Anjali Institute of Bharata Natyam presented the debut Bharata Natyam performance of two talented dancers, Yashvi Jain and Mahek J Prajapati at the Mysore Association auditorium, Matunga on Sunday 17th July 2022. The performance was noteworthy for its precision, clarity of movements and subtle expressions that created a lasting impression on the audience.

In the metropolitan city of Mumbai, there are several dance academies that train young aspirants in Bharata Natyam style of dance, but very few dance teachers take care of the quality of dance, as it is all commercialised, similar to the production department of any company that produces products. But classical dance is a divine art form and hence one should learn and teach maintaining the purity and sanctity of the art form.

Anjali Institute is headed by accomplished Bharata Natyam exponent, teacher and choreographer, "Kalashree" Guru Lata Surendra, who is a painstaking teacher and will never compromise as far as the quality of the performance is concerned, hence it is always a pleasure to watch her students perform.

Yashvi and Mahek commenced the performance with the invocatory numbers and proceeded on to perform the Vasanta Jatiswaram that formed a fine synthesis between music, melody and rhythm. Adi Shankaracharya's "Pancha aksharam" incorporated the glory and power of Lord Shiva in the "pancha akshara"(five alphabets) - Na Ma Shi Va Ya. Unlike other mentors, Lata teaches the children, according to their age and ability to grasp and observe,hence the choreography and theme selected for the Varnam, suited the young teenaged children as they danced "Sukha Dayani '' in praise of the universal goddess.

A composition in Gujarati by Kirti Suresh "Tara Vina Shyam '' was performed by Mahek describing the devotion for Lord Krishna, followed by the 'Namokar Mantra" propagating the philosophy and teachings of Lord Mahavira towards righteousness. The talented duo concluded with the beautiful Swati Thirunal Dhanasri Thillana, executing rhythmic and intricate movements and footwork with flawless ease and precision, winning instant appreciation from the audience.

The duo received excellent musical support with Guru Lata Surendra for nattuvangam, Shivaprasad for vocal, Chandran for mridangam, and Satish Seshdiri for violin.

The guests of the evening included acclaimed Bharata natyam exponent and writer, Indumati Raman and Kathak exponent.choreographer and teacher Manisha Jeet. On the whole it was a grand show.

By Guru Vijay Shanker