Besides the rich variety of rhythmic excellence and delightful melodies, the unique characteristic of Bharatha Natyam is its Abhinayam. Here, there is easy and smooth co-ordination in the expression of hand gestures, body movements and facial expressions, bringing out the subtlest of human feelings.
Nadeeshika Sridevi’s Abhinayam found appropriate presentation of all these attributes in full measure in both Tamil and Sinhala dance compositions.
Recently, before a capacity audience of dance lovers, Sridevi, disciple of Kalaichelvi Nirmala John, began her Bharatha Natya Arangetram recital with the auspicious Vinayaga Vandanam entreating Lord Ganesha, the lord who clears all obstacles, for a smooth performance.
This was in Ragam Arabhi and in Thalam Aadhi. Then followed the traditional repertoire commencing with Alarippu and ending in Thillana.
Her enactment of Shiva Dharshanam in Ragam Revathi and in Thalam Aadhi was an absolute treat. She conveyed by her dance the high basic philosophy underlining it. The Hindu mind cannot conceive of any conflict between religion, aesthetics and science. This synthesis is nowhere better realized than in the cosmic dance of Shiva. Sridevi rose to great delightful heights, combining smooth and easy movements with varied rhythmic foot-work.
The musical ambience was provided by the orchestra--Nattuvangam -- Nirmala John; vocal -- Arunanthy Aruran, Visharadha Chandana Liyanaarachchi, and Abarna Arunachalam; miruthangam -- V. Jambunathan; violin – Thivakaran; flute – Kumara Liyanawatta; taala tharangam -- Rathnam Rathnadurai; keyboard – Indrajith Mirihana; and bass guitar – Sarath Gamage.
The excellent performance of Sridevi could not have been achieved without the support and encouragement of her parents Jayabalan and Namali.
Sridevi has all the requisites to blossom as a front line Bharatha Natyam dancer, said chief guest Prof. Gnanaa Kulendran, commending the young dancer on her delightful performance.
By Professor. K. Ariaratnam
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