A classical dance showcase

It was a grand celebration of dance at Shilparamam, which is the stage for an ever-on going performances every weekend promoting classical art forms. Sreeja R Krishnan, Mohiniattam dancer presented first item "Jaya Deva Ashtapadi" in which Radha, who was hit with the cupid's Arrow, is disappointed with Krishna, as she sees him spend his previous night with other women. She expresses both her anguish and sorrow at being disregarded by Krishna. This is set in ragamalika and talam Adi, choreographed by Kalamandalam Sreeja R Krishna.

The second item was a lullaby, 'Omanithingal Kidavo' which is a composition of Sriraman Irayimman Tambi. who is the mentor of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal. It is composed while Maharani Gowri Lakshmi Bayi put the baby king Swathi Thirunal to sleep. The lyrics of the poem reflect this sense of relief when it refers to the baby as a treasure from God and the fruit of the tree of fortune. The song lends itself well to the expressions of the navarasas and is therefore often set to dance. Here, the dancer dons the role of mother and reflects the tender motherhood through navarasas. This is set in ragamalika to talam Adi.

Odissi dancer Preeti Lekha D Chowdary's first item was a "Nandi Shlok", which is based on the first shlok of Ankiya Nat written by Mahapurush Sankardeva. This item describes the boundless beauty of Lord Krishna and is set to taal Thukoni. The music has been composed by Sh Bhasker Jyoti Ojha and choreographed by Sh Naren Ch Barua.

The second item "Haradhanu Bhanga" was an abhinaya piece enacting the Swayamvara of Sita, the stringing of Haradhanu by Lord Rama and how he emerges victorious in the contest between the kings as they fight for Sitas hand in marriage. The item has been choreographed by late Dr Kesavananda Deva Goswami and is set to raag- Mahur and taal -Ektaal and Sutkala.

Kathak dancer Subrat presented Ganesh Vandana, "Kripa Karo Ganapati Maharaj" sung by one of the best Indian classical and pop singer Shubha Mudgal. The second one was "Mata Saraswati Sharada" composed in Raag Bharvai and Teen taal. Kathak fusion (Viraah) followed. "Hum Se Raha Nahi Jay" shows the Nayika, who hears the sound of the flute played by the Nakay, and she is unable to control herself. In a rush of adrenaline, she wishes with her heart and soul that she meets him. This song too was sung by Shubha Mudgal.

Sanghamitra and odissi group from Bhubhaneswar presented two items. 'Dou Dou Sankha Kapala Bhusita' describes the attributes of Lord Vishnu and Shiva. The second item was 'Radha Rani Sanghe Nache Murali Pani', which shows the joyful dancing of Krishna and Radha along with sakhis. The dance was performed by Sanghamitra Muduli, Monswini Mohonty, Subhashri Patnaik, Satya Prakash Sahu.

Classical dancer Neeraja presented Kuchipudi repertoire along with her group. During the morning session a quiz Competition on "Indian Dance Forms" was held at the Ethnic Hall.