Operatic
twist to devotion Vidya
Saranyan, The Hindu, Friday Review, Friday, Mar 05, 2010
The
splendid performance of V.P. Dhananjayan and his group brought alive the
story of Nandanar on stage, as part of Natyanjali fest.
Rasa
presented LIGHT ON THE PATH, an enthralling offering of classical music
and dance, featuring Dhananjayans (Dance), Anil Srinivasan (Piano), Sikhil
Gurucharan (Vocal).
At: Mutha
Venkata Subba Rao Concert Hall, Harrington Road, Chetput, 6pm
An evening
of visually sublime Music and Dance; an exotic blend of chaste tradition
and refreshing entertainment.
LIGHT ON THE
PATH an epoch making event was a tremendous success in terms
of a full house audience and the comments we received from a very discerning
connoisseur audience. The varied comments and exclaims:
" a divine
experience"
"got janma-saabhalyam"
(obtained life's salvation)
" brought
tears in my eyes watching a soulful performance"
"not experienced
such an event in my life"
are a few
spontaneous comments from an uncommon Rasikas- who were not the usual Mylapore/Adyar
crowd.
"felt strange
combination at the beginning, but as the performance progressed did
not feel the absence of Mridangam and other Pakkavadyams"
"should have
had Nattuvangam and Mridamgam the least .... could not relish Piano music
..... but a good change for the ears and eyes..."
"very slow
moving, may be intellectuals can enjoy , not commoners ...."
yet another
commoner comments
"....soooo
elevating and enlightening , I just forget myself for 2 hours.... "
These are a
few comments that poured in after the performance from a not so familiar
audience.
Art
should be an integral part of education: V.P. Dhananjayan
-
The Hindu, Saturday, Jan 23, 2010
http://www.hindu.com/2010/01/23/stories/2010012358180200.htm Vocalist
Sudha Raghunathan and S. Abhaya Kumar, Director, Shasun Chemicals and Drugs
Ltd were also present at the inauguration of Kala Utsav of SSS Shasun Jain
College for Women in Chennai on Friday.
On
24 October 2009 Natyanjali Australia presented Bhakti Maargam by the Dhananjayans
and the dancers from Bharata Kalanjali at the Seymour theatre, Sydney.
Apart
from the Dhananjayans, the presentation featured Seetha Sasidharan, Divya
Shiva Sundar, Lavanya Raghuraman & Gopukiran Sadasivan of Bharata Kalanjali,
accompanied by Sasidharan on Vocal, Ramesh Babu on the Mridangam and Kalaiarasan
on the Violin.
With
perfect finish By
Leela Venkataraman
Friday
Review Chennai and Tamil Nadu, The Hindu, Friday, Jan 16, 2009
A
response to the program of Bakthi Maargam at New Jersey on November 2,
2008 The
Dhananjayans gave a soul stirring "Bhaktimaaragam" performance for a full
complement of Rasikas at the Forum Theatre in Metuchen, New Jersey on 2nd
November 08 and brought tears to the eyes of the audience who gave a five
minutes standing ovation. The audience also pleaded with the Dhananjayans
to return, calling this the “last” in the FIRST farewell tour!
The Dhanajayans obliged by performing two more items requested by the connoisseurs
of CMANA members - The Pregnant Deer and Varugalamo Ayya.
Kumbaya
moments in a dance by the Dhananjayans By
Padmini Balagopal, Philedelphia USA
On
November 2nd, 2008, renowned Indian Bharatha Natyam dancers V.P.Dhananjayan
and his wife and colleague of over forty years, Shantha gave the audience
a terpsichorean treat at the Forum Theater in Metuchen. In this day and
age, when every new day witnesses the launchings of dancers and when there
seems to be no dearth of fresh talent, what is it about this sextagenarian
couple that ensures a full house of enthusiastic audiences? What is it
about their dance that brings a connoisseur crowd who never fail to come
and revel at the oft-repeated pieces? Dhananjayan himself prefaced an item
as a piece he had danced over a thousand times? What secret key do they
hold to the hearts of the lovers of fine arts?
Dhananjayan
and Shantha bring with them an indescribable depth in each of their pieces
that transports the viewer beyond visual delights to a spiritual tryst.
If you say that unlike other forms of dance, Bharatha Natyam like Indian
classical music (especially by the South Indian composers) was founded
on the bedrock of spirituality and religion, you will not get an argument.
But arguably, Dhananjayans reinforce one’s need to commune with the Spirit
and we become willing conduits for an emotional roller-coaster ride, becoming
thrilled when he portrays the magnificence of the Almighty or emoting with
him when he cries as Nandanar, having been refused permission to enter
the temple.
Of
course, the ‘piece de resistance’ was Dhananjayan’s portrayal of a pregnant
deer in the throes of labor pain on the one hand but facing a bloody end
for her and her unborn fawn from a hungry tiger on the one side and an
avid hunter on the other. He then carries the tense scene to a happy ending,
portraying viable possibilities.
CMANA
embellished their profile with the staging of these two dancers. Dhananjayan
announced his retirement and if this is going to be true, CMANA would have
had the honor of staging this memorable swan song but if audiences like
the current one, dissuade them from retiring, CMANA would then have to
go on record as having brought about a change of mind for our further enjoyment.
A
response to the final program of Bakthi Maargam in the Dhananjayans' fall
tour of North America Naatyaachaarya
V.P. & Shanta Dhananjayan along with senior disciple Padmarani Rasiah
gave a soul stirring "Bhakti Maaragam" performance for a full compliment
of Rasikas in the Bristol theatre of New Jersey on 2nd November 08 and
brought tears in the audience who gave a five minutes standing ovation,
exclaiming the Dhananjayans to return and calling this the last in the
FIRST farewell tour. The Dhananjayans obliged by performing two more
items requested by the connoisseurs of CMANA members. (The Pregnant deer
and Varugalamo ayya).
Response
from Mr.C. M. Venkatachalam to the BHAKTI-MAARGAM show at San Diego, CA I
really enjoyed guru Dhananjayans' dance presentation. The scene with Dasaratha
and Kaikeyi was emotionally so gripping, that I felt Dasaratha was okay
when Sri Dhanajayan stood and took a bow at the end! For me, he was Dasaratha!
Then I had difficult switching over to other stories. That scene still
haunts me. When I read Valimiki, and go into bala and ayodhya kandam, I
will undoubtedly think of Dhanajayans! Thank you for bringing the Dhananjayans.
Dhananjayan
Felicitated on his 70 th Birth day at Austin, TX By
Dr.A.Nagarajan President, India Fine arts, Austin Tx USA
At
a glittering function in Austin, Texas, the internationally renowned dancers
V.P & Shantha Dhananjayan were felicitated on Saturday, October
11th at the Fine Arts auditorium of the Travis High School, Austin.
This
is the 70th birthday year for V.P Dhananjayan and 60 years of dancing and
40th anniversary of their institution Bharathakalanjali in Chennai.
Dhananjayan
presented a traditional Bharatnatyam Maargam featuring the best of
their 50 years of choreographic excellence.. He was accompanied by Shantha
Dhananjayan and his senior disciple Padmarani Rasiah Cantu, the director
of Yogaville center for Bharathanatyam at Virginia. The program lasted
for 150 minutes in stead of the advertised 90 minutes because of the enthusiastic
response of the audience. They did seven pieces from their repertoire of
choreography but the master pieces was Varugalaamo Ayya when he
described how a low born Nandanar craves for worshipping Lord Nataraja
, but he is not allowed into the temple precincts for him to get close
vision of the Lord. He brought the audience to tears with his unique bhavam
and facial expressions. Dasavatharam in Raagamilka and the Ennathavam
Saidanai were also executed magnificently.
At
the end of the performance Dr.A.Nagarajan, president of India Fine Arts
which has been sponsoring and promoting performing artists from India in
the Central Texas area conferred the title of "Nrithya Samrat"
on V.P.Dhananjayan and "Nrithya Sagarm" on Shantha Dhananjayan.
It was indeed a memorable evening for the Central Texans.
Naadhabrahmam
Musical Magazine and the Sabha of the same name organized a grand function
to honour The Dhananjayans with a title of "NATANA-PRAKAASAM" (Luminary
among dancers) and Gold insignia (Gold medal) on 30th August 08 at Madras
Music Academy hall.
Academy
President & The Hindu Publications' Managing Director Sri N.Murali
presided and presented the award. In his Presidential address he said that
the Dhananjayans are a role model not only as a Bharatanaatyam couple,
but also a role model to lead a good happy life. Smt.Vyjanthimala Bali
complimented them for their aesthetic and traditional approach and creative
ability without deviating from the tradition.
R.
Krishnaswamy, President of City Sabhas commented that Dhananjayan's
free and frank opinions did not even spare his Sabha with which the couple
has been associated for nearly 40 years. He said the couple's artistry
and life is an inspiration to the younger generation.
Additional
solicitor General of India, Sri. Mohan Parasaran expressed his surprise
that this pride of the nation couple have not been recognized with a "Padma
Award" yet.
Click
on images for enlarged version
The
Dhananjayan's senior most disciple Radhika Shurajit presented a short film
on her Gurus titled "Kalaa-Saadhana" produced by Utsav Music, which was
appreciated by one and all. (Copy of this DVD will be available for home
viewing)
Nrutya
Tarangini (choreographed by the Dhananjayans in 1986) based on the Kadanakutoohalam
Tillana music of Dr. Balamuralikrishna - lyrics composed specially for
the couple was the finale of this mega event organized by NAADHABHRAHMAM
(musical magazine). Performed by senior disciples of the Dhananjayans.
Dhananjayan
in his acceptance address appealed to all connoisseurs of classical music
and Naatya to become subscribers of this educative, elevating and entertaining
Magazine, a valuable addition to their library for posterity. Mr. R. krishnaswamy
also praised the contents and quality of worthwhile articles on Music and
Carnatic compositions by very eminent writers and scholars.
Photos
The
Dhananjayans delved into their vast experience and sense of aesthetics
to present an enthralling Bharatnatyam performance
Steps
of expressions By
JNP
The
Hindu, Friday Review, Thiruvananthapuram, Friday, Jun 06, 2008
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/06/06/stories/2008060650330300.htm
Bhaaskara
camp Naatya
Adhyayana Camp 2008
April
19th to May 3rd 08. Payyanur Kerala.
A
report:
Once
again Bharatakalanjali and Bhaaskara Trust jointly conducted the summer
Gurukulam Naatya Adhyayana camp in Kaithapram Payyanur, Kerala from April
19th to May 4th. There were more than 100 applications and more and
more enquiries coming in. But due to lack of proper accommodation they
could accommodate only 85 inmates, which include 65 students and the rest
staff and helpers:
Read
on.... Photos
Besant
nagar Vinayakar Satsang conducted their 5th Naatyotsvam featuring alumni
of Bhartakalanjali and Kalakshetra from February 28 - March 9, 2008.
A
review of those performances can be viewed in the web www.narthaki.com
(online magazine).
A
lecture demonstration was held on 24th Feb organised by Divyanjali &
Gana Mukundapria.
A
glimpse into history… Report
by Prathibha Raman, a trainee in journalism and Bharatanaatyam student
Phone:
28474125 Ml: 9841591435 email:pratibaraman@gmail.com
The
Dhananjayans' Bharatakalanjali presented a special morning program of classical
and folk items, by talented young performers participating in the CREATIVE
CONNECTIONS' 2007 International Young performers Tour of the
Tri-States of the United States of America. (Art in Education - children's
cultural delegation)
Guest
of Honour: Mr. David T Hopper (US Consul General in Chennai)
Special
Guest: Mrs.Susan Hopper
At:
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mylapore, from 10.30am to 12 noon
e-mail:
bkalanjali@gmail.com
Reviews
The
19th Naatya Adhyayana Gurukulam summar camp at Yogaville Virginia, USA A unique trend
setting event in the US, attracting students from different parts
of globe under the inspiring teachings of the Dhananjayans of Bharatakalanjali,
Chennai concluded on 5th August 2007. Padmarani Canto very ably assisted
in conducting this real Gurukulam, a "home away from home".
The junior
camp commenced on 30th June and culminated on 21st July. There were 34
participants (maximum capacity) of which fifteen participants were new
comers. Others have been attending the camp between 3 to 5 years continuously.
The second
camp is usually open to senior performing artistes and teachers. Out of
the 13 participants, 6 were full time Bharatanaatyam teachers. The
second camp also culminated with a gala performance which attracted a large
crowd from the Yogaville community and nearby towns. The participants'
parents and friends also attended this event which lent a festive
atmosphere in Satchidananda Ashram, otherwise very calm and quite with
serene Yogic activities and retreats.
The Yogaville
village always enthusiastically looks forward to this annual Naatya Gurukulam
event. Next year (2008) is the twentieth (20th) year of this unique Gurukulam,
completing 30 summer camps.
A great get
together of Yogaville Fine Arts Society's alumni is being planned as part
of the 20th year celebration. The first camp will commence on 28th June
08 and second two weeks camp from 20th July 08.
For details
contact Smt. Rukmini Rasiah ( President FAS) @ 434 969 3210 (telefax)
or email: FAS@yogaville.org
On
June 10, 2007 master teachers - Dhananjayan and Shanta Dhananjayan were
in Seattle. They visited the students of Bharatanatyam in 'From Within'
school and shared their thoughts and experiences on a number of topics
of interest to the assembled students and their parents.
On
receiving related questions from the audience they recounted their student
life in Kalakshetra and Shanta teacher's work in Malaysia, talked about
the process of training and performances, challenges of doing their Jungle
Book production, taught students the importance of self discipline and
openness to corrections. They also consulted on specific exercises
for dance posture remedies, watched the students dance for a little bit
and ended the workshop with a bhajan presentation on Lord Rama.
Click
on images for enlarged version
The audience
had already been preparing to welcome the gurus and most of them knew of
their accomplishments. But with the presentation, they knew at once
that the conviction with which the gurus had spoken for 90 minutes, was
a direct result of their life long experience in dance. The audience was
moved by the dance of guru Dhananjayan and Shanta teacher's singing.
In all, it was a great inspiration to see and hear the master teachers.
-
Report by Subhashini Vijay Santhanam
Click
here for more photos
The
Living Art of Bharata: A talk by the Dhananjayans at Arpan By Rajeswari
Harikrishnan
featured in
Ragavani, Ragamala's Journal of Indian Music and Dance
BHARATANAATYAM
SUMMER CAMP AT BHAASKARA PAYYANUR, Kerala April
22 - May 6 2007 Bharatakalanjali
jointly with Bhaaskara Art & Education Trust had conducted a Bharatanaatyam
training camp at Bhaaskara campus in Payyanur Kerala. After 3 years, The
Dhananjayans have revived the summer camp with great success. Nearly 45
students attended this two weeks camp. This residential program at the
heavenly hill of Trikutteri is an experienced to be cherished. Yielding
to the request of the enthusiastic crowd present at the final day performance,
Dhananjayan announced to consider their request to continue to hold periodical
camps hereafter.
Dhananjayan
felicitated the Natyaanjali festival committee and gave an inspiring speech
on the meaning, significance and purpose of this festival. He said, "while
the political parties try to fragment our Nation with unwanted issues like
water, language etc, the performing artistes unite the hearts of the people
and bring true national integration through art. Natyanjali festival is
the finest example of congregation of people from Kannyakumari to Kashmeer."
Book
Title: BEYOND PERFORMING: ART & CULTURE (Politico-Social Aspects) Author: V
P Dhananjayan, Bharatanaatyam exponent and Guru, founder president, Bharatakalanjali,
Adyar, Chennai.
'Beyond performing:
art & culture' contains various articles not only on art & culture
matters, but also political and social aspects. An interesting attraction
in the book is the cartoons on arts and social issues by late Sarathy.
Dhananjayan's concern for the welfare of society and peaceful co-existence
- both artistically and politically are very much evident and his forthright
suggestions to Government and public agencies are thought provoking points.
The
Dhananjayans performed in the special Veterans' festival series of the
Madas Music Academy on 7th (Sunday) January 2007 at 10 am. They presented
"Paddavali" based on Jayadeva's Gitagovindam.
The Dhananjayans
were honoured by the International Dance Alliance (IDA) on the occasion
of their 20th anniversary celebrations. The US Council General Mr. David
Hopper presented the award, while Mr. N.Ram Chief Editor, The Hindu presided.
On 15th August, the Dhananjayans performed segments from their Dance drama
Sanghamitra.
Article –Interview
featured in The Michigan State Newspaper, The Daily Oakland Press Couple promote classical dance Web-posted Jul 5, 2004
By NATALIE LOMBARDO
Of The Daily Oakland Press
www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/070504/loc_70558.shtml
At
a glittering function in Austin, Texas, the internationally renowned dancers
V.P & Shantha Dhananjayan were felicitated on Saturday, October
11th at the Fine Arts auditorium of the Travis High School, Austin.
