Report 

Symposium and Bharata Nrityam performance hosted by Princeton Historical Society  
- Sankar Narayan, New Jersey  
e-mail: nadopasana@gmail.com 
 
 
February 20, 2007 

 
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 Jan 27, 2007. The event was presented by Sri Padma Nrityam Academy of Performing Arts in conjunction with the Princeton Historical Society. The program was funded by the NJ 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. 
 SPNAPA showcased the unique components of the dance form and other nuances via the exhibits.  The scholarly panel discussion and lec-dem chaired by Patricia Mayer – Chair, Dept. of Dance, Mason Gross School of Arts, Rutgers University and Indira Peterson, Chair, Asian 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 as a tribute in Bharatha Nrityam to the Great Composers.  
Students of Shree Padma Nrityam Academy of Performing Arts, Princeton, NJ
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 Sapthswaras 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 Subrahmanyam 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 program. Our congratulations to SPNAPA and its Founder/director Bala Devi Chandrashekar. 
 

Sankar Narayan is the Vice President of CMANA (Carnatic Music Association of North America), New Jersey.