Elements of Indian heritage
17 Sep 2012 10:56 PM GMT
Sunday saw a young talent take stage in the city. Priyanka Ravishankar, a student of Sri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University, showed off some graceful moves.
Ravishankar, a disciple of guru Vasanthi Sridhar performed a traditional Bharatnatyam recital at the Sri Sathya Sai International Centre.
‘Through this journey of dance, I have dicovered countless emotions and am able to compose myself,’ said Ravishankar.
Her performance had elements such as Pushpanjali [the first piece of any Bharatnatyam performance where the dancer invokes the blessings of Lord Ganesha by offering him flowers], Akshara, Alarippu [a combination of attamis and jathis]. Jatiswaram, Varnam, Meera Bhajan, Javaliand and Thillana [which is the final item of ‘Bharatanatyam Margam’ where the raga is reflected through complex and vibrant footwork and captivating poses of the dancer].
‘The dance and the dancer are not separate. And when the two unite at divine level then you end up realising that dance itself inspires your soul,’ said Ravishankar.
The Economics student has been practising the classical dance form since she was six. Besides it being her passion, Ravishankar also wants to work towards safeguarding the rich heritage of the nation.
‘While adapting oneself to the modern world and changing culture, one must not get alienated from the Indian-ness,’ said the 19-year-old.
Does dance affect studies? Not at all, says the young dancer. ‘In fact, it has given me a positive attitude,’ explained Ravishankar.
She dedicated her performance to her Guru, parents and friends.
Ravishankar, a disciple of guru Vasanthi Sridhar performed a traditional Bharatnatyam recital at the Sri Sathya Sai International Centre.
‘Through this journey of dance, I have dicovered countless emotions and am able to compose myself,’ said Ravishankar.
Her performance had elements such as Pushpanjali [the first piece of any Bharatnatyam performance where the dancer invokes the blessings of Lord Ganesha by offering him flowers], Akshara, Alarippu [a combination of attamis and jathis]. Jatiswaram, Varnam, Meera Bhajan, Javaliand and Thillana [which is the final item of ‘Bharatanatyam Margam’ where the raga is reflected through complex and vibrant footwork and captivating poses of the dancer].
‘The dance and the dancer are not separate. And when the two unite at divine level then you end up realising that dance itself inspires your soul,’ said Ravishankar.
The Economics student has been practising the classical dance form since she was six. Besides it being her passion, Ravishankar also wants to work towards safeguarding the rich heritage of the nation.
‘While adapting oneself to the modern world and changing culture, one must not get alienated from the Indian-ness,’ said the 19-year-old.
Does dance affect studies? Not at all, says the young dancer. ‘In fact, it has given me a positive attitude,’ explained Ravishankar.
She dedicated her performance to her Guru, parents and friends.
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