|
| |
Smt. Meenakshi Chitharanjan and Ms.
Ildikó Gulyás
An expose on Bharatanatyam
(South-Indian Classical Dance )
Dance Performance & Demonstration
April 10, 2013 at 7:00 PM
Washtenaw Community College
Towsley Auditorium Morris Lawrence Bldg.
The enchanting beauty of dance is best portrayed by one of the oldest
traditions, the Pandanallur Style of Bharatanatyam. The style is characterised
by purity of line and form, precision and subtlety of expression. Meenakshi
having undergone rigorous training under the famous Pandanallur Gurus,
Chockalingam Pillai and his son Subbaraya Pillai, has mastered this style and
performs with confidence, skill and sensitivity unfolding every nuance of this
rich heritage.
Her expression of the Pandanallur style is very much her own - bold yet
feminine, sharp yet fluid. Her total involvement enables her to penetrate the
surface sensibility of words and to rise above mere gesture and posture and thus
portray dance in its purity. She is one who while upholding the sanctity of the
Pandanallur style, brings a novel freshness which merges with the intrinsic
traditional content.
Ildikó Gulyás lived in India 4 years from 2002.
She learnt the south Indian arts of classical dance Bharatanatyam from Padma
Shri. Meenakshi Chittaranjan, percussion instrument mrudangam from Padma Bhusan.
Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman, Carnatic vocal from Gayathri Shankar.
Also She obtained her degree in South Indian Classical Music from the Music
Academy, Madras.
She also performed in the Natyanjali Dance Festival in Chidambaram which is
considered as the Citadel of Bharatanatyam.
Culture and Way of life
 | India is endowed with a largesse of dance. This embraces a whole range of
traditions and forms-classical, folk, tribal, ritual and contemporary. In
addition there is extensive celebrations of the dance in sculpture, painting,
iconography and literature. Though these offer a varied mosaic they enjoy
strong bonds of harmony and unit |
| It is believed that Indian classical music and dance were created for the
pastime of the Gods. It should enchant the eye, the ear, the mind and the
soul. So Indian classical dance is not merely a release of physical energy but
a very well crafted and cultivated art form. |
| My expertise is the classical dance tradition of south India called
Bharatanatyam. This style combines Rhythm, Melody and Emotion. Complex,
intricate and vigorous dance movements to music combining expressive dance
where myriad ideas and emotions are portrayed through the use of gesture
language and facial expressions are the hallmark of this art form. |
| The material from which the dance derives its substance is the rich Hindu
culture and way of life. Religion, Mythology, Legends, Epics and Traditions
form the story telling aspect of this dance form. It is complex yet
captivating It is earthy yet divine It is elevating yet entertaining. |
|
