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The Kottur dance
 ‘Kottur Sisters’ R J Shruti and R J Abhinaya, disciples of ‘Natya Sankalpaa’ guru, Kalaimamani Urmila Satyanarayana, gave a 75-minute delectable dance recital under the auspices of
Kartik Fine Arts at the Narada Gana Sabha mini-hall, recently (May 7).
What was most noteworthy about the teenaged duo’s performance was their brimming self-confidence and acquired proficiency. It was quite obvious they had rehearsed diligently.
From the Nattai pushpanjali (Dhandayuthapani Pillai) to the marathon Varnam ‘Bhaavayaami
Raghuramam' (ragamalika – Roopakam - Swathi Thirunal) wherein the mini–Ramayana highlighting important
epic episodes were portrayed, the two young artistes displayed commendable skill and adept technical nuances.
The timing, the theermaanams, the nritta-nritya and natya aspects of
Bharatanatyam bore high-class merit, worthy of their illustrious guru, who conducted the nattuvangam with keen discipline and encouraging mother’s touch. But, is it not high time that they mastered the most important ‘araimandi’, the half-sit-knees-turned-sideways position, the basic essential of this fine art? They are so good otherwise, but why this correctible shortcoming? Many shared this concern with me. A half-araimandi is no araimandi at all, Urmila! It is only a ‘kaalmandi’ (1/4)! Please correct your wards straightaway. They are both excellent material, dance-wise. They are good students too! Like a mother about her daughter, the guru also will be blamed for her wards’ inefficiencies despite all other efficiencies. Please listen to me.
The Varnam - Ramayana-scenes were truly a colourful blend of the varied aspects of this taxing number. Mark my words and make no mistake. Shruti and Abhinaya, aptly named daughters of Dr Ranganathan Jothi and Vaishnavi Jothi, are very talented. That is why their improvable blemishes are pointed out in good spirit, as behoves an elderly, objective
rasika-reviewer.
Urmila’s impeccable
nattuvangam, Swamimalai Suresh’s vocal expertise, Dhananjayan’s striking percussion, Kalaiarasan’s melodious strings and Venkatesan’s sweet strains deserve warm appreciation.
R Srinivasan
Published on 18th May 2004
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