Program
Ganesha Stuti
The dancer requests Ganesha to remove the obstacles in her path and bless the performance.
Ragam: Arabhi
Talam: Adi
Choreography: KP Yesodha
Alarippu
The ancient sanctification of the dance space takes on new forms on the contemporary stage. The dancer offers herself to the deity, bowing to the directions, and welcoming the audience.
Talam: Chaturasram
Choreography: Traditional
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Jatiswaram
Pure abstract movements - jati - combined with musical notes - swaram - in this lively interplay of very rhythmic passages on an underlying musical base of eight beats.
Ragam: Saramati
Music: Ranganayaki Jayaraman
Choreography: The Dhananjayans
Talam: Adi
Varnam
Nrityopaharam (Pada Varnam) "Gokula Bala" - Stories from Sri Krishna's life are told through body language, facial expressions and hand gestures, each story framed with complex decorative passages of abstract dance. He was raised by gopis (milkmaids), who laughed at his mischief while falling in love with him. He bestows blessings on his old schoolmate Kuchela, slays the demoness Putana sent to poison him, rescues the people of Govardhana by lifting the mountain, giving shelter. He defeated the serpent Kaliya. Because of his beautiful blue skin, thirsty deer mistake him for a pool of cool water and milkmaids mistake him for a flower. He saves Draupadi from assault and protects the elephant Gajendra when he cries for help. He reveals his divine form to Arjuna, relating the Bhagavad Gita to the world.
Ragam: Kalyani
Music: Rajee Narayan
Choreography: The Dhananjayans
Talam: Adi
Intermission
Kirtanam - "Kaalamari Aadiya Kanaka Sabhesha"
The poet has fallen in love with the Lord of Dance and asks him if he is not tired of always standing with his left leg raised, would he not like to change to the other for a rest? In Madurai, under the Pandyan king, Lord Shiva has his opportunity to switch feet. The Lord who holds the axe and deer, who is honored by both the divine of heaven and the wise of earth! His devotee Nandi, the bull on which he rides, keeps the beat of the dance that causes the continuous cycle of creation, destruction and recreation.
Ragam: Kuntalavarali
Music: Aandvan Picchai
Choreography: The Dhananjayans
Talam: Adi
Devi Stuti - "Sri Chakra Raja"
"O, Goddess, manifestation of the Vedas, generator of all life, I dance and sing praise to you, bless me. You led me to the highest thoughts, to the company of the wise, overcoming my fears. I have become pure through suffering, finding my life's purpose. I surrender to you."
Ragamalika
Music: Agastiyar
Choreography: KP Yesodha
Talam: Adi
Bharatiyar Song - "Chinnanchiru Kiliye"
The poet Subramaniya Bharati was part of the Indian Freedom Movement of the early 20th century. Much of his work is secular; love for country, nature, human relationships figure in his works.
"Dear little parrot, you embody my joy. Like fruit dipped in nectar, dance toward me. My soul embraces you! I become as if drunk when I kiss your cheeks, proud when others praise you. To hug you is to know bliss!"
Ragamalika
Music: Subramaniya Bharati
Choreography: KP Yesodha
Talam: Adi
Tillana
A traditional conclusion to a Bharatanatya recital splashes complex rhythmic patterns against a musical background, ending with a short prayer. "Sri Krishna plays among the milkmaids on the banks of the Jamuna, and in the gardens of Brindavan. O, Krishna, protect me!"
Ragam: Brindavana Saranga
Music: Madurai N. Krishnan
Choreography: KP Yesodha
Talam: Adi
