After a long long time, I went to see a Bharata Natyam recital last Friday. Being a Kalamandalam Kolkata alumni ensures that I get invites to many dance programs and I was determined not to miss this one. I was eager to see this recital by a Kalamandalam student, Ashesha.
Ashesha started off with a Ganesha Vandana, Padi Padi Nee Padame, a tribute to Lord Ganesha. Having danced Padi Padi myself many a year back I sat forward eagerly to watch it being performed. Ashesha's technique coudn't be faulted. It was evident that she had put in many hours of practice and that she is dedicated to her art. The Ganesha Vandana was followed by Ramayana Sabdam, then a Varnam. Ashesha also performed Akasha Lingam, a dance filled with acrobatic postures and one that requires boundless energy. She proved to be up to the task and rounded off the recital with a Thillana.
Ashesha's performance was clean and sharp. However, it seemed to lack a little bit of life. A little less attention to technique and a little more attention to feeling would have raised her performance to the next level. Maybe it was because she performed the items I knew very well and had performed myself, I found something lacking in her performance. When a dancer is on stage, she needs to look happy and totally involved in her art. It could have been nervousness. After all, this was her first solo recital. That is what brings joy to the audience as well.
She is a young artist and has a good many years of performing ahead of her. I sincerely wish her all the best and hope that she learns to enjoy the art more.
Ashesha started off with a Ganesha Vandana, Padi Padi Nee Padame, a tribute to Lord Ganesha. Having danced Padi Padi myself many a year back I sat forward eagerly to watch it being performed. Ashesha's technique coudn't be faulted. It was evident that she had put in many hours of practice and that she is dedicated to her art. The Ganesha Vandana was followed by Ramayana Sabdam, then a Varnam. Ashesha also performed Akasha Lingam, a dance filled with acrobatic postures and one that requires boundless energy. She proved to be up to the task and rounded off the recital with a Thillana.
Ashesha's performance was clean and sharp. However, it seemed to lack a little bit of life. A little less attention to technique and a little more attention to feeling would have raised her performance to the next level. Maybe it was because she performed the items I knew very well and had performed myself, I found something lacking in her performance. When a dancer is on stage, she needs to look happy and totally involved in her art. It could have been nervousness. After all, this was her first solo recital. That is what brings joy to the audience as well.
She is a young artist and has a good many years of performing ahead of her. I sincerely wish her all the best and hope that she learns to enjoy the art more.
