Sai Nrityotsava I in Bangalore 

 June 20, 2009 

 
Art lovers in Bangalore were treated to an evening of classical dance by young dancers at the Seva Sadan Auditorium on the 1st of June 2009.  Sai Nrityotsav, organized by Sai Arts International in association with the World Dance Alliance, Asia Pacific - Karnataka Chapter, with the specific intent of promoting upcoming artistes practicing various dance forms, was the first in a proposed monthly series, and included performances of Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Mohiniattam.  
 
Inauguration: Suparna Venkatesh, Vimala Rangachar and Sai Venkatesh 
  
Nandana Sivakumar, who performed first, presented a Bharatanatyam recital comprising Pushpanjali, the invocatory piece 'Gajavadana' in Sreeranjini raga, an appealing interpretation of the devarnama 'Baro Krishnayya,' and an energetic and well executed Thillana in Abhogi, attesting to her meticulous tutelage under Suparna Venkatesh.  

Vidya Venkatram, also a Bharatanatyam dancer, daughter and disciple of Vasanthalakhmi, followed with the elaborately structured padavarna  
'EMaguva’ in Dhanyasi raga and adi thala, and the Purandaradasa devarnama 'Jaganmohanane Krishna' prefaced with a sloka from 'Krishnakarnamritha,' displaying remarkable emotive and rhythmic skills, and firm control over the technical elements of the genre.  
 

Sai Venkatesh with Chitra Venugopal and disciples
   
The Kathak recital by Jhalak, Chaitra, Devika, Ashnaa, Prabhati, Mihika, Surabhi, Sumana, Suraiya and Anjana, disciples of Chitra Venugopal, comprised Ganesh and Saraswathi Vandana, Basaveswara Vachana, a Surdas bhajan, a tarana, and the scintillating 'Taala Mala,' notable for the variety of rhythms performed with perfect synchronization.  

Swapna Rajendrakumar, disciple of Sunanda Nair, presented an invocation to Lord Ganesha, followed by 'Chandana Charchitha' a beautifully choreographed ashtapadi set to a melodious Mohanam, and 'Jeeva,' a pure dance item replete with lively rhythmic sequences, in the Mohiniattam idiom. Radhika Ramanujam, disciple of Bharatanatyam dancers Kiran Subramanian and Sandhya Kiran performed a vibrant 'Neeradasama' in Jayanthasri raga and adi thala in the tisra and khanda gathi variations, an expressive elucidation of the Madhuvanthi padam 'Kanda Naal Muthalal,' and an animated thillana in Simhendramadhyamam, revealing commendable expertise and confidence. 
  
The program was well organized, with little or no delay between performances and excellent arrangements. Opportunities such as this will no doubt help the participants to attain greater and more professional levels of artistry and maturity, and enhance and complement their talent and training.