Rangapravesha
By Dr. H.N.Ramaswamy
Ms. Pallavi Sastry, a student of Mrs. Chandrika
Chandran of Natyanjali School of dance performed a splendid
Bharatha Natya dance at the Roswell Cultural Center on Sunday,
August 5.2007.
Pallavi’s dance recital was on the occasion of her “Rangapravesha”,
which literally means “ascending the stage”. It marks the formal
maiden presentation of a dancer after completing her initial
training and reaching the proper level for a public performance.
The live orchestra comprised of Mrs. Sujatha Rayburn(Vocal), Mr.
Satish Menon (vocal), K. Suresh (Mrudangam) Mr. Rajiv Bharadwaja(flute) and Kartik Balachandran (Violin). Mrs.
Chandrika Chandran and her daughter Ms. Nisha Chandran also
accompanied the orchestra.
The recital started with invocation dance followed by a
Ragamalika and “Shabdam”. A “Varna” an elaborate dance
encompassing vivid facial expressions, intricate footwork,
involving the three distinct elements, natya (dance) bhaava
(expressions) and
Abhinaya (gestures) were all exquisitely exhibited to a song in
Nilamabari raga in the praise of lord Muruga. About 35 minutes
of this “Varna” showcased Pallavi’s depth of knowledge of
Bharatha natya, unfaltering training, perseverance, commitment
and stamina.
The rendering of a dance to “Bo Shambo” in the praise of Lord
Shiva was scintillating. The energetic footwork complementing
the rich singing voice of Mr. Satish Menon enthralled the 300+
audience in the auditorium. Pallavi’s impeccable dance created
an illusion of Lord Shiva dancing in Kailasa.
The pleasing decoration of the stage, meticulously arranged
backdrop lighting and sound added grandeur.
The last dance “Suddha Nrittam” was unique. The only
accompaniment to the dance was mrudanga (Percussion). The beat
and rhythm of mrudanga tune to the footwork of the dancer was
reverberating. The audience was spell bound and were amazed at
the Pallavi’s composure, expressions and footwork.
The traditional “Rangapravesha” elements Jathiswara, allaripu
and tillana were choreographed into various dances.
Ms. Pallavi, daughter of Mrs Bharathi & Mr. Aaruna Sastry,
studied classical Bharatha Natya for nine years. She is a junior
at Chattahoochee High School, in Alpharetta. She is a bright,
active and enthusiastic student. She recently attended Governors
Honors Program in Spanish in Valdosta, Georgia.
The emcees of the event Ms.Rashmi Murthy and Ms. Amitha Ananth
were immaculate.
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