THERE is no doubt that Saila-Sudha, the Academy of Excellence in Kuchipudi and Bharathanatyam, is amongst the top few classical schools, which has a bold and bright spirit. Be it their Sivathai Manantha Tamizh or their recent production Puranaanutru Thai or Pachaikili (written by our Chief Minister Dr M Karunanidhi) the marvelously cerebral approach in choreography and presentation by Professor Sailaja and her superbly trained students, who maintained the delicate balance of lyrical flow and quick rhythmic styles of direction and footwork was evident, when the crowded auditorium of Narada Gana Sabha reverberated with approbation.
In their presentation of Suryashtakam presented for the first time, the bava expression and the perfect footwork, in requesting the divine energy to extinguish the negatives, just as it expels darkness and disease, revealing that Sun God is indeed our first physical experience of the supreme creator. Their skill and soul both combined to create a memorable experience.
The groups well balanced presentation in terms of nritta and the abhinaya content in Saptha Thandavam an extract for Satyam Sivam Sundaram genuinely reflecting the different facets of the cosmic Lord.
In the well choreographed Tharangam of Narayana Theertha on Lord Krishna that followed, the dance on the brass plate, flowing in harmony with lilting music on jatis, were astounding.
Saila Sudha certainly scored in this programme, with its attention to details, with perfection, and their programme can be easily rated as one of the finest in the seasons. No wonder there was a deafening applause at the end of the programme. Professor Sailaja and her disciples certainly deserved it.
The orchestral support was dazzling, scintillating and the laya patterns from the Mridangist Haribabu, flying like sparks from a froze.
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