evolves changes are inevitable,
It is due to the increasing expectaton and passion of the audiences over
innovative form of art.
Creation is a challenge and the artists who break it are celebrated.
Smt. Vasugy has again proven her innate skills in this dance that she
breathes.
Living together in peace as a nation is vital to the today's era.
Bharathanatyam is a dance which could bring the modality of any
expression or emotion vividly. Any theme, message or idea could be
conveyed through this intricate dance. "Janmaboomi" emphasized
patriotism by praising our motherland Sri Lanka through the young
artists.
Expressions come through fervent devotion and the proper
comprehension of the theme. Through the dance item "Towards peace", Smt.
Vasugi emphasized the preaching of the Buddha through the young
prodigies of Natya Kala Mandhir.
Perfect timing
The highlight of the day was Layakavithai a renowned repertoire of
Smt. Vasugi. It was an exceptional performance with gorgeous sequence of
steps with perfect timing and coordination. It was brilliantly
choreographed praising the guru in a rhythmic poem.
"Thrithwa" turned out confidently on to the stage presenting a dance
form of both an Indian and a Sri Lankan mix. The dancers of Ravi Bandu
Samanthu Narthana Ayathaneya spontaneously brought out an amazing piece
of transformed creation to the delight of the crowd with impeccable
dance movements.
Experimenting distinct dance styles is common in Smt. Vasugi's
programs. "Nritha Angaharam" is a superb composition of the North Indian
Kathak of Mughal era and thecontemporary Bharathanatyam.
It contained breath-taking foot work with perfect synchronization of
the performers making it a professional piece of item for the day.
Smt. Vasugi's presentations endure in the memories of the audience
whether it is the choreography, costume, stage setting or lighting and
Pathalalithyam is yet another remarkable presentation which is without
doubt a turning point in her carrier.
Devotional art
The 30 years of contribution to this devotional art is a revolution
in the history of Sri Lankan Bharathanatyam for which veteran Smt.
Vasugi Jegatheeswaren has been conferred with innumerable awards.
Her unique style of dancing with perfection in all aspects of
presentation has gained her acclamation and recognition. Smt. Vasugi
Jegatheesawaren who is bestowing this fine art to the up coming
generation is a pioneer to the renaissance of Bharathanatyam in Sri
Lanka.
Pathalaithyam is a reflection of the tremendous growth of
Bharathanatyam in the Island. |