As part of the Natya Kalavardhini series, Fine Arts Society ,Chembur, Mumbai, presented the scintillating Bharata natyam recital by Divya Balachandran at RCF Hall on Friday 12th May.

The performance was noteworthy for its technical excellence, clarity of movements and command over expressional dancing that kept the audience spellbound. Divya Balalchandran is the disciple of Guru Revathi Srinivasraghavan for more than two decades. After the invocations, Divya performed the traditional Talamalika Alarippu which consisted of 5 different beat cycles of 5,7,9,11,13 aksharas which was performed with effortless ease and precision making a fine start to the grand recital. Charming Divya performed the most elaborate number of the Bharata Natyam repertoire, Varnam " Sarasijakshudu" in Raagam Kalyani, Rupaka Taalam, composed by Sivanandam of the Tanjore Quartet.

It was amazing as to how the dancer could relate to the Lord with natural "mukhuja abhinaya" establishing the intensity of the relationship between the heroine and the Lord.

A special mention of the singer Rohit Bhat of Bangalore who arrived in the city for this concert, taking the performance to a mystical level with his intense and commedable voice.

Divya takes you to another journey of "vatsalya bhav" establishing the pure unconditional love of the mother for her child in Bharatiyar composition "Chinnanchiru kiliye" in Ragamalika and Tisra Nadai Adi Talam. The poet refers to the metaphor of the bird and every aspect of nature that is so pure and beautiful, referring to the harmonious bonding of the child and the mother. It was a pleasure to watch Divya in such innate and subtle expressions. In the Padam "Unnai Thoodu Annupinen" the heroine questions her Sakhi regarding her Lord, in Saveri Ragam and Adi talam, a composition of Ghanam Krishna Iyer.

The grand finale number Thillana in Dwijavanti Ragam, Adi Talam, composed by Mridangam Vidwan. Satish Krishnamurthy, was noteworthy for its rhythmic excellence, stylized movements and intricate footwork.

All the choreographies were set by Guru Smt. Revathi Srinivasraghavan and the rhythmic inputs were added by Satish Krishnamurthy.On the Vadya Vrindam were vocal by. Rohith Bhat Uppoor nattuvangam - by Guru. Revathi Srinivasraghavan, mridangam by Satish Krishnamurthy and  Violin by. B. Anantharaman. On the whole it was a scintillating recital. If Divya continues to dance with the same amount of passion and zeal, she will soon be among the main rank of dancers.

By Guru Vijay Shankar