the PROGRAM

PUSHPANJALI – Ragam Vasantha – Thalam Kanda Chapu

In the opening item in a dance repertoire, the dancer enters the stage offering flowers and prayers. She offers respects to God, the Guru, members of the orchestra and welcomes the audience to the recital.

KRITI – Ragam Saraswati – Thalam Adi

This dance item describes the attributes of Goddess Saraswati, wife of Lord Brahma. The dancer describes the beauty and poise of Goddess Saraswati who is the Supreme embodiment of learning, knowledge of fine arts. This item depicts the life of Saraswati and her love for her instrument, the veena. This piece was composed by Madurai Muralidharan.

VARNAM – Ragam Todi – Thalam Adi n

This item is the heart of the recital and combines the dancer’s expertise and the mastery of the Guru’s choreography. The Varnam is the most intricate and challenging piece in the recital, showcasing what the dancer has learned during her years of studying Bharatanatyam. This colorful item vividly portrays Nritha, or pure dance, and Abhinaya, or expressions throughout the dance. Beautifully composed by Madhurai N. Krishnan in the Tamil language, this item depicts Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva, and sister of Lord Vishnu. Throughout the Varnam, different stories about Parvati are shown, weaved in sections of quick footwork and pure dance.

BHAJAN – Sri Ramachandra Kripalu – Yaman – Thalam Misrachapu

This beautiful composition in the Hindi language is in praise of Lord Rama. This item depicts the compassionate attributes of Lord Rama, one who has lotus like eyes, removes miseries and gives salvation to all. This masterpiece was composed by Saint Tulasidas, author of the epic Ramayana.

KRITI – Bhushana Bhujang – Ragam – Brindavan Sarang – Talam – Jap Tal

This beautiful and vibrant Hindi composition describes the compassionate aspects of Lord Shiva, God of dance, and his love for the devotees. Composed by Pandit Bhatkande, this item showcases the strength and power of Lord Shiva.

THILLANA – Ragam Hamirkalyani -Thalam Adi

This pure dance item allows the dancer to weave beautiful patterns to vibrant music. Thillana brings out the full beauty of dance creation while the quick tempo creates an elaborate bond between the dancer and the musicians. Enjoy the beautiful poses akin to the temple walls of India and graceful movements. This Thillana was composed by Madurai Muralidharan.

MANGALAM

A brief benediction in which the dancer salutes God, the Guru the orchestra and the audience and thanks everyone for attending. The dancer bids goodbye to all with a promise to return to the stage another day.