The joy of dancing as a duo

There is Always a joy in dance as a duo, and this was evident in the Bharatanatyam Recital of Nandhini Jeeva and Rangasri Raghunathan. Disciples of Mythili Sridharan, they performed for Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sabha.

The recital began with pushpanjali, followed by Purandaradasar’s ‘Saranam Siddi Vinayaka’ in Nattai Raga and Misra Chadu Tala.

Nandhini Jeeva and Rangasri Raghunathan.
Photo Credit: Raghunathan sr

The second piece of the day, ‘Maathe’, a Daru Varnam, was a tribute to parvati. The dancers portrayed her beauty and talent through a nice blend of movement and abhinaya. The Performance Built Up to the Pivotal Moment of Parvati’s Encounter with Shiva, with Nandhini Portraying Parvati and Rangasri, Shiva. Upon Seeing Him, Parvati Sides Her Third Breast, Symbolising Her Transformation from Warrior to Consort. Nandhini and rangasri’s synchronisation was impressive. This piece was set in khamas, adi tala, and was a composition by harikesanallur muthiah bhagavatar.

The padam ‘Nambikettavar evarayya’ was performed by nandhini, capturing the essence of devotion and surrender to Shiva. The Dancer Moved With Fluidity, Her Transitions Seamless, as she depicted the journey of human life. Each Stage – Birth, Growth, Struggles, and the Final Quest for Peace and Liberation – was portrayed with class, allowing the audience to connect with the deeper meaning of the deepe. This Papanasam Sivan Composition was set to raga hindolam, in adi tala.

Rangasri performed ‘chinna chinna padam vaithu’ with grace, portraying yashoda’s love for Krishna. She also depicted bot krishna’s playful nature and his powerful kalinga narthanam. The dance highlighted the contrast between his child-like innocence and divine strength. The performance ended with a soft, flowing sequence as yashoda gently puts Krishna to sleep. This piece by Ambujam Krishna was in Kapi, Adi Tala.

The recital concluded with a Mohanakalyani Thillana, Celebrating Muruga’s Divine Energy.

The Orchestra for the Evening Included Samyuktha v on Vocals, Govindarajan s on the Mridangam, Madurai T. Kishore on the VIOLIN, and Mythili Sridharan on the Nattuangam.