THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An event featuring a performance by a classical dancer and a discussion by students about a figure whom they find deeply inspiring in dance, ‘Sargasangamam’ held at the Punarjani School of Dance in Panampilly Nagar, is a step forward towards fostering greater critical appreciation towards the art.
That connoisseurship of art should be given such importance is hardly surprising, since Narayani Anoop, who runs the school, is the daughter of Mullassery Rajagopal, a renowned connoisseur of several art forms, on whom the famous character of Mangalassery Neelakantan in the film ‘Devasuram’ was based.
“While there are serious discussions with regard to any art form are very often limited to an elite circle of academics, researchers etc. The general public sees art only as a means to win prizes at competitions, after which whatever talent a person has is shelved,” says Narayani, whose daughter Niranjana is also pursuing dance with enthusiasm.
‘Sagarasangamam’ which will be held once every month, will feature an hour-long performance by a dancer, after which students at her school will hold a presentation on a figure from the world of dance whom they find inspiring. “The idea is to inculcate more critical thinking and connoisseurship towards dance among students,” she says, adding that the events would not be competitive in any way.