As an ardent connoisseur of classical arts in New Jersey and the Tri-state for over two decades, I was one of the fortunate ones to witness the Bharata Nrityam dance performance of Bala Devi Chandrashekar, on Friday, November 17, at the altar of Sri Dakshinamurthi - Arsha Bodha Center.

Bala started the programme giving a brief overview of Natya Shastra and different aspects of Bharata Nrityam. Bala began her recital with an invocation in Raga Malahari followed by Someshwara Bajema a composition of Pujyashree Swami Dayananda Saraswati in Raga Hindolam - describing the greatness of Lord Someshwara.

Music, Movies and Mamta Are you ready: Image makeover Red One for Achchamundu! Achchamundu! A day-trip to Dakshin Chitra குசேலன் நஷ்ட ஈடு: தணிந்த சூடு வில்லன் வேடத்தில் சீயான் கலங்க வைத்த இசையமைப்பாளர்

The highlight of the programme - to demonstrate the potentiality and technique Natya Shastra offers for creativity, was ‘The Jatayu Moksham’ an episode from Ramayana set to Tchaikovsky’s overture for Romeo Juliet, choreographed by Bala’s guru, Bharata Nrityam exponent, Dr Padma Subrahmanyam.

Bala’s demonstration depicted the moving episode of the divine bird. It was amazing to see Padma Subrahmanyam’s great choreography of the episode for the symphony music without the help of a single word to express the situation. Truly Tchaikovsky’s overture took a new meaning through this brilliant choreography and presentation!

This was followed by Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar’s composition steeped in the bliss of Shivananda - Sivakameshwari Chintayeham in Raga Kalyani. Bala’s performance clearly reflected upon Goddess Sivakameshwari, bringing the true fulfilment of the sentiment of shringara rasa.

This was followed by Kaavadi Chindu which was a lighter piece full of exuberance which was expressed by Bala's lightning, crisp fast paced movements. Bala concluded the programme with Saint Annamacharya’s composition - Brahmam Okate. In this dance, we could see vivid exposition of the beauty of Oneness! - “The absolute spirit is one and only one, and it’s one’s own awareness! Brahman is in everyone, everything and everywhere and one didn't have to know the language to feel what Bala was saying, that every living being is a part of the Supreme Energy.

Bala captivates the audience and holds their attention with her dance. While I am truly impressed with the way she depicts the different characters with the appropriate bhava and rasa, her exposition as a performer is extremely graceful. It is Bala's unique ability to move the viewers and make them a part of the whole experience that is truly awe-inspiring!

Usha Padmanabhan
ushapk@gmail.com