BHARATA-NRUTHYOTSAVAM
The Dhananjayans and Dr.MGR Janaki College of Science & Arts for women jointly presented BHARATA-NRUTHYOTSAVAM at Naatya Mandapa, Dr.MGR Janaki College campus, Adyar from 28 to 31-12-2012.Naatya festival
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-downtown/naatya-festival/article4278246.ece
The Naatya department of Dr. MGR Janaki College and Bharata Kalanjali jointly conducted a Naatya festival for four days from December 28 to 31. The festival was held at the college’s mini hall ‘Vaibhavam’, which lent a good atmosphere for the audience.
Sangeeta Balasingam, from the U.K., student of Pushkala Gopal, proved her merit on the first day with her charming performance.
On the second day, Sarveshan from South Africa, student of Darshana, excelled in technique as well as male-oriented Abhinaya, imbibed from his grand teacher Dhananjayan. Sarveshan was vibrant and masculine in total.
Dhriti Sooryakumar, from the U.S., student of Aparna Ramaswamy, captured the attention of the audience with her crisp rhythmic execution and devotional fervour on the third day.
The last day 31{+s}{+t}found yet another brilliant dancer from the USA trained under Padmarani Rasiah , Virginia . A flawless performance conducted by Shanta Dhananjayan was indeed a befitting finale.
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An intensive work shop for senior level Bharatanaatyam artists
both in practical and theory lessons covering fundamentals in series and items with deeper understanding was conducted at Bharatakalanjali from May 19th to 26th, 2012. General theory of Abhinayadarpana and Naatya Saastra with specific question on Rasa theory was covered in this intensive classes , everyday for four to 5 hours. Nearly 20 participants from, mostly Bharatakalanjali & Kalakshetra leaniage of students and performing artists took this course.Anusha Natarajan (a senior disciple and Bharatakalanjali faculty member) initiated this course to give these artistes a direct touch with the Masters and experience the teaching method of the 'Gurus' and imbibe, understand and experience the kind of inspirational training from real 'Gurus'.
While Shanta chiseled each & every body of the participants with her impeccable perfection in body line and rhythm, Dhananjayan explained the nuances of each and every word of the songs and deeper meaning to experience the " Satwika Bhava or abhinaya". Language, music and philosophy of Naatya was instilled in the participants to make them better professionals. The watch word "discipline -devotion -dedication" in any profession was the core purpose of this intensive Summer Gurukulam camp . The participants were thrilled to have the lessons directly and intimately from the Dhananjayans.
Thai Chi exercise taught by Mr. Ranga Rao, a specialist in physiology - physio therapist benefited the participants immensely. It was a new experience for the participants to go through "Thai chi" exercises along with Naatya classes to understand their body and physical & mental and psychic with, in- depth explanations on handling each one's body.
Photo credit: Ganesh Ramachandran | Purpleganesh Photography
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Chennai lacks infrastructure for arts, culture
- Narayana Vishwanath, express buzz, March 26, 2012I wish the philanthropic corporate houses, fund artists forum like ABHAI (Association of Bharatanatyam artists of India) can contribute for building auditorium of acceptable standards in the city and partake in the growth of traditional culture.
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In rhythm and synchrony
- Ranee Kumar, The Hindu, March 16, 2012Years have not made a mark on their glowing countenance radiating a charm and joy that comes with true love and togetherness. Shantha and V.P. Dhananjayan are both artistes; their Bharatanatyam is the foundation of their marital life which got merged with their artistic pursuit.
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It’s a man thing
by Mandira Nayar, The Week, May 14, 2013There are many reasons to read this book. That it is a book on Bharatanatyam is not one of them. Nor that it is about a famous dancer, V.P. Dhananjayan. It is worth picking because it talks about a person - a male dancer - whose story mostly remains untold.
“My guru created a space where none existed earlier,” says Tulsi Badrinath, talking about Dhananjayan. “There was no tradition of men in Bharatanatyam. He had to battle prejudice. The old-timers would say who wants to watch a sweaty man dance?''
Badrinath's book chronicles the life of Dhananjayan - one of the first men to make a successful career in Bharatanatyam. “The dance was performed by women in the temples,” says Badrinath. “Male children of the devadasis were instructors. Many of them became renowned musicians. There really was no history of performing as a man.”
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Tribute to Rukmini Devi
by Parva News Network, Mar 5, 2012A life… well lived, well remembered…
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