Pranav Institute of Kuchipudi dance, being run by noted Kuchipudi exponent and guru G. Padmaja Reddy, celebrated its seventh anniversary at Ravindra Bharathi last week, featuring 120 students in different categories of dance. Though it was named ‘Soundarya Lahari’ the repertoire contained compositions of vaggeyakaras including Annamacharya besides that of Adi Sankara.
The programme was opened with ‘Ganesha Pancharatnam’ a set of five slokas, followed by a number Mushika Vahana, text written in praise of Ganesha. Bhaja Govindam lyric projected Bhakti element to matching dances presented by groups of young students.
Sridevi Suprabhatam Tava Roopamiti Viswaroopam described graceful deity Kanaka Durga, in a temple on the hills of Vijayawada. The composition urges Devi to wake up to save her devotees. Another number Lakshmi Raave Maa Intiki appeals to Lakshmi, born out of ‘Ksheera samudram’, ocean of milk, to bless people with prosperity.
This was set in Mayamalavagowla. Himagiri Tanaye in Sudha Dhanyasi of Harikesanallur Muthaih Bhagavatar came for delineation of its theme by students in dance format.
Alarulu Kuriyaga of Annamacharya set in Sankarabharanam describing beauty of Alamelu Manga was transferred into dance presented by another set of students. Kanjadalayatakshi in Kamalamanohari of Dikshitar written on Kanchi Kamakshi described the episode relating to Siva’s penance and how Manmadha disturbs it, earning ire of the lord who turns him into ashes; but brings him back to life responding to the pleadings of Manmadha’s wife Rati Devi.
This was one sequence that the children presented well sharing characters.
There were ‘Saraswathi Sthuti’, trinity of Gods praying to her and Alamelu Manga Hari Antaranga of Annamacharya kirtana in Mohana to which the students gave impressive portrayals, coupled with dances. Chakkani Talliki Changu Bhala also of Annamayya, set in Hindustani Padi described beauty of Alamelu Manga, consort of Lord Venkateswara.
It was presented in dance with folk touch matching the song’s folk idiom. Kulukaka Nadavaro Kommalara in Athana another composition of Annamacharya, depicted how Annamayya imagining himself as one of the maids and setting the rest in order in moving to the Lord. Gowri Kalyana Vaibhogame in Sankarabharanam described the marriage sequence of Gowri with Siva, with many students taking part.
Maheswari describes how the goddess killed demon Mahisha.
This was followed by three stotras on ‘Ashtalakshmi’, ‘Rajarajeswari’ and ‘Mahishasura Mardani’ in the concluding part.
Among the numbers ‘Ayigiri Nandini’ and ‘Alarulu Kuriyaga’ received utmost audience appreciation. Rohita, Harshini, Bhavana, Yoga Bhavagjna, Sri Bala, Lavanya, Himaja, Shalini and Vanshika were among the notable participating dancers. The dances were presented to pre-recorded music.
