The intricacies of traditional dance may not be awe-inspiring to the untrained eye, but surely, the colours of the experience are palpable to all. A culmination of four of these traditional dance forms, Odissi, Kathak, Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi is set to bring in a taste of culture to the city this weekend through a three day dance festival called Nruthya Rangoli.
Born out of veteran Kuchipudi dancer Veena Murthy Vijay’s passion for reviving traditional dance forms, this festival plays with the themes of movement and colour. The first day will see a special Chitranatyam performance, she says, barely able to hide her excitement. “Chitranatyam focuses on drawing through dancing. The dancer draws the vaahana or the vehicle of a god using only their feet to move about the rangoli colours on the stage. We will be staging an all time favourite composition of mine, the love story of Lord Subramanya and Valli.”
Though Veena has been organising dance festivals for over 35 years, she has never been a part of the recital as the performer herself.
Though Veena has been organising dance festivals for over 35 years, she has never been a part of the recital as the performer herself. After repeated failed pregnancies took a toll on her health, she decided to start her own dance academy. “After the break I felt the need to reconnect with my art, even if I couldn't be a performer. I started my own institution and over the years an overwhelming majority of my students took up dance professionally and have created a niche for themselves and I have no regrets,” says the dancer proudly.
What: Nrutya Rangoli
When: 5th, 6th, 7th May at 6:15 pm
Where: Chowdiah Memorial hall
