Sivakami and Krishnakumar, students of Natyaachaarya Dhananjayans,
performed on 30th June, 2013 at Chapman Cultural Center in
Spartanburg, South Carolina. The performance was titled “Yugmanatyam”
and was done with a live orchestra.
The program began with Sthuthi
Pancharathnam by A Lakshman followed by Bho Shambho. Sivakami and
Krishnakumar performed Radhika Shurajit’s “Aarupadai Veedamarndha
Aarumuga” as a Nrithyopaharam. The second half began with Sivakami
performing a javali taught by Shanta Akka, “E Ra”. Krishnakumar
followed with one of Dhananjayan's signature pieces “Varugalaamo”. The
highlight of the evening was Radha Madhavam, a piece that has come to
epitomize the Dhananjayans.
Dhananjayan gave a short speech complimenting Radhika Shurajit for
preparing this couple for a good performance and also appealing
all
parents to encourage boys
also to learn Naatyam which will enhance their brain and discipline
their body and mind, leading to good healthy life physically, mentally
and spiritually. Unfortunately the parents deny the boys
opportunities to develop their artistic and cultural talents. He also
complimented the local musicians who have migrated from mother land
and continue their art with aplomb. Visiting dancer cum musician
Krithika Shurajit from Chennai and her father Shurajit a
resident in
the US accompanied the Krishnakumars on vocal and G.S.Rajan
from
Delhi (a visiting flutist) along with Papanasam K.Gokul on violin
and
Santosh Chandru on Mridangam (both employed in the US) gave
excellent
support which elevated the performance to a high
professional level.
Radhika Shurajit conducted the performance along with her Guru Shanta
Dhananjayan.
Santosh Chandru (mridangam) Radhika Shurajit (nattuvangam), Shanta Dhananjayan,
Krithika Shurajit (singing), Shurajit Gopal (singing) Papanasam K Gokul (violin) G.S.Rajan (flute)
The day before the program, a reception was held where students and
parents of Bharata Kalarpana, School of Indian Culture and Fine Arts
got to spend some time with the Dhananjayans. VPD spoke to the
students of the school and answered their questions describing how he
learned dance, what was their favorite part of dance and so
on. VPD also spent some time showing students different facial
expressions. All gathered especially enjoyed the distinction that he
showed between a lion and a tiger. The Dhanajayans graciously
signed a few
copies of “Master of the Arts” by Tulsi Badrinath.
They blessed the
children and their parents who were so thrilled to meet the
celebrities.
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