 Symposium and Bharata Nrityam performance in NJ
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| Students of Shree Padma Nrityam Academy of Performing Arts, Princeton, NJ |
CMANA is proud to have joined Shree Padma Nrityam Academy of Performing Arts - SPNAPA - in the symposium-cum-performance titled ‘Garland of Pearls from Great Composers’ on the January 27, 2007.
The programme was presented by the academy in conjunction with the Princeton Historical Society. The programme was funded by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities and supported by Carnatic Music Association of North America
(CMANA). The event provided a large and diverse audience with a glimpse of the variety as well as the depth of classicism in Bharata
Nrityam.
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| Bala Devi Chandrashekar |
SPNAPA showcased the unique components of the dance form Bharata Nrityam and other nuances via the exhibits. The scholarly panel discussion and lec-dem chaired by Patricia Mayer – chair, Department of Dance, Mason Gross School of Arts, Rutgers University, and Indira Peterson, chair, Adian Studies Program, Mount Holyoke College, was very informative and scholarly. The symposium beautifully flowed into a brilliantly carved dance presentation through the main Bharata Nrityam dance performance by Bala Devi
Chandrashekar. SPNAPA showcased the depth of classicism through the grand Bharatha Nrityam tribute to the great composers.
The energy that Bala brought to each dance item was very enjoyable and contagious while the dynamic expressions were very artistic and meticulous. Be it the portrayal of the genesis of the sapthaswaras in Nada thanumanisam or the charming face of Sivakameswari or the rowdhram of Raavana or the rhythmic swinging of Hari’s palanquin in
Dolayam, there was a constant and strict adherence to the Dr Padma Subramanyam style of Bharatha Nrityam which is distinct from other styles. The students upheld these traditions with dexterous footwork and depictions whether it was the calm face of Sita or the mischievous gait of the
vanaras.
Overall, it was a well choreographed and conducted programme - our congratulations to SPNAPA and its founder/director Bala Devi Chandrashekar.
Sankar Narayan
Vice-president – CMANA
(Carnatic Music Association of North America)
New Jersey
nadopasana@gmail.com
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