ST LOUIS: Dances of India, a St Louis based Indian classical dance company, presented a spectacle of color, rhythm, and creativity for their 36th Anniversary Performance in St. Louis MO on the weekend of November 16-17.
his institution of Indian classical dance – known for pushing boundaries in their choreography without ever compromising on the intrinsic elegance and dignity of Bharata Natyam – embraced both the old and the new in their performance.
Secrets of the Indian Storybook presented four little-known vignettes from the Ramayana & Mahabharat, connecting them in a philosophical, yet light-hearted sequence. The dance-drama posed the question: What is the secret of immortality? Answer: The stories that live forever. The creativity of execution, the whimsical choreography, and perfectly coordinated, colorful costumes, all came together for a splendid vehicle through which the company could showcase the talent of its dancers.
Another short dance drama, simply entitled Radha, pushed boundaries further by exploring the quintessential Hindu myth of Radha’s search for Krishna through the lens of a modern Indian woman in a city and a traditional Indian woman in a village.
This piece was performed by Theckla Mehta, who choreographed Secrets of the Indian Storybook, and Nartana Premachandra, who wrote and narrated both dance-dramas over music. Radha, while certainly having a very modern feel, paid homage to the beautiful, mystical depth of this most iconic of Hindu myths.
The Artistic Director of Dances of India, Asha Prem, choreographed many rhythmic group and solo traditional dances with her signature touch – intriguing, dynamic, use of space. Dancers were very coordinated, and moved on-and-off stage in a precise, crisp, effervescent, cadence.
Guest artists Sanjay Shantaram of Bangalore, India – a master of his craft – performed three Bharata Natyam pieces while Patrick Suzeau, a contemporary dancer from the University of Lawrence-Kansas, performed a breathtaking piece of classical Odissi. He maintained control of every single muscle throughout his piece, a true embodiment of masculine grace.
Additional guest performers included Shruti Upadhyay of St. Louis, who presented a heartfelt, devotional dance about the baby Krishna in the Kalakshetra style of Bharata Natyam, and Priya Suri, a Washington University student who presented an unusual piece about Nataraja dancing on his left foot instead of his right to please a devotee.
All in all, Dances of India succeeded in presenting its 36th Anniversary Performance with panache and professionalism.
Ashwin Patel
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